A Visionary Restaurateur, Cultural Pioneer And Champion Of Social Change
Iqbal Wahhab OBE stands as one of the most influential and quietly transformative figures in modern British hospitality. More than a restaurateur, he is a cultural bridge-builder, entrepreneur, public servant and social advocate whose work has reshaped how Britain understands food, identity and opportunity. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Wahhab has played a central role in elevating both Indian and British cuisine, while simultaneously using business as a platform for social mobility, rehabilitation and inclusion.
From launching iconic restaurants such as The Cinnamon Club and Roast to advising government departments and mentoring future leaders, Wahhab’s influence extends far beyond the dining table. His story is one of ambition tempered by responsibility, success guided by purpose, and leadership rooted in lived experience.
This is the story of Iqbal Wahhab OBE — a man who changed the conversation around food, culture and belonging in Britain.
Early Life And Formative Influences
Iqbal Wahhab was born on 22 August 1963 in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and arrived in the United Kingdom as an infant at just eight months old. Growing up in London as part of a migrant family, he experienced first-hand the complexities of identity, aspiration and belonging that would later inform both his business philosophy and his commitment to social inclusion.
Like many children of immigrant families, Wahhab navigated multiple worlds: the traditions and values of home life alongside the realities of British society. These early experiences instilled in him a deep awareness of opportunity and disadvantage, as well as a determination to succeed on his own terms.
He went on to study Business Administration at the London School of Economics, one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions. The LSE provided Wahhab with not only technical business knowledge but also exposure to global thinking, economic policy and leadership theory. It was here that he developed a broader understanding of how markets, institutions and culture intersect — a perspective that would later shape his unique approach to hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Journalism, Media And The Power Of Storytelling
Before entering the restaurant world, Wahhab began his professional career in journalism, working in the national British press for several years. This early period proved invaluable. Journalism taught him how narratives are shaped, how public opinion is influenced and how industries communicate with the wider world.
In the early 1990s, recognising a gap in specialist representation within the hospitality sector, Wahhab founded his own public relations company, focusing on food, drink and restaurants. This move marked his first major entrepreneurial leap and placed him at the heart of Britain’s evolving dining scene.
In 1994, he took a bold step further by launching Tandoori Magazine, a pioneering publication dedicated to South Asian food and the UK’s Indian restaurant industry. At the time, Indian cuisine was immensely popular but often poorly understood, undervalued and stereotyped. Tandoori Magazine challenged those assumptions, offering thoughtful coverage, industry insight and cultural context.
The magazine quickly gained respect among restaurateurs, chefs and critics, positioning Wahhab as a leading voice in hospitality discourse. More importantly, it helped shift perceptions of Indian food from cheap convenience to culinary art — a reframing that would later underpin his restaurant ventures.
Redefining Indian Fine Dining With The Cinnamon Club
In 2001, Wahhab sold his interest in Tandoori Magazine to focus fully on restaurant ownership. His first major venture, The Cinnamon Club, would become one of the most influential Indian restaurants in British history.
Located in a former Westminster library, The Cinnamon Club was conceived as something radically different from the standard curry house model. Wahhab envisioned a restaurant that combined Indian flavours with fine-dining sophistication, seasonal British produce and elegant presentation — all within a grand, historic setting.
The early years were challenging. The concept was ambitious, and the market had not yet fully embraced Indian fine dining. However, Wahhab’s persistence paid off. Over time, The Cinnamon Club became synonymous with innovation, excellence and refinement, attracting politicians, critics and discerning diners alike.
The restaurant did not merely serve food; it altered expectations. It demonstrated that Indian cuisine could stand confidently alongside French or Italian fine dining, both culturally and commercially. In 2003, Wahhab co-authored The Cinnamon Club Cookbook, further cementing the restaurant’s status as a culinary landmark.
Celebrating British Cuisine With Roast
If The Cinnamon Club challenged assumptions about Indian food, Wahhab’s next major venture did the same for British cuisine.
In 2005, he opened Roast at Borough Market, one of London’s most historic and vibrant food destinations. At a time when British food still suffered from an outdated reputation, Roast proudly championed traditional British dishes, seasonal produce and regional suppliers.
