Prime Minister David Cameron described it as the “Oscars for British curry”.
Now, a Cheltenham institution has been short-listed in the UK for the British Curry Awards for the fourth year running.
Two-times winners in 2011 and 2012, Spice Lodge, in Montpellier Drive, has been commended for its work in the industry again.
The restaurant has been short-listed in the top 10 British curry houses and their inclusion marking the 10th anniversary of the prestigious award ceremony.
Manager Pratyasha Maji joined Spice Lodge the year before its first nomination.
He said: “We are looking forward to the ceremony and we has got good expectations again this year.
“We are delighted that our regular customers and everyone who has supported the restaurant think so highly of us.
“We are proud of the nomination, which is reward for our good food and hard work over the years.”
Around 25 million curries are eaten every week. As a result, British Curry Awards has become a key fixture on the UK social calendar, celebrating the achievements of the nation’s most popular culinary genre.
The event is eagerly anticipated annually by the industry and restaurateurs alike, with winning restaurants realising lifetime dreams through being awarded.
Other curry restaurants in contention include Battersea Evolution, London.
The nomination process invites members of the public to put forward their favourite Indian eatery for a deserving accolade.
This year, 200,000 public nominations have been received via post and online, from diners nominating their favourite curry restaurants, with 2,641 restaurants being nominated.
BLOB: This week, Spice Lodge held a fundraiser in aid of St Philip and St James’ Church.
Church-goers are trying to raise £160,000 to mend the Leckhampton roof, which was damaged by storms in April, this year.
The event on Monday evening saw visitors enjoy a two course meal, with £10 each going towards buying oak wooden blocks on the church’s spire.
Around 60 people turned out to the event and the money raised is still being counted.
A spokesman for the church said: “It was a full house and there was quite a lot of talking.
“The food was great and we were made to feel really welcome. It was a fantastic evening for a great cause.”
The 176-year-old grade two listed building based in Painswick Road, known is no longer watertight and is on English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.
Enam Ali MBE, who founded the event in 2005, said: “On the occasion of this momentous, 10-year year anniversary of the British Curry Awards, we continue to celebrate the hard work and commitment of the thousands of curry restaurants and their staff who deliver to their customers one of the most iconic cuisines of contemporary Britain.
“As well as establishing itself as the leading preference of UK diners when it comes to eating out, the industry continues to contribute a phenomenal amount to the UK economy despite the challenges it still faces in terms of staffing issues derived from immigration policy.”