An Indian restaurant in Kent has been named the best in the South East at the Asian Curry Awards.

The Rajdani, in West Kingsdown near Sevenoaks was up against Guffa Raja in West Malling as well as Taj Cuisine in Chatham and Tarana Indian Restaurant in Rainham - both of which were highly commended.

Staff received the accolade in front of 1,000 guests at a glitzy gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday, at an ceremony presented by MasterChef’s Greg Wallace and former Sky TV news anchor Samantha Simmons.

Owner Rob Khan said: “We are indebted to our loyal customers who nominated us for this prestigious award, making sure we made the shortlist to showcase the talents of our head chef Jimmy Shah and his hard-working team.

“Kent is home to some excellence Asian restaurants, so to be judged best of the bunch is high praise indeed.”

It comes as the family-run curry house, just a few hundred yards from Brands Hatch motor sports circuit in London Road, prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

The restaurant, which was opened by Rob’s father, Abdul, and cousin Suna Miah, two decades ago takes its name from the Bengali term for ‘Capital City.’ In days gone by, the finest spices and other culinary ingredients could only be sourced together in the capital’s food markets.

Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation which organised the awards, Yawar Khan, said: “We are in a growing market. More people are eating out and ordering takeaways than ever before.

"Yes, curry restaurants are closing every week. But the best will survive and thrive. There will be those that complain and do nothing. Then there will also be those that continue in innovate and raise standards."

The Asian Curry Awards are designed to recognise the best in the industry, encourage higher standards and inspire the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs.