A BOURNEMOUTH restaurant has been named winner of Asian restaurant of the year in the south west of England. 

The awards is known as the "Curry Oscars" and the ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair on Sunday 17 November.

Indian Ocean, based on West Cliff Road, scooped the Asian restaurant of the year gong.

The event was attended by 1,200 guests and hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds with guest speakers including the parliamentary minister for business and trade Sarah Jones MP, and Rushanara Ali MP, undersecretary of state at the ministry of housing, communities and local government.

The award winners were chosen from all over the UK by the Asian Catering Federation.

Mr Yawar Khan, chairman of the Asian Catering Federation said: “It is with immense pride that we present these awards each year.

"The success of every business here tonight is down to the passion, determination and culinary talent that drives this industry forward.

"Congratulations to all tonight’s winners and huge thanks to everyone who invests in our industry which continues to contribute billions to the UK economy each year despite the challenging economic climate.”

(Image: Asian Catering Federation)

The awards covered a different categories including fine dining, casual dining, street food, and the complete range of Asian and Oriental cuisines. Kahani in London’s Sloane Square was awarded fine dining restaurant of the year, and individual cuisine award went to Sushi Mama in Manchester, for Japanese restaurant of the Year, and Hakkasan in London won top Chinese restaurant. Thai restaurant of the year was scooped by Tiien Thai.
 
Head chef Shamim Cowdhury from Aramintas in Northampton was also presented with a top chef award and named as the Asian Curry Awards chef of the year, while Mohammad Sultan of Charcoals in Glasgow was honoured as this year’s curry king. 

Best newcomers included Madhu’s Brasserie (Richmond), Guru Ji (Fleet), Panas Falcon (Welling), My Indian (Ammanford), the new Colonel Saab in Trafalgar Square, and The Bank (Chorleywood).

The ACF aims to unite Asian caterers on one platform; campaign for greater recognition; achieve members’ common goals through partnerships with government and other organisations; provide help with training, and create careers in Asian catering.