'Best' curry house in England named and it's in a tiny market town

The best curry house in England has been named. While major cities across the UK have a huge number of curry houses, the best one is actually located in a small market town. The recent English Curry Awards 2025 named the best curry houses in the country and in each region, with both small and large curry houses scooping awards for the authentic and flavourful dishes they serve up to locals.

And it's official: the best curry house in England is located in the North East of the country. Up against some stiff competition, the Curry Restaurant of the Year prize was awarded to Sher Khan in Alnwick, Northumberland. It also received the award for the best curry house in the North East. Curry houses around the country were awarded by region and by city, but the best overall is Sher Khan. The awards ceremony took place in Birmingham this week, and 2025 marks its 14th year.

Curry houses have become a staple of many British towns and cities. Locals in Alnwick have had excellent things to say about this local favourite.

One reviewer said: "The best curry we have had in years. Service was excellent and the staff super friendly. I'd totally recommend for great food and a relaxed sophisticated night out. Great value for money."

Another said: "The service was excellent with all the waiting staff being pleasant and attentive. They made really good recommendations and we appreciated that. The food was all excellent. We ordered a fairly wide range of items from the menu and it was all delicious. Reasonably priced too."

The wide menu in this restaurant features Indian classics, all priced reasonably. Starters can be purchased for as little as £3.95, while mains average around £10.

In the North West, Aroma Asian Restaurant in Burnley won the top prize, while Khandan Restaurant in Wellington won the award for Yorkshire and Humber. Spice Valley in Norwich was named Curry Restaurant of the Year in the East of England, while Everest Lounge in Market Harborough took the prize for the East Midlands.

Meanwhile, Lavang in Solihull was named the best in the West Midlands and Spice Route in Andover was named the best in the South East. The award in the South West went to Mattancherry in Taunton.

Prizes were also given out for the best curry houses of the year in major cities across England. London's best is Masala Inn in Bexleyheath. In Manchester, the prize went to Spice n Spirits. Meanwhile, Newcastle's is Sanskrit, Leeds' is Delhi Wala Food, Liverpool's is Da Mount Gurkha, Sheffield's is Prithiraj, Nottingham's is Anoki Restaurant, and Southampton's is Padharo Indian Restaurant.