A Birmingham restaurant has been named No 1 in the region in the British Curry Awards.

Asha's Indian Restaurant and Bar in Newhall Street is celebrating after being named the best Indian restaurant in the Midlands.

It is the second successive year it has taken the honour - the first time this has been achieved.

Asha's director Pawan Kenth, who owns the Birmingham outlet in conjunction with business partner Paul Bassi, said: "We have won many awards over the years, but this is 'hot' even by our own high standards.

"Our thanks go to our valued customers and hard-working team, without whom accolades like this would not be possible.

"To be recognised in this way by our peers is hugely gratifying and it is great for Birmingham."

The British Curry Awards - often dubbed the Curry Oscars - took place at London's Battersea Evolution on November 27 and were attended by top businesses in the Asian culinary community.

Asha's is named after famous Hindi singer Asha Bhosle, and opened in December 2006.

Facilities include a bar lounge, meeting rooms and private dining in addition to the main restaurant area.

It has become a popular choice for celebrities, politicians, footballers and business leaders.

Chicken Biryani from Asha's

British Curry Awards 2017 winners

Best Spice Restaurant in Scotland: Sanam Tandoori, Falkirk
Best Spice Restaurant in North West: Viceroy Carlisle
Best Spice Restaurant in North East: Mumbai Lounge, York
Best Spice Restaurant in Wales: Rasoi Indian Kitchen, Swansea
Best Spice Restaurant in Midlands: Asha’s Indian Bar & Kitchen, Birmingham
Best Spice Restaurant in South West: Koloshi, Cheltenham
Best Spice Restaurant in South East: Malik’s Cookham
Best Spice Restaurant in London Outer & Suburbs: Shampan Bromley
Best Spice Restaurant in Central London & City: Cinnamon Club, Westminster
Best Casual Dining: Dabbawal Jesmond
Best Newcomer: Dishoom, Kings Cross
Best Takeaway: Chilli Pickle, Brighton

British Curry Awards highlight closures crisis

As well as recognising talent and quality, the British Curry Awards highlighted the growing challenges faced by the curry business.

It's estimated that 90 per cent of UK curry restaurants are currently affected by a crippling shortage of chefs, which is causing an average of four curry restaurant closures each week.

In the past 18 months, the number of licensed curry restaurants has declined by 13 per cent, with more than 1,000 restaurants closing their doors on the UK’s high streets for good.

Industry chiefs claim the main factor behind the crisis is the Government’s immigration policy in relation to skilled workers from outside the EU. Visa applications are often refused.

Asha's, 12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham
Asha's in Newhall Street, Birmingham

The UK curry industry is also said to have been the victim of a 'Brexit Betrayal' since the referendum vote took place.

Former International Development Secretary Priti Patel galvanised the industry to vote 'leave' by saying a Brexit vote would allow the curry industry to relax non-EU immigration rules and save British curry houses.

She argued that uncontrolled immigration from the EU meant the UK could not bring in the talents and the skills from other parts of the world to support the economy.

The industry was hoping an Australian points-style immigration system would allow them to hire more staff from countries such as India and Bangladesh.

However, Theresa May since ruled out such a system.

Asha's in Birmingham
Asha's Indian Restaurant in Birmingham

Speaking at the British Curry Awards, Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Vince Cable said: "If there was ever any doubt beforehand, the shortage of curry chefs is now a crisis.

"The government received excellent suggestions on how to solve this problem over 18 months ago, but this well-researched 75-page document has sadly gone ignored.

"Theresa May must revisit these proposals, which include a tightly controlled, one-year work visa, so that our curry restaurants can bring expert chefs to the UK and to train the next generation of curry cooks.

"We need more urgent measures, including what has been dubbed a ‘vindaloo visa’, to save the nation’s favourite cuisine."

Asha's Chef Guneet Singh Binbi with some of the restaurant's dishes
Asha's Chef Guneet Singh Binbi with some of the restaurant's dishes

British Curry Awards founder, restaurateur and editor of trade publication, Spice Business, Enam Ali MBE, said at the event, "Theresa May commended our industry as a shining example of hard work.

"Now, a curry restaurant closes every week because of the new rules stopping experienced curry chefs from India or Bangladesh from coming over.

"This new legislation has been strangling our industry. How many British people want to work in a curry restaurant as a chef or a waiter? Evidence shows it’s next to none. We remain hopeful that our proposal provides a starting point for an answer to this crisis."

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis acknowledged the problems and indicated he will work closer with the industry to find solutions.