The restaurant’s ethos was unapologetically British: nose-to-tail cooking, classic roasts, artisan cheeses and high-quality meats sourced from trusted farmers. Situated above the bustling market, Roast offered diners a refined yet welcoming experience that celebrated national culinary heritage without irony or apology.
Roast quickly became a London institution, renowned for its Sunday lunches and commitment to quality. It also played a role in the wider renaissance of British food culture, helping to restore confidence in local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Together, The Cinnamon Club and Roast represented two sides of Wahhab’s philosophy: respect for heritage paired with a willingness to challenge convention.
National Recognition And Honours
Iqbal Wahhab’s contributions to hospitality and public life have been widely recognised at the highest levels.
In 2009, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the hospitality industry and public service. The honour reflected not only his business achievements but also his broader commitment to social responsibility and inclusion.
In 2010, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, acknowledging his role in cultural and social innovation. He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of East London and the University of West London, recognising his leadership, mentorship and impact on education and enterprise.
Within the industry, Wahhab has consistently appeared in influential rankings, including the Caterer Power 100, The Independent on Sunday’s Top Restaurateurs, the GQ 100 Most Connected list and the Sunday Times’ Top Business Mentors.
In 2019, his public service was further recognised when he was appointed High Sheriff of Greater London — a ceremonial role reflecting trust, integrity and civic contribution.
Championing Social Mobility And Inclusion
What truly distinguishes Iqbal Wahhab is his belief that business success carries a responsibility to create opportunity for others. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to address some of society’s most entrenched challenges.
From 2012 onwards, Wahhab chaired the Department for Work and Pensions’ Ethnic Minority Advisory Group, advising ministers on reducing unemployment and improving career outcomes for ethnic minority communities. His insights were informed not by theory alone, but by lived experience and decades of engagement with frontline industries.
He has also played a key role in skills development within hospitality, chairing the Asian Restaurants Skills Board and advocating for structured training, apprenticeships and professional standards across the sector.
Supporting Rehabilitation And Second Chances
Wahhab’s commitment to inclusion extends to those often excluded from opportunity altogether. He has been actively involved in initiatives supporting the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, recognising employment as one of the most powerful tools for reducing reoffending.
He has supported organisations such as Liberty Kitchen and Bounce Back, which provide culinary training and employment pathways for people leaving prison. These initiatives align closely with his belief that dignity, purpose and skills are essential for reintegration into society.
Rather than viewing rehabilitation as charity, Wahhab approaches it as investment — in people, potential and long-term social stability.
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship In Later Years
In recent years, Wahhab has stepped back from day-to-day restaurant operations, selling his stakes in The Cinnamon Club and Roast. However, his focus has not diminished; it has evolved.
He now concentrates on mentoring, advisory roles and purpose-driven ventures that align profit with social impact. Through speaking engagements, consultancy and board positions, he continues to influence how businesses think about leadership, responsibility and long-term value.
Wahhab is a vocal advocate for ethical capitalism — the idea that commercial success and social good are not opposing forces, but mutually reinforcing ones.
Leadership Philosophy And Enduring Legacy
Iqbal Wahhab’s legacy cannot be measured solely in restaurants opened or awards received. His true impact lies in the conversations he changed and the pathways he helped open.
He challenged narrow definitions of British cuisine and identity, proving that tradition and diversity can strengthen one another. He demonstrated that hospitality can be both commercially successful and socially purposeful. And he showed that leadership rooted in empathy and experience can drive lasting change.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, Wahhab’s journey offers a powerful example: success does not require abandoning identity, and influence does not require abandoning responsibility.
Conclusion Without Saying Conclusion
Iqbal Wahhab OBE is a rare figure who has shaped culture, commerce and community in equal measure. From redefining dining in London to influencing national policy and championing second chances, his career reflects a life lived with intention and impact.
In an industry often driven by trends and headlines, Wahhab’s work endures because it is grounded in values. His story is not just about food or business — it is about what is possible when ambition is guided by purpose.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is based on publicly available sources and does not claim to represent the official views, endorsements, or statements of Iqbal Wahhab OBE or any affiliated organisations. Any images used are for illustrative purposes only. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research for the most up-to-date information.