Britain’s favourite cuisine were recognised and honoured at the 12th Annual British Curry Awards.

This year's event was hosted by comedian and impressionist, Alistair McGowan and welcomed luminaries from the worlds of politics, sport, film, television and the arts, as well as celebrity chefs, restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.

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Best Spice Restaurant in North West - Blue Tiffin, Oldham. 

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Special Recognition Award

Recognising the value of the curry industry on life in Britain, Prime Minister, Theresa May said via video message, “Today, curry is as close to this nation’s heart as fish and chips. 

"Right now, there must be thousands of British families sitting down to a spicy meal at home and in local restaurants, and curry is as popular in Westminster as it is across the country. 

"And what makes these awards so special, better than any Michelin star, better than any accolade, better than any critic’s writeup, is that they are voted for by the public. 

"They are the restaurants loved by local communities the length and breadth of Britain."

British Curry Awards 2016 winners:
Newcomer of the Year: Darbaar, London
Best Spice Restaurant in London Outer & Suburbs: Shampan Welling, Kent
Best Spice Restaurant in South West: Prithvi, Cheltenham
Best Spice Restaurant in North East: Aakash Restaurant, Cleckheaton
Best Spice Restaurant in Central London & City: Cinnamon Club, Westminster
Best Spice Restaurant in Scotland: Karma, Whitburn
Best Spice Restaurant in South East: Maliks, Gerrards Cross
Best Spice Restaurant in North West: Blue Tiffin, Oldham
Best Casual Dining: Dishoom, Covent Garden
Best Spice Restaurant in Midlands: Asha’s Indian Bar & Restaurant, Birmingham
Best Spice Restaurant in Wales: Sheesh Mahal, Llanelli
Best Takeaway: Chillie Pickle, Brighton
Additionally, the Special Recognition Award honoured the late Lord Ghulam Noon
 

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Heston Blumenthal and Enam Ali MBE

British Curry Awards founder, restaurateur and editor of trade publication, Spice Business, Enam Ali MBE, said, "I think most of the people in this country agree that the greatest concern has been Brexit. 

"For us, the unfair difference in UK immigration policy between Europeans and British Commonwealth citizens is why the Curry Industry supported Brexit. 

"The industry had to support vote Leave because we needed a fairer system assured for Britain by people like Boris Johnson, Priti Patel and others. 

"If “Brexit means Brexit”, we must work together to make Britain stronger and more open for business with the rest of the world. 

“Now, I hope the present government will rectify this situation by making Britain an example of fairness through equality. 

"This may sound very pro-immigration but, in fact, I believe that the control of immigration for any country is very important. 

"At least I am privileged that the present government seems willing to help us find a pragmatic solution to the current industry crisis.”

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Representing her charity, Children in Crisis, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York said, “The reason why I am standing up here tonight is because my father always brought me up on curry because he, for those of you who don't know, spent a lot of his life in India and he loved going to India. 

"One of his friends flew over to England and decided that he missed my father so much that he spread curry seeds under the window of his office, so for the rest of his life he smelt curry coming in though his window.
 
"And so when I came here tonight I thought to myself, Dad would be really proud of me standing up here."
For the second year in succession, British Curry Awards was sponsored by online booking site, kukd.com. 

Founder Shelim Hussain MBE said, “It is a great honour to be a part of a well-respected award ceremony that sets the benchmark for all others.  These Awards celebrate the achievements of a significant industry within the UK and we are proud of the association.”