One of the most competitive things for a chef is running “the best Indian restaurant” in London’s East End where the famous “curry mile” attracts professional culinary judges and fussy customers from around the world.

East London Advertiser: Winning team at City Spice get 'Best Indian Restaurant' awardWinning team at City Spice get 'Best Indian Restaurant' award (Image: Ben Broomfield)

But that’s what the kitchen staff have managed this week at the City Spice—just in time for today’s Brick Lane Curry festival.

The restaurant has topped this year’s Curry Life awards as “the best Indian restaurant” in its category, beating off strong competition at the gala event.

“I grew up in Brick Lane so am delighted that we have won the award,” owner Abdul Ahad beamed.

East London Advertiser: Serving up at Old Truman Brewery in Brick LaneServing up at Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane (Image: Archant)

“There’s a lot of competition in ‘The Lane’ and it’s a real tribute to the staff and their commitment.”

The annual Curry Life awards attended this year by International Development State Secretary Priti Patel mark the contribution the multi-billion pound curry industry makes to Britain’s economy, with its 12,000 restaurants up and down the country.

This year’s awards recognised the best 11 curry restaurants and 24 curry chefs in Britain, a European best curry chef and lifetime achievements for services to the industry.

East London Advertiser: A taste of Brick Lane's street foodA taste of Brick Lane's street food (Image: Archant)

Meanwhile, Brick Lane is awarsh today with curry...

A family fun-day starts at 1.30pm in ‘The Lane’ being cordoned off from traffic till 6.30pm, making way for witches walking on giant stilts, arts and crafts, face-painting and haunted Halloween workshops for children.

Live entertainment is being laid on by Tower Hamlets Council including Bangla, brass and drumming performances, as well as community stalls.

East London Advertiser: Halloween masks for Brick Lane Curry FestivalHalloween masks for Brick Lane Curry Festival (Image: Archant)

Brick Lane has “erupted beyond its reputation for curries”, say festival organisers. It now claims to have the widest samplings of world foods in London.

A dozen curry houses are taking part with special promotions—Muhib, Ghandis, Standard Balti House, Chillies, Eastern Eye, Preem, Masala, Brick Lane Brasserie, Sheba, Moonlight, Curry Bazaar and Monsoon.