Nottingham restaurant is named the best in the Midlands at curry 'Oscars'

Nottingham's Indian restaurants smashed it at the British Curry Awards after being crowned best in the Midlands and runner-up.

The awards, dubbed the 'Oscars' of the curry world, attract the biggest names within the industry and are one of the most prestigious of the year.

Six Notts restaurants made it through to the finals celebrated at a black-tie ceremony in London with famous guests including Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and Christopher Biggins.

Top regional honours went to the family-run Calcutta Club, in Maid Marian Way, making it a trio of successes at this year's awards ceremonies, both nationally and locally.

The business triumphed at the English Curry Awards in Birmingham and won Best Indian Restaurant at last month's Nottinghamshire Food and Drink Awards.

John Dhaliwal, who runs the restaurant with his brother Barry, the chef, said: "It is a huge honour for the recognition, and a pleasure to be working alongside some excellent people within the industry, at Calcutta Club.

"Drawing up to our sixth anniversary we have here this year we have extended the brand towards The Maharaja's Retreat and also picked up first prizes in respective categories in all three of the biggest prizes possible.

"Thanks to all our enthusiastic team at Calcutta Club and all of our suppliers and guests for years of support and aiding is to get this far and push the boundaries to this level."

Lime Indian restaurant in Nuthall was named runner-up, beating rivals across the Midlands including including Notts based Ashiana, in North Muskham, and The Cumin, in Maid Marian Way.

Maharaja's Retreat, in Maid Marian Way, and Nawaab Saab, in Nuthall, narrowly missed out being named Best Newcomer.