Surj Virk is the Founder and Managing Director of a brand new ale craft brewed to complement spiced foods and Indian cuisine – Empress Ale. Developing a passion for real ale and craft beers he became frustrated with the limited choice of lager when visiting his favourite Indian restaurants. Determined to develop a new drink that complemented his favourite dishes Surj set to work with chefs, restaurateurs and master brewers to come up with the perfect Ale for spiced foods. After over a year of research, testing, tweaking and sampling - Empress Ale was born.
Having worked in the political field, Surj also works for the City Mayor in Leicester looking after policy and projects of political importance. He was responsible for the formation of the King Richard III VC Trust and was also a member of the Bishop of Leicester’s Commission on Poverty, which presented a report to the House of Lords highlighting poverty issues affecting local people and communities.
1. What is your current position?
I am the founder and managing director of Empress Ale - A brand new Ale craft brewed to complement spiced foods, mainly Indian cuisine. Following my frustrations of only being offered lager at my favourite restaurants I decided to develop my own craft ale that truly complements Indian cuisine.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
There are two that I am particularly proud of. 1. Making my initial idea for the Ale become a reality. 2. My Ale getting a seal of approval from two of my culinary heroes - Michelin Stared Atul Kochhar and Cyrus Todiwala – both of whose restaurants officially stock Empress Ale.
3. What inspires you?
What inspires me is seeing individuals who are able to overcome obstacles in whatever form they appear and still achieve what they originally set out to do. People with self-belief who achieve success no matter how difficult, is something I admire and take inspiration from on a daily basis.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
When starting this new business and venture inevitably there have been a number of obstacles. For me it is more about how you deal with these obstacles that defines you. I truly believe that there is always a solution to a situation; you just have to think beyond the conventional.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents. I have learnt a lot from both. They, from an early age instilled the ethics of hard work and determination. My father passed away when my siblings and I were young but my mother worked incredibly hard to ensure we had everything we needed as a family.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I get the chance to work and meet with such a diverse range of individuals – from Michelin stared celebrity chefs through to craft beer enthusiasts. Everyday feels so exciting as I don’t know who or what is around the corner next!
7. And the worst?
Time. I sometimes feel there are not enough hours in the day. I am my own worst enemy as I am impatient when it comes to results and expect a lot of myself, but I know we are all human and can only do so much within a day.
8. What are your long term plans?
I want to see the Empress Ale brand/business grow and expand to give people a real alternative to lager when visiting their favourite Indian restaurants. I never take anything for granted so am determined to enjoy time with my wife and daughter and learn from the journey and challenges ahead.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would commit more resources to the NHS to make it sustainable for our future generations. The NHS is an institution to be very proud of the world over. It is a service we all rely on in times of need and should safeguard for the future.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
For me it would have to be Leonardo Da Vinci. I would have so many questions to ask him. Here is an individual so ahead of his time; a prime example of a universal genius and I would love the opportunity to listen to his thoughts on life.
