As the UK barrels forward with its climate goals, a surprising cultural casualty may be emerging: the Great British curry house—and even the classic fish and chip shop.
While clean energy may be the future, small business owners are worried it could come at the cost of Britain’s most cherished food traditions.
Gas Ovens on the Chopping Block
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s aggressive move toward a Net Zero future has sparked alarm in the restaurant world.
At the center of the controversy are gas-fuelled tandoori ovens—crucial for preparing signature dishes like naan and tandoori chicken.
If these ovens are phased out in favor of electric alternatives, many curry houses say they simply won’t survive.
Oli Khan MBE, head of the Bangladeshi Caterers Association, didn’t mince words, saying this policy could “sign a death warrant for the Great British curry industry.”
With over 12,000 curry restaurants employing more than 100,000 people and contributing a massive £4.5 billion to the economy, the ripple effect could be severe.
Authentic Taste at Risk—and So Is Affordability
Curry house owners argue that switching from gas to electric ovens isn’t just a matter of cost—it’s also about preserving flavor.
Chefs warn that electric appliances can’t replicate the intense heat and texture produced by traditional tandoori ovens.
That means the dishes people have loved for generations might just not taste the same.
And even if the flavor somehow holds up, the cost doesn’t.
Retrofitting kitchens with electric equipment could cost tens of thousands of pounds per business—a financial blow many can’t afford, especially given the rising cost of ingredients and energy bills.
A Long and Proud Culinary History
Britain’s relationship with curry goes back centuries.
Recipes have appeared in British cookbooks since the 1700s, and the first official curry house opened its doors in London back in 1810.
Dishes like chicken tikka masala—arguably the UK’s national dish—are the product of cultural fusion that’s now part of the national identity.
But all of this could be at risk. Indian main course prices have jumped by 20% since 2019, and labor shortages—caused in part by established South Asian immigrants moving on to other careers—have already made it harder to keep these restaurants running.
Voices From the Frontline
Ruhul Hussain, who owns the Indian Lounge in Sir Keir Starmer’s own North London constituency, says his family’s business is “struggling more than ever.”
He believes that forcing restaurants to abandon gas ovens will “destroy many curry houses across the country.”
And it’s not just the curry sector under pressure.
Increased energy bills and rising national insurance contributions have added to the burden, making survival even harder for small food businesses.
Political Pushback Builds
Not everyone in politics is on board with Miliband’s plan.
Conservative Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie called the 2050 Net Zero target a “mad dash” and a “recipe for disaster.”
Reform UK’s Deputy Leader Richard Tice went further, warning the policy would “close businesses” and “massacre what little industry is left” in Britain.
In response, the government has insisted that clay ovens will still be allowed under the Net Zero framework—but for many in the industry, that reassurance doesn’t go far enough.
Fish and Chip Shops in the Firing Line Too
It’s not just curry houses feeling the heat. Fish and chip shops—the other pillar of British comfort food—are facing similar fears.
Earlier this year, the head of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), Andrew Crook, raised concerns that green energy reforms would force chippies to ditch gas fryers.
“Gas is the most effective way to fry,” Crook said, adding that fully electrifying kitchens just isn’t “feasible or affordable” for many small shops.
These businesses have already been hit hard by rising taxes and economic pressures—and now, they may be asked to overhaul their core equipment.
A Plea to Protect Small Businesses
Crook urged the government to tread carefully.
“These small businesses are often the heart of their communities,” he said.
Many provide first jobs for young people and serve as vital community hubs.
Without more support, he warns, many will simply shut their doors after weathering years of hardship.
Balancing Climate Goals With Cultural Heritage
There’s no doubt that moving toward clean energy is important—but small businesses argue the shift needs to be thoughtful and inclusive.
The government is being urged to consider practical timelines, financial support, and cultural preservation when implementing environmental policies.
If not, Britain risks losing more than carbon emissions—it could lose an essential part of its cultural fabric.