The owner of two Suffolk Indian restaurants is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award. 

The Chequers Indian Lounge in Great Blakenham won the prestigious 'highly commended' award at the Asian Curry Awards in London on Sunday, November 19. 

Held at the Grosvenor House in Mayfair the event was hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds, with guest of honour London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Owner Nasir Jilani said: "We are thrilled to receive such amazing recognition.

"Our team work hard to deliver an amazing experience, we attract customers from afar due to our excellent food and amazing interior.”

Also at the event Jilani in North Street, Sudbury, was named Newcomer of the year after the restaurant opened for the first time in February. 

Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London, said: “Asian cuisine has a very special place in British society.

"I was delighted to be back to support The Asian Curry Awards and meet so many inspiring businesses owners and chefs who have shown incredible resilience and ingenuity in the face of many challenges, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis."