Spice Heaven in Whitchurch wins Best Restaurant at the Curry Life Awards after 25 years

Twenty-five years of cooking, loyal customers and steady menu development have earned Spice Heaven in Whitchurch one of the top prizes in the British curry industry. The Station Road restaurant was named Best Restaurant of the Year at the Curry Life Awards 2026.

Owner ABM Samsur did not set out in hospitality. While working for a finance company he spotted an opportunity to become involved with an Indian restaurant, learned the business as a partner and eventually took ownership himself. Spice Heaven has now been serving the Whitchurch community for a quarter of a century.

One constant has been the kitchen. "The chef has been here for 25 years," ABM Samsur said. "We have very, very good food, very good customer reviews and very good service as well."

For the owner, the greatest compliment is seeing customers return year after year, often bringing the next generation of their family with them. "We're absolutely delighted," he said. "When customers keep coming back and bringing their family, that's the biggest reward. This award means a lot to all of us."

Spice Heaven is known for an evolving menu that introduces new dishes each year while keeping customer favourites. Many recipes use 100 per cent coconut cream, and specialities include goat, beef and rabbit dishes as well as a popular Spicy Lamb and Butter Bean curry. "When everybody likes it, then we put it on the menu," the owner said.

The 50-seat restaurant is decorated in rich shades of purple, and one regular summed up its appeal: "Every visit brings something different. The food is full of flavour; the dishes are unlike anywhere else locally, and you can always rely on the same high standard."

The Curry Life Awards took place on Sunday 4 October at the InterContinental London Park Lane, hosted by BBC presenters Jon Kay and Luxmy Gopal. Thousands of customers voted for their favourite restaurants, takeaways and chefs before judges chose the winners, with 41 awards presented on the night.

Curry Life Editor Syed Belal Ahmed said the industry features some of the country's most inspiring businesspeople and restaurateurs, and that the awards give them a national platform.

Spice Heaven is at 4-6 Station Road, Whitchurch. Menus, opening hours and online ordering are available on the Spice Heaven website.