AN EXTREMELY popular Indian restaurant and takeaway in Somerset has been named as the UK's best restaurant at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Spice Club, found on Eastover in Bridgwater, won the Best Restaurant category at the Curry Life Awards 2023, held at the London Marriott in Grosvenor Square.

Entrepreneur Mohammed Miah, who opened the business with Moudud Kamali more than 18 years ago, was presented with the award at the ceremony in London’s West End.

“It’s such a good feeling to have won this award and it feels like a real achievement," Mohammed said.

"It’s thanks to our dedicated staff, our customers and all of our stakeholders who have helped to make this happen.”

Spice Club prides itself on creating an ambience of Indian culture, its hospitality and high-quality food for groups, as well as its loyal, local client base, and functions.

Mohammed explained how the Bridgwater curry house is more than just a restaurant, as he frequently involves the business in fundraising events, and believes the venue acts as a central community hub.

Since opening, Spice Club has won several awards and competitions, including Chef of the Year with Curry Life.

The restaurant has also joined the British Curry Festival team - working alongside five-star chefs at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai, India.

“We want to continue doing what we’re doing - and doing it better,” said Mohammed.

“The award has inspired us to do this.”

The Curry Life Awards 2023 took place on 15 October, and celebrated the best of the best in the UK's immensely successful curry industry.

44 awards were presented across five categories: Editor’s Choice, Best Restaurant, Best Takeaway, Best Chef, and Best Recommended Restaurant.

Over 500 audience members watched on as the Bridgwater Indian restaurant took home the glory. 

These included representatives from headline sponsor Just Eat, as well as Cobra Beer founder Lord Karan Bilimoria, who is a current House of Lords member.

“Post-pandemic, we have faced a new problem in the form of the cost of living crisis," Lord Bilimoria explained.

"Inflation has soared to historic levels, and over the last year, we have seen an energy crisis, a fuel crisis, supply chain issues and labour shortages.

"However, despite this adversity, the curry industry has been so resilient, as a result of all the tremendous hard work and efforts - it has been truly inspirational!"