OF 6,000 entrants, a Tilehurst curry house made it to the last stage of the finals in a Best Newcomer category for a prestigious award.

A team from The Zyka, along with customers, friends and family, attended the British Curry Awards on Monday night (November 25), along with a total of 1,800 guests.

READ MORE: The Zyka, Tilehurst, awarded at Curry Life Awards

The team just fell short of achieving the accolade, following their achievement earlier in the month of being named the 'best' curry house in Reading.

Zakir Khan, from the restaurant, added: "We just fell short.

"It must be noted that we were up against establishments that were recently opened by Michelin starred chefs with millions of pounds worth of investment.

"So to make it to this stage was a huge achievement."

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The Tilehurst eatery were Reading's only restaurant to be shortlisted, and they are now officially in the Top 100 Indian Restaurants rated by the British Curry Awards.

Mr Khan added: "We've been awarded a framed certificate and it will now take pride of place inside the restaurant!"