A WEST Somerset curry house is one of four from the Westcountry to reach the finals of this year’s Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) ‘Restaurant of the Year’ awards.

The Bengal Spice, in Williton, will find out if it has won when the winners are announced during the 19th BCA awards on November 1, which are being held in the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, in London.

The other finalists from the region are the Spice of Bengal, in Calne, Brunel Raj, in Clifton, Bristol, and Amazing Asia, in Weston-super-Mare.

They will go head-to-head for the prestigious title alongside restaurants from other regions across England and Wales.

The awards celebrate the chefs, restaurateurs, staff, and entrepreneurs behind British Bangladeshi restaurants and takeaways, an industry which has helped shape the UK’s food culture for more than six decades, turning curry into a national favourite.

As restaurants continue to face rising costs and staffing pressures, the shortlist recognises businesses which are working hard to serve their customers and support their local communities.

The winners will be chosen by a judging panel based on food quality, service, hospitality, presentation, consistency, innovation, and the overall customer experience.

The Bengal Spice, in Williton, is a regional finalist in this year's Bangladesh Caterers Association Awards.
The Bengal Spice, in Williton, is a regional finalist in this year's Bangladesh Caterers Association Awards. (BCA)

The awards also recognise chefs, staff, business leaders, and emerging talent across the sector.

BCA president Oli Khan said: “Reaching our 19th BCA Awards is a proud moment for the association and our industry.

“This year’s theme, ‘honouring today’s achievements, inspiring tomorrow’s success’, reflects the spirit of everybody who has built this sector, from the pioneers who opened the UK’s early curry houses to the chefs, families, and entrepreneurs shaping its future.

“Our shortlisted restaurants show the skill, resilience, and ambition that continue to make this industry such an important part of British life.”

The association represents 12,000 UK curry houses and takeaways supporting about 100,000 jobs and £4.2 billion in sector turnover.