British Curry Awards – Your Guide to the UK's Best Curry
If you love a good plate of biryani or a fiery vindaloo, the British Curry Awards are the place to look. Every year they shine a light on the restaurants that get the curry right, from classic tandoori to modern twists. In this guide we’ll break down how the awards work, who’s been winning, and why you should care.
How the Awards Work
The British Curry Awards start with an open nomination period. Food lovers, chefs, and industry insiders can suggest their favourite spots. Once nominations close, a short‑list is created for each category – things like “Best Curry House”, “Best New Restaurant”, and “Best Regional Curry”.
Judging is a mix of public voting and a panel of experts. The public vote counts for about 50 % and gives the awards a community feel. The expert panel looks at food quality, authenticity, service, and atmosphere. They also visit the restaurants anonymously to make sure the experience matches the hype.
Entries are scored on a simple scale, so you get a clear picture of which places truly stand out. The final winners are announced at a live ceremony, often streamed online, where chefs raise their spices in celebration.
Who’s Won and What It Means
Past winners include household names like Dishoom, which took home the “Best Chain” award three years running, and hidden gems such as The Spice Room in Manchester that snapped up “Best New Restaurant”. Winning can boost a venue’s bookings by up to 30 % in the months after the ceremony, according to industry reports.
For diners, the award list is a fast‑track to quality. If you’re planning a night out, checking the latest winners gives you confidence you won’t be stuck with bland sauce. It also helps you discover new areas – a winner from Cardiff might be a hidden treasure you’d otherwise miss.
Restaurants use the award as a marketing tool. You’ll see posters, social media banners, and menu stickers that say “British Curry Awards Winner”. It signals to customers that the kitchen is serious about flavor.
Want to get involved? The voting window usually opens in September and stays open for a few weeks. You can vote on the official website – it’s free and takes just a couple of minutes. Your vote helps shape the next year’s list and gives rising chefs a chance to shine.
Looking ahead, the 2025 awards will add a new category for “Best Sustainable Curry”. This reflects growing interest in sourcing local ingredients and reducing waste. Restaurants that focus on eco‑friendly practices will have a new way to stand out.
Bottom line: the British Curry Awards are more than a trophy. They’re a roadmap for anyone who wants the best Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi food in the UK. Keep an eye on the winners, cast your vote, and enjoy a plate that’s earned its stripes.
