BRITAIN’S BEST CURRY HOUSES CROWNED

LONDON – The Curry Life Awards 2025 took place last night in a spectacular ceremony hosted by ITV broadcaster Nina Hossain at the prestigious Marriott Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, London.

The event celebrated the culinary heroes of the British Asian restaurant industry, highlighting excellence, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of the sector. A total of 39 awards were presented nationally this year across different categories, including Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Newcomer, Editor’s Choice, and Best Takeaway.

Curry Legend Award

A special Curry Legend Award was presented to businessman Mr Amin Ali, the former owner of The Re

d Fort, one of the finest Indian restaurants in the UK.

Amin Ali’s contribution to the UK curry industry is significant. Known as an entrepreneur, trailblazer, visionary businessman, campaigner, and innovator, Amin’s legacy is defined by his iconic London restaurant, The Red Fort, which opened in Soho in 1983 and quickly became an institution in the capital. It was a favourite haunt for politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities. Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and Theresa May dined at The Red Fort, and many celebrities frequented the establishment, including Steve Jobs after launching Apple Computer in 1984.

Amin Ali played a pivotal role in transforming the face of Indian cuisine in the UK. He introduced contemporary Indian cuisine with Soho Spice in the 1990s and elevated fine dining by setting new standards for pairing wine with spicy dishes, notably by being among the first to hire sommeliers.

Before opening The Red Fort, Amin held several jobs after arriving in the UK in the 1970s. He is most recognised for his role in investing in talent by finding, recruiting, and training hundreds of chefs from India and Thailand who worked in his businesses. Many of these talented individuals later opened their own successful restaurants, demonstrating his lasting impact on the industry.

Industry Tributes

The event included a heartfelt video address from former Minister of State Keith Vaz, who paid tribute to Amin Ali, highlighting both his fame and his impact:

“Amin Ali is a legendary restaurateur; The Red Fort in Soho and the other restaurants that he ran became famous not just in London, but throughout the world. He has been a tower of strength for the British Bangladeshi community, helping us get a seat at the table with decision-makers and ensuring we are part of the fabric of this great country.”

Celebrating the British Curry Industry

Now in its 16th year, the Curry Life Awards, organised by the Curry Life Media Group, celebrate the best of the British curry industry. The awards recognise individuals and businesses for innovation, performance, and culinary excellence, playing a crucial role in promoting best practices and raising standards across the sector.

More than 500 guests, including successful British Asian entrepreneurs and professionals from the curry industry, attended the prestigious ceremony.

Syed Belal Ahmed, Editor of Curry Life Media Group, said:

“The UK’s curry industry features some of the country’s most innovative entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. All of them have inspiring stories to tell, and they must be given the necessary support to grow and thrive.”

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and headline sponsor of the event, added:

“The curry industry is a cornerstone of Britain’s hospitality landscape, bringing people together and creating opportunities across the country. Despite challenges such as high energy bills and workforce shortages, our restaurants have shown extraordinary creativity and community spirit. The Curry Life Awards celebrate not only culinary excellence but also the spirit of collaboration that defines our industry.”

Distinguished Guests and Sponsors

Guests included Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport), Rushanara Ali MP, Mike Woods MP, Wendy Morton MP, and Ben Obese-Jecty MP, who all spoke about the contribution the industry makes to the UK economy and the communities it serves.

The Curry Life Awards 2025 were proudly sponsored by Cobra Beer, Work Permit Cloud, Unisoft, and Hillside Travels.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Watch the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation: https://youtu.be/dNA1o0kccUQ

Full List of Winners – Curry Life Awards 2025

Newcomer of the Year 2025

• The Bombay, Swanley, Kent

Editor’s Choice of the Year 2025

• Kelvedon Spice, Kelvedon, Essex

• What a Shot, Leicester, Leicestershire

• Naz’s Rasoi, Rochester, Kent

• Junoon, Helsby, Cheshire

• Juboraj Rhiwbina, Rhiwbina, Cardiff

Best Restaurant of the Year 2025

• Jamun Restaurant, Brighton, East Sussex

• The Bombay Restaurant, Orpington, Kent

• Rimjhim Restaurant, Winchester, Hampshire

• Rivaaz Lymington, Lymington, Hampshire

• Eastern Eye, Newton Abbot, Devon

• Alcombe Tandoori, Alcombe, Somerset

• The Queens Head Restaurant, Bretford, Warwickshire

• Kimbolton Spice, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire

• Jilani Majestic Indian Dining, Sudbury, Suffolk

• The Sundorbon, Bridport, Dorset

• The Radhuni, Loanhead, Midlothian, Scotland

• East 360 Restaurant, Congleton, Cheshire

• International Restaurant, Bradford, West Yorkshire

• Ashiana Indian & Bangladeshi Restaurant, North Muskham, Nottinghamshire

• Spice House, Halton, West Yorkshire

• Rimjhim Spice, Colchester, Essex

• Ruchi Indian Restaurant, Glossop, Derbyshire

• Aura Indian Cuisine, Aldridge, West Midlands

• Chennai Indian Cuisine, Leek, Staffordshire

• Saffron Lounge, Northfield, Birmingham, West Midlands

Best Chef of the Year 2025

• Rafique Miah, Wombourne Tandoori, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

• Shahid Ahmed, Bombay Restaurant, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

• Matin Khan, Itihaas Restaurant, Dalkeith, Midlothian, Scotland

• Naz Islam, Naz’s Rasoi, Strood, Kent

• Jaber Ahmed, Bombay Kitchen, Croxley Green, Hertfordshire

• Shahjahan Miah, Curry Cave, Newbury, Berkshire

• Muhammad Aaban, Ali’s Kitchen, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

• Lutfur Rahman, Village Spice Takeaway, Telford, Shropshire

• Abdul Rahman, Taste of Nawab, Muswell Hill, London

Best Takeaway of the Year 2025

• Hungry Elephant Takeaway, Caerleon, Newport/Gwent

• Indian Queen Takeaway, Rugby, Warwickshire

• Ali’s Spice, Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire

Curry Legend – Lifetime Achievement Award

• Amin Ali, formerly The Red Fort