A SOMERSET curry house has been crowned Best Restaurant of the Year at a prestigious food awards.

Alcombe Tandoori, a mainstay of the Minehead food scene since 1999, picked up the accolade at the Curry Life Awards 2025.

The gong recognised the restaurant’s 25-year reputation, its focus on speciality Indian seafood, and the deep commitment of manager and head chef, Jubar Ahmed.

It secured top spot in the Best Restaurant of the Year category, with the Alcombe Road eatery priding itself on a 5-star hygiene ratings and a deep-rooted bond with the community, which it consistently supports through charity and service.

Jubar said: “My customers, who have supported the restaurant since its inception in 1999 – yes, the award goes to them.”

He said he hoped the prize would “raise our profile everywhere in England”.

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The win was announced at the glittering Curry Life Awards 2025 ceremony on October 12, hosted by ITV broadcaster Nina Hossain at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, in London.

Syed Belal Ahmed, editor of Curry Life Media Group, said: “The UK’s curry industry features some of the country’s most innovative entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. All of them have inspiring stories to tell, and they must be given the necessary support to grow and thrive.”

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, the event’s headline sponsor, added: “The curry industry is a cornerstone of Britain’s hospitality landscape, bringing people together and creating opportunities across every corner of the country.

“In today’s climate, marked by high energy bills, workforce challenges and ongoing economic headwinds, our restaurants have shown extraordinary creativity and community spirit.

“As founder of Cobra Beer and former president of the CBI, I have witnessed first-hand how curry restaurateurs invest in their people and adapt with agility.

“The Curry Life Awards celebrate not only culinary excellence but also the spirit of collaboration that defines our industry. These awards enable us to write the next chapter in Britain’s curry story, building on our collective strengths to ensure the sector thrives for years to come.”

Other guests at the awards ceremony included Stephanie Peacock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, MP Rushanara Ali, Mike Woods MP, Wendy Morton MP, and Ben Obese-Jecty MP, who all spoke passionately about the contribution the industry makes to the UK economy and the communities it serves.