1st Nation’s Curry Awards 2023: London winners of culinary prizes

Two London restaurants picked up top prizes at the 1st Nation’s Curry Awards 2023 on Monday (February 20).

Madhu’s of Mayfair and Memories of India, Kensington, won awards at a ceremony at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, with more than 150 guests in attendance.

Memories of India picked up the coveted Best of London award, with Madhu’s of Mayfair winning in the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year category.

Alessi Indian Restaurant just outside Stoke-On-Trent was the overall Indian restaurant of the year for the whole of the UK, while the best takeaway of the year in England went to Masala Bay in Kent.

Chennai Express in Basingstoke picked up the Indian Restaurant of the Year South gong, with Curry Restaurant of the Year South being awarded to Masala City, Chichester.

A spokesperson for The 1st Nation’s Curry Awards 2023 said: “It has been an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.

“We have celebrated the finest in the UK’s curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.

They added: “The UK’s curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.”

Full list of winners:

Best of Manchester: Asha’s Restaurant (Manchester)

Best of Birmingham: Pushkar Cocktail Bar and Dining (Birmingham)

Best of Yorkshire: Bengal Lounge Wetherby(Wetherby)

Pakistani Restaurant of the Year: Ayaan’s (Bolton)

Scottish Restaurant of the Year : Indian by Nature (Paisley)

Nepalese Restaurant of The Year: The Great Kathmandu Restaurant (Manchester)

Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year: Bangla Lounge (Birstall)

Family Restaurant of the Year: Panka Walla (Walsall)

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Madhu’s of Mayfair (London)

Street Food Restaurant of the Year: My Delhi Indian Streetery (New Castle upon Tyne)

South Indian Restaurant of the Year: Tharavadu Restaurant (Leeds)

Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year: Namaste Village (Norwich)

Leicester Restaurant of the Year: Spice Bazzar (Leicester)

Curry School of the Year: Sharmini’s Inspirational Indian Cuisine (York)

Curry Kitchen of the Year: Masala City(Chichester)

Best of London: Memories of India Kensington (London)

Best of the Midlands: Gandhi Indian Restaurant (Stoke-on-Trent)

Best Team of the Year: Maryport Tandoori (Maryport)

Best Chef of the Year: Mohammed Kamal at Gandhi Indian Restaurant

Manager Of the Year: Modu Miah at Pipasha Restaurant

Curry King or Queen: Lalon Shah (Delhi 6)

Special Recognition Award: Geeta Bhadari (Da Mount Gurkha)

Indian Restaurant of the Year North: Viraaj Restaurant (Sheffield)

Indian Restaurant of the Year Midlands: Alessi Indian Restaurant (Stoke OnTrent)

Indian Restaurant of the Year South: Chennai Express (Basingstoke)

Indian Restaurant of the Year Wales: Ty Asha Balti House (Llanrwst)

Indian Restaurant of the Year Scotland: Swadish by Ajay Kumar (Glasgow)

Indian Restaurant of the Year Overall Winner: Alessi Indian Restaurant (Stoke OnTrent)

Takeaway of the Year England: Masala Bay Takeaway (Kent)

Takeaway of the Year Wales: Royal Balti (Barry)

Takeaway of the Year Scotland: The Curry Leaf (Ayr)

Takeaway of the Year Overall Winner: The Curry Leaf (Ayr)

Curry Restaurant of the Year North: Sherkhan Of Alnwick(Alnwick)

Curry Restaurant of the Year Midlands: Pabna Restaurant (Leek)

Curry Restaurant of the Year South: Masala City (Chichester)

Curry Restaurant of the Year Wales: Curry Scene (Caernarfon)

Curry Restaurant of the Year Scotland: Taal Restaurant (Strathaven)

Curry Restaurant of the Year Overall Winner: Masala City (Chichester)