BARNARD Castle’s Spice Island restaurant is once again in the running to be named best curry house in the country.
The restaurant is one of 38 finalists in the Bangladesh Caterers’ Associations annual curry awards.
Spice Island last won the award in 2015 and made the shortlist in 2012.
Restaurant owner Zak Ahmed was thrilled about the nomination.
He said: “To be honest we are really happy because it has come out of the blue.”
He added that judging would be done through a mystery diner to assess innovation, food presentation, hygiene standards and customer service.
Winners will be announced during a ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on November 25.
Kamal Yakub, BCA president, said: “We are proud to showcase the talent of our chefs, who come from around the UK’s curry houses and takeaways.
“They work hard, serving their local communities and now it’s their time to shine and put themselves on the map. This is an industry in crisis.
“We have a shortage of skilled chefs skills nationwide, which is why this contest is so important.
“We are nurturing the next generation of chefs.
“With curry restaurants and takeaways closing at an alarming rate, Britain is rapidly losing a much-loved institution which, today, is as embedded in our culture as the local pub.”
As well as the BCA awards, Spice Island earned a highly commended accolade in the Asian Curry Awards in 2012 and was declared best business in the Teesdale Business Awards of 2015.
Spice Island chef Milon Miah was last year recognised as International Indian Chef of the Year after appearing in a television cook-off competition.
