Ishfaq Farooq is the dynamic co-founder of MyLahore, a pioneering British–Asian restaurant group, and a devoted philanthropist whose career seamlessly blends business success with deep community impact. Born and raised in Yorkshire, Ishfaq co-founded MyLahore in 2002 with his family, aiming to create “a place that would celebrate the best of both worlds”—serving British classics like shepherd’s pie and jam roly-poly alongside beloved home-cooked Asian curries. What began as a single Bradford eatery, built on family sacrifice, quickly blossomed into a nationally recognized brand.

Today, MyLahore operates five restaurants across the UK—in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Blackburn—employs over 500 people, and has expanded into online services and event catering. Under Ishfaq’s leadership, the company has earned numerous accolades, from being named SME of the Year at the Bradford Means Business Awards to standing as a beacon of cultural pride throughout the region.

Non-Executive Board Member

Ishfaq Farooq

Co-founder of MyLahore | Entrepreneur

From Humble Beginnings to Restaurant Innovation

Vision. Purpose. Launch.

Ishfaq’s entrepreneurial journey began in his teenage years, juggling schoolwork with long shifts in restaurant kitchens. According to the University of Bradford, the founders “launched MyLahore in 2002, building on their experience working in restaurants as teenagers,” often studying for exams late at night after washing dishes and designing menus on a school computer. Now a father of four, Ishfaq vividly recalls those early days: “I was studying for my GCSEs while washing dishes in the evenings. We printed our first menus on a school printer because we couldn’t afford our own.” This blend of resourcefulness and determination became the foundation for MyLahore’s unique concept—a British–Asian fusion menu that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Yorkshire.

The founders “saw a gap” in the market: no restaurant was telling “the British Asian story, combining curries, pasta, paninis, and puddings—a true celebration of diversity.” From the very beginning, MyLahore’s name was chosen to symbolize inclusivity and welcome: “MyLahore… reflects our commitment to inclusivity—it’s for everyone,” says the team.

Space. Strategy. Selection.

Under Ishfaq’s directorship, MyLahore thrived. The family’s pooled resources and hard work opened the doors of their first Bradford branch, and the business steadily grew. By the mid-2020s, MyLahore had become a family-run enterprise employing hundreds across England. In 2023, the group was honoured at a major business gala—MyLahore was named SME of the Year at the Bradford Means Business Awards. Local media took note as well: the Blackburn branch won “Restaurant of the Year North of England” at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

In 2024, Ishfaq and his family were recognised by his own alma mater: the University of Bradford presented them with the Outstanding Contribution Award for their positive impact on the city. (Ishfaq, a Business Management graduate of Bradford, accepted the honor “on behalf of the trio.”) Reflecting on the moment, he told graduates, “I never imagined I’d be honoured in this way. My message to graduates today is simple: believe in your vision, work hard, and embrace the opportunities ahead.” This spirit of vision and determination has shaped Ishfaq’s career ever since.

Community Impact & Values

Beyond business growth, Ishfaq has always underscored MyLahore’s mission to give back. As the University of Bradford notes, “from the outset, MyLahore has been about more than just food.” The team embraced public-spirited initiatives as soon as the business began gaining traction. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, MyLahore hosted vaccination clinics in its restaurants and donated thousands of free meals to healthcare workers and vulnerable residents. The company also partnered with local charities—most notably the Muslim Women’s Council’s Curry Circle—to feed over 100 people weekly and support community food programs. As co-founder Shakoor Ahmed explains, “our journey has been about more than business. It’s about MyLahore being a vehicle to do good by contributing to the community and creating a positive impact.”

These actions are rooted in Ishfaq’s own values. He often speaks about his family’s immigrant roots and the deep sense of gratitude that shapes his outlook—lessons he channels into philanthropy. “We carry that legacy forward… Our story is one of resilience and gratitude. The UK has given us so much, and we are proud to give back,” Ishfaq says. In practice, he has supported youth causes, cultural projects, and health awareness campaigns in Bradford. He has helped sponsor events like the Bradford Literary Festival (including talks on Islamic scholarship and mental health) and has worked closely with local education initiatives.

MyLahore is also known for opening its doors to community groups—hosting charity dinners, youth workshops, and interfaith events that help bridge Bradford’s diverse populations. Such work has earned public praise, with national media even noting Ishfaq (as MyLahore’s director) highlighting the city’s community spirit during challenging times.

