AN Indian restaurant which has been keeping customers happy for 15 years has just scooped a national award.

The Achari Restaurant in Crook Street on the fringe of the town centre was awarded Asian Restaurant for 2019 in the North at a glitzy awards’ presentation at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Sanu Miah, Achari's owners, said he was “absolutely delighted” to receive the award after the restaurant was runner-up in 2012.

"It really is an honour to be considered the best in the North and to be recognised nationally."

The awards, run by the Asian Catering Federation, involved customer votes and filmed interviews as well as a review of the menu, the premises, the atmosphere and the service.

"We work hard to ensure that all our customers enjoy their dining experience with us,” added Mr Miah.

"We attract customers from a wide area. Some of them have been coming to us for years, we really value their opinion and many of them are now our friends.”

The honour comes just after a costly, major refurbishment of the premises – the third since it opened.

This has not only given the décor a boost with an urban chic theme but also enlarged the restaurant to allow give it up to 92 covers.

The Achari also employs a staff of 15 and has a five-star hygiene rating.

The Miah family first opened the restaurant to offer traditional Indian cookery and branched out into Bangladeshi cuisine and, more recently, into offering a fusion of Asian dishes on its menu.

The most popular signature dishes on their menu include green curry, fish curry and Handi curry.

"People still often ask for chicken tikka masala and it seems to remain a very popular dish with everyone," added Mr Miah.

The restaurant is particularly busy for its Sunday special. when customers can sample any of the starters and main courses for a set price.

"We do try to keep everyone happy," said Mr Miah.

Now, the Achari staff are planning an evening to celebrate its award when customers will be invited to join them.