Aldridge Indian eatery named Best Restaurant of the Year in prestigious national curry awards
An Aldridge eatery specialising in Indian cuisine has been named a winner in the prestigious Curry Life Awards 2025, cementing its status as one of the top 20 curry houses nationally.
Aura Indian Cuisine in Anchor Road, Aldridge, secured the top spot in the highly competitive Best Restaurant of the Year category.
The win was a moment of pride for the team at the restaurant, which first opened its doors in January 2019, and a celebration of the long-standing commitment to quality and service upheld by director Badrul Hussain, who remains hands-on in both the kitchen and front-of-house operations.
Mr Hussain said of the success: “I am so grateful to my father, my wife, and my brother for their endless support and dedication. My journey from my previous restaurant in Cheltenham to establishing Aura Indian Cuisine and other businesses, and now winning this award, demonstrates my drive and passion for the industry.”
The business is known for its deep, multi-generational connection with its customers, dedication to exceptional value for money - highlighted by its weekly four-course meal deal for £12.95 - and its creativity, showcasing signature dishes like Railway Lamb and Chicken Jalfrezi.
The awards were presented at a ceremony hosted by ITV broadcaster Nina Hossain on October 12 at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, Mayfair in London, bringing together the elite of the British curry industry, alongside politicians and media, to celebrate the innovation and excellence that define the sector.
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.”
Emphasising the industry's vital role, 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 MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Bethnal Green and Stepney MP Rushanara Ali, Kingswinford and South Staffordshire MP Mike Wood, Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton and Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who all spoke passionately about the contribution the industry makes to the UK economy and the communities they serve.
