AN INDIAN restaurant and takeaway in Winchester has been crowned the best in the county and fourth best in the UK at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Rimjhim in City Road received the prestigious accolade at the Curry Life Awards and Gala Dinner 2022, beating off stiff competition for the prize.

Owner Mukit Ahmed Showquat and chef Shahidur Rahman attended the ceremony alongside friends and family at The Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London on Sunday, October 9. 

Mr Showquat said: "I was surprised when I heard our name read out. I'm so happy and proud, but mainly I want to thank my chef, my team, and the people of Winchester who supported us. We have a lot of friends in the city and they are part of us and part of this achievement."

Hampshire Chronicle: Owner Mukit Ahmed Showquat and chef Shahidur Rahman speaking to the press after the ceremonyOwner Mukit Ahmed Showquat and chef Shahidur Rahman speaking to the press after the ceremony (Image: Rimjhim)

Since the inception of the awards 13 years ago, Curry Life and the associated magazine have been unique in recognising the best curry houses and chefs on a national scale.

It reaches around 10,000 Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese and Pakistani restaurants, with an estimated readership of more than 100,000.

An industry-recognised hallmark of quality, establishments are required to have a minimum four-star food hygiene rating before they can even enter. Rimjhim was awarded top marks during its latest inspection.

READ MORE: Indian restaurant dishes up free food to mourners at Winchester Cathedral

Having applied around six months ago, the 150-seat restaurant underwent a 'rigorous' assessment process which saw judges visit Winchester on more than one occasion to view the premises and watch the chefs in action.

Impressed by what they saw, Mr Showquat and his team were presented with a commemorative plate - which now sits pride and place on the wall of the restaurant - by Paul Scully MP.

Hampshire Chronicle: The commemorative plateThe commemorative plate (Image: Rimjhim)

Other notable guests at the evening included British footballer of Bangladeshi origin and on-loan Watford midfielder Hamza Choudhury, Labour Party MP Rushanara Ali, and prominent Sky News broadcaster, journalist, and author Adam Boulton - who presented the awards.

Now the dust has settled, Mr Showquat - who has been a restaurateur in the city for 15 years - is in the process of planning a celebratory event at the popular eatery, with all proceeds from the night to be donated to charity.

Rimjhim has become loved among locals for its contemporary Indian cuisine, including the chef's special slow-cooked lamb biryani.

Mr Showquat and his staff recently dished up free food to some 500 mourners outside Winchester Cathedral in the wake of her Majesty the Queen's death.