Ishfaq’s leadership style is often described as values-driven. He emphasizes teamwork, humility, and mentoring. (At a graduation ceremony, wearing academic regalia, he exemplified this blend of entrepreneur and advocate.) He credits his parents and grandparents—who emigrated from Pakistan to work in Yorkshire’s mills—with instilling a tireless work ethic and sense of purpose. Their sacrifices continue to inspire Ishfaq to succeed, while always remaining grounded. In interviews and speeches, he highlights the importance of empathy and diversity, noting that MyLahore’s menus reflect Bradford’s multicultural heritage and that the restaurant’s very name was chosen to ensure every customer felt included. These principles—entrepreneurial vision coupled with compassion—define his professional identity.

Bringing Entrepreneurial Heart to Welcare

Leadership Through Service

In 2024, Ishfaq Farooq extended his leadership into the nonprofit sector by joining Welcare Children’s Homes as a Non-Executive Board Member—a role that recognises both his expertise and his dedication to community development. Welcare is a charity that provides therapeutic care, education, and supported living for vulnerable children and families. Ishfaq’s appointment further strengthens the charity’s links with Bradford’s entrepreneurial community. He brings valuable business insight to strategic planning and operational growth, while his lifelong values of service and inclusion align closely with Welcare’s mission.

Drawing from his heritage and extensive experience with MyLahore’s charitable initiatives, Ishfaq plays an instrumental role in building cross-sector partnerships and mobilising community support for outreach and fundraising. His perspective helps Welcare think creatively about engaging new partners and sustaining its work for those who need it most.

Inclusive Board Leadership

Welcare’s leadership commends board members who “bring heart and hands-on experience that reflect our highest values”—qualities Ishfaq embodies. His integrity, energy, and respect for diversity are a natural fit with Welcare’s goals of compassion and empowerment. As a board member, Ishfaq brings fresh perspectives on innovation and is a key connector, helping Welcare build relationships with regional business and cultural leaders. He consistently champions the voices of young people in care—especially those from Bradford’s communities—and, as a father, relates personally to Welcare’s mission of preparing children for a hopeful and fulfilling future. His involvement sends a powerful signal to staff and supporters that the organisation values inclusive, experience-driven leadership rooted in the heart of the community.

Inspiration Through Resilience

In sum, Ishfaq Farooq’s story is one of triumph rooted in teamwork, resilience, and generosity. From his early days in a Bradford kitchen to leading a national restaurant brand, Ishfaq’s journey has always reflected a deep commitment to gratitude and social responsibility. Now, as a board member of Welcare Children’s Homes, he brings those same qualities to guide the charity’s vision and work—ensuring every initiative is shaped by compassion, integrity, and a drive to uplift others.

His ongoing contributions serve as a powerful inspiration to entrepreneurs and community advocates alike, showing that business success and social responsibility can thrive hand in hand. Whether supporting vulnerable children, championing diversity, or building bridges across communities, Ishfaq remains a steadfast believer in the power of giving back. Through his leadership, Welcare continues to benefit from his unique blend of experience, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Recognition & Press

Ishfaq Farooq’s remarkable journey has attracted considerable recognition. Alongside the many awards received by MyLahore, Ishfaq’s leadership and community impact have been highlighted by both local and national media. The Bradford Means Business newsletter featured the family’s Outstanding Contribution Awards, celebrating the chain’s five UK locations, more than 500 employees, and its status as a “beacon of cultural pride” in the city. The Big Issue magazine, in a City of Culture feature, spotlighted MyLahore as a beloved local institution—entertainer Dynamo even remarked, “Ishfaq and the owners have made [MyLahore] a place I can call my place whenever I’m back in town.”

These stories highlight Ishfaq’s growing profile as a respected community leader. He has appeared on business podcasts and in videos (such as The CEO Club), speaking about brand-building, entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back. MyLahore’s impact also caught royal attention: in 2020, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge visited the MyLahore Bradford branch, marking royal recognition of the venture’s positive influence on the city.

Throughout all this, Ishfaq remains a modest and grounded presence, always emphasizing teamwork and gratitude. When MyLahore’s Blackburn team won an Asian Fusion Restaurant award, he publicly thanked “our loyal customers and brilliant staff” on social media. Even amid success, he openly discusses challenges and setbacks—like the time a menu-printing mishap turned into a valuable lesson—consistently framing them as opportunities to learn and grow. This humility, coupled with his commitment to service, has only deepened the admiration he receives from colleagues and the wider public.

Proudly working to the highest

Quality standards

Our hand-selected care provision team have the training and support to provide excellent standards of service. Our management team look to find better ways of supporting everyone in our care homes to excel.