Well known Indian chef Vivek Singh, CEO of London's popular restaurant empire of Cinnamon Club, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick in recognition of his efforts in developing Indian cuisine in the UK. Mr Singh, 44, was honoured at the University's winter convocation on 21 January by Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift.
Speaking about it Professor Thrift said: “We are delighted to present Vivek with a Warwick honorary degree for his significant contribution to the development of Indian cuisine in the UK. As a university, Warwick shares Vivek’s passion for food which can be most clearly seen in our Global Research Priorities Programme for Food, which brings together researchers from all disciplines to explore issues of food production and supply, environmental and social sustainability, social justice, nutrition and public health.”
The University also praised Mr Singh's charitable initiatives, in particular his work with the children's charity Wooden Spoon, Action Against Hunger and the government-backed Asian Restaurant Skills Board.
West Bengal (India) born Mr Singh entered Britain's culinary world in early 2001 after teaming up up with restaurant promoter Iqbal Wahhab to establish The Cinnamon Club in Central London.
Mr Singh has since taken over the Cinnamon Club and expanded the business to include several new innovative outlets, including Cinnamon Kitchen and Anise, Cinnamon Soho and Joho Soho.
Speaking about relationship with the University, Mr Singh said, "The University of Warwick and I share many of the same aspirations and goals, as well as a love for the food industry, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship with Professor Thrift and his talented team.”
