Freedom of the City of London
LONDON: Suleman Raza MBE, a distinguished British-Pakistani entrepreneur, restaurateur, and philanthropist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London award, celebrating his exceptional contributions to both community welfare and business achievements.
Expressing his joy upon receiving this esteemed accolade, Raza recounted his humble beginnings in London, where he started with menial jobs such as mopping floors and washing dishes.
“When I arrived in London at 18, I was welcomed with open arms and endless opportunities. My initial dream was simply to own a small restaurant,” he shared. “But this incredible city encouraged me to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve beyond my expectations.
Eventually, I earned the title of the Curry King of Greater London,” he added gratefully. “Inspired by the support I received, I pledged to give back to this remarkable nation.”
Raza emphasized his deep sense of honor in receiving the Freedom of the City of London award, an ancient tradition dating back to 1237 that originally symbolized trade freedom and has evolved into a mark of excellence and commitment.
The award ceremony, held at Guildhall, includes the presentation of a parchment document known as The Copy of the Freedom.
Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Raza has dedicated himself to charitable initiatives. Since 2015, he has spearheaded the “No One Eats Alone on Christmas Day” campaign, providing meals to the homeless in Croydon, South London.
His “One Million Meals” campaign, spanning over 300 locations and 47 hospitals across the UK, has served NHS key workers and vulnerable individuals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Raza was previously honored with the Points of Light Award by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He was also appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his significant contributions to business and philanthropy.
Raza continues to inspire through his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, setting a commendable example of dedication and generosity within the community.
