Sanjay Anand

Pioneer of leading Indian restaurant and caterer Madhu’s, Sanjay Anand MBE is celebrated for his contribution to the Asian hospitality industry.

Starting with a 36-seat restaurant when he was just 17, Sanjay now directs the UK’s top Asian outside caterer with 300 deluxe weddings annually, as well as many of the country’s most prestigious events.

He attributes his success to determination, sheer hard work and innovation. The head of Madhu’s recognises the same qualities in The British Asian Trust.

“I know that The British Asian Trust is working hard,” he says. “Any contribution you make is a feel good factor. I feel I am giving something back to the society that has made me so successful,” he said.

After getting to know the work of the Trust and meeting what he calls ‘a small, but very dedicated team,’ Sanjay wanted to get involved. “I felt I had to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with people you trust and know that anything you do for them is not going to go to waste.”

With his renowned entrepreneurial spirit, Sanjay is particularly interested in the Trust’s programmes providing training and skills that lead to livelihoods for disadvantaged people surviving in South Asia’s urban slums and remote rural areas.

Sanjay and his family arrived in the UK from Kenya in 1974 with just enough money to buy a house. In 1980, he opened Madhu’s Brilliant restaurant with help from his parents and brother Sanjeev. Today Madhu’s attracts gourmet diners and celebrities from across London.

High profile guests who have enjoyed Madhu’s cuisine include Trust President HRH The Prince of Wales, cricketer Ian Botham and pop star Tina Turner. Madhu’s is the first and only Asian caterer accredited by the top West End venues including London’s Hilton on Park Lane, Lancaster London, Carlton Tower and Grosvenor House Hotel. Madhu’s cuisine is available in the food halls at Harrods. Sanjay Anand was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his services to the hospitality industry.