Ruchi Restaurant scoops top prize at national awards

Glossop’s much-loved multi-award winning Ruchi Restaurant has been crowned Best Restaurant of the Year at the Curry Life Awards 2025.

The glittering awards ceremony, one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of the curry industry, took place on Sunday 12th October at the London Marriott Hotel in Mayfair, where more than 900 guests - including top restaurateurs, celebrated chefs, politicians and industry figures - gathered to honour innovation, creativity and excellence across Britain’s curry houses. 

Hosted by ITV broadcaster Nina Hossain, this year’s awards recognised 39 winners from across the UK, with Ruchi proudly representing Glossop on the national stage. 

Restaurant owner Syed Ali described the accolade as a “huge honour,” expressing gratitude