It all began with just 28 seats.
Back in 1995, a young, wildly ambitious entrepreneur named Shabir Hussain took a chance on himself and opened the very first Akbar’s on Bradford’s Leeds Road. From those incredibly humble beginnings, a British culinary empire was born—one that would forever change how the nation experienced South Asian cuisine.
Though Shabir sadly passed away in October 2024 at the age of 56, his vibrant spirit and massive personality remain woven into the very fabric of Leeds Road. As the beloved Leeds Road Festival returns this August, the spotlight once again falls on the man affectionately crowned the “King of Curry,” and the daughters who are fiercely protecting his legacy.
Redefining the South Asian Dining Experience
Shabir was a visionary who refused to compromise. He fundamentally believed that authentic Pakistani cuisine didn’t need to be watered down to appeal to the masses. Instead, he knew that the standards surrounding the food needed to be elevated.
To turn Akbar’s into a nationwide sensation, he built his business on four non-negotiable pillars:
- Unwavering Consistency: The food had to taste spectacular, every single time.
- Impeccable Service: Diners were treated as honored guests, not just paying customers.
- Premium Presentation: He proved that authentic curry deserved high-end plating.
- Electric Atmosphere: A meal out wasn’t just a dinner; it was a memorable event.
He took the rich, unadulterated flavors of Bradford and proudly showcased them to the rest of the country, proving that a local Leeds Road business could become a national powerhouse.
The Genius of the Naan Tree
You can’t tell the story of Akbar’s without mentioning Shabir’s most famous innovation.
“Practical, theatrical, and entirely unforgettable—the naan tree changed British dining.”
Faced with the logistical nightmare of massive family-sized naans taking up too much precious table space, Shabir invented a metal stand to hang the bread vertically. This simple, space-saving masterstroke became an instant cultural icon in British curry houses.
It provided a sense of theater and generosity to the dining experience. Though it was widely copied across the industry—with Shabir often joking that his biggest business regret was never patenting it—it remains a testament to his sheer creativity.
A Crown Passed to the Next Generation
Today, the Akbar’s empire is being steered into the future by Shabir’s daughters. They have taken on the monumental task of preserving their father’s heritage while driving the business forward.
Samiara Hussain continues to champion her father’s lifelong mission to raise the bar for South Asian cuisine, while Samira Hussain proudly represents the family’s triumphs on the public stage. This was powerfully evident at the Business Power Awards 2025, where Samira accepted a posthumous Special Recognition Award on her father’s behalf, celebrating his monumental contributions to hospitality.
Seeing his daughters at the helm is a powerful reminder that Akbar’s was never just about food. Shabir built a standard of excellence, showing an entire generation of British Pakistanis that you can conquer the national market without ever forgetting where you came from.
Celebrating the King on August 15th
Leeds Road was never just an address to Shabir; it was his home, his canvas, and his community. Last year, that community honored him by unveiling a landmark billboard at the Leeds Road Festival, recognizing a man who shattered ceilings and changed perceptions of Bradford.
On August 15th, when the festival brings the street to life once again, his presence will be undeniable. The festival is a celebration of everything Shabir stood for: immigrant hustle, independent risk-taking, and generational opportunity.
More than three decades after those first 28 seats were filled, Akbar’s still stands proud on Leeds Road. The naan trees are still towering over tables, the curries are still sizzling, and his daughters are confidently leading the way. The King of Curry may have passed, but on the streets of Bradford, his reign is far from over.
