Babul's, in Barnard Castle, has been nominated for The Northern Echo's best curry house competition.

The popular chain - which was founded by Rafique Uddin Babul in 1995 - is continuing its award nominations streak this year, being finalists in seven major culinary competitions. 

Originally known as Spice Island, Babul's has gone on to garner a strong reputation across County Durham, with the chain even opening a restaurant in Darlington - which was also nominated for The Echo's competition - back in 2022. 

While Rafique sadly died in 2023, his legacy lives on as Babul's continues to bring in swathes of positive reviews online, with one happy customer branding the Barnard Castle site as having "some of the best Indian food I've ever had". 

Speaking on the nomination for Babul's, which is based on the town's Market Place, Zak Ahmed told The Echo this week: "We have seen the 80s and 90s style curry house evolve into more of a city style eatery. We have been constantly developing. 

"We're still doing well at our Barnard Castle restaurant - Barnard Castle is a small market town and we are rubbing shoulders with big city restaurant chains. 

"It's all confidence that we are doing the right thing."

Babul's currently employs around 50 staff at both the Darlington and Barnard Castle sites - meaning there could be a bit of friendly competition on the cards with both being nominated for The Echo awards.

He continued: There's a bit of competition there with Darlington and Barnard Castle both being nominated - we can go head to head between staff. 

"This year for all the major restaurant awards we have been nominated and in the final in every one. We've now got five more to go. 

"Everybody that has got something to do with Babul's is happy to be a part of the journey. You can see how proud everyone is who working for us to be at an award-winning restaurant. 

"It is a nice feeling for everybody and a nice recognition for the team."

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You can make a nomination by picking up a copy of The Northern Echo, ticking the box of your favourite curry and house, and cutting out the coupon. 

Then post your coupon to Suite 10, Second Floor, Coniscliffe House, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7EE.

Voting ends Wednesday, November 13 2024. Photocopies or illegible voting coupons will not be counted. Full terms and conditions can be found here.