In pictures: British Curry Awards winners revealed with Montaz in Newmarket taking regional title

The British Curry Awards, back for their 17th year, delivered another spectacular night last Monday (November 29) at a glittering ceremony at Battersea Evolution in London. with leading figures from the government - including Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner - and the industry present.

This year saw a record number of public nominations, with a number of restaurants from the Cambridgeshire region - falling under the East Midlands category - being shortlisted. The shortlist included Lalbagh in Bourn, Montaz in Newmarket, Prana in Cambridge, Taj in Cambridge, Zara in Great Shelford, and Renu's (in the takeaway category).

This year’s celebrations were presented by comedian Omid Djalili and Daniel Zeichner MP. Lewis Herbert, the former leader of Cambridge City Council, was also present.

The full list of winners were as follows:

• Best Restaurant London Central & City: Benares, Mayfair
• Best Restaurant London – Outer & Suburbs: Shampan, Bromley
• Best Newcomer: Mathura, Westminster
• Best Restaurant South East: Chez Mumtaz, St Albans
• Best Restaurant South West: Prithvi, Cheltenham
• Best Restaurant Scotland: Dishoom, Edinburgh
• Best Restaurant North East: Mumtaz, Bradford
• Best Restaurant North West: Asha’s, Manchester
• Best Restaurant East Midlands: Montaz, Newmarket
• Best Restaurant West Midlands: Pushkar, Birmingham
• Best Restaurant Wales: Purple Poppadom, Cardiff
• Best Delivery Restaurant/Takeaway: Maliks Express Kitchen, Gerrards Cross
• Most Innovative Restaurant Concept: Khai Khai, Newcastle

Enam Ali MBE, the founder of the awards, said: “What a year we have had – full of highs and lows as we have come out of the pandemic and had to try and rebuild our businesses after lockdowns. The support of our customers has been incredible but the challenges are still significant.”

On the night, Montaz in Newmarket was crowned the best in East Midlands, while Zara in Great Shelford was recognised as a finalist.

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