FOLLOWING more than 2,500 nominations, the shortlist for the inaugural Bradford Curry Awards has been revealed.

The awards have been set up to celebrate the best of Bradford’s curry restaurants and the industry’s contribution to the district.

Bradford is already the UK’s Capital of Curry – for the sixth year in a row – and the awards will honour the crème de la crème of Bradford’s curry restaurants.

There are more than 200 outlets across the district, and curry lovers were asked to nominate their favourites for the awards, which have been now been whittled down.

Fatima Patel, event director for the Bradford Curry Awards said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed with the response.

“We were aware that the people of Bradford love their food and know their curry, but they’ve really rallied round to support their favourite establishments.

“It’s been phenomenal to see how passionate everyone directly involved is about their industry and what it means to the Bradford economy.

“As well as showcasing the best of the industry, we hope the awards will also help to attract new talent, so ensuring it is sustained and continues to grow long into the future.”

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Seven of the eight categories will be decided by expert judges, who will be visiting the restaurants to pick their favourite, and one category – the Best Restaurant - People’s Choice award – will go back out to a public vote, which will be open until Thursday, April 12.

The winners will be revealed at a glitzy ceremony at the Cedar Court Hotel in West Bowling on Tuesday, April 17.

The shortlist is:

Best Restaurant - Judge’s Choice: Café Akbars, Jinnah, Prashad, Shimla Spice, Sultan.

Best Restaurant - People’s Choice: Akbars, Café Akbars, Jinnah, Prashad, Shimla Spice.

Best Vegetarian: Aagrah Midpoint, Bombay Bites, Jinnah, My Lahore, Prashad.

Best Takeaway: Bhajis & Beer, Curryosity, My Lahore, Shimla Spice, Sultan.

Best Customer Service: Café Akbars, Jinnah, My Lahore, Prashad, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill.

Best Chef: Jinnah, My Lahore, Paprika Lounge, Prashad, Sultan.

Best Manager: Akbars, Café Akbars, Jinnah, Kebabeesh, My Lahore.

Best Caterer: Aagrah Midpoint, Aziz Catering, Café Regal, My Lahore, Pakistan Catering.

To vote for the People’s Choice award, visit bradfordcurryawards.co.uk/index.php/nominate.

As well as representatives from the nominated restaurants, Bradford business leaders and politicians, the public can also attend the awards ceremony.

For tickets, visit bradfordcurryawards.co.uk, email tickets@bradfordcurryawards.co.uk, or call 01274 735657.