AN Indian restaurant has been named one of the best in the UK at the prestigious Curry Life Awards 2024.
Rim Jhim Spice, in Colchester, was hailed at the annual event held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in Mayfair on Sunday (October 13).
Owner Fahrana Khan and her team were overjoyed.
She said: “We’d like to thank our many customers - our success is down to positive word-of-mouth from diners.
"People who visited for the first time kept coming back, referring friends and spreading the word.
"Cooking is my passion, and I love creating my own spices.”
The Curry Life Awards, hosted by Britain’s top curry magazine, celebrate excellence in the industry, which generates over £4 billion a year.
Curry Life Media Group editor Syed Belal Ahmed said: “A major aim of the awards has always been to highlight best practices across the country, so everyone has the opportunity to learn from the best.
"Over the years, we’ve seen major improvements in standards, with some restaurants now even challenging for Michelin stars.”
Keynote speakers at the event included Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, who praised the industry’s role in uniting communities and boosting local economies.
He said: “Congratulations to everyone for their success at these awards.
"The hospitality industry is essential for making sure our high streets thrive and creating spaces for family and friends.”
Rushanara Ali, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, also emphasised the industry’s impact.
She said: “The British curry industry has been absolutely vital, not only creating opportunities for the British Asian community but also building a multi-billion-pound industry.
"It’s wonderful to see it go from strength to strength.
"Huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”
Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, praised the industry’s resilience, adding: "Despite challenges like rising costs and labour shortages, the curry industry’s strength remains unwavering.
"After this prestigious national award recognition, this Colchester restaurant continues to serve up incredible flavours, promising locals a taste of the very best in Indian cuisine."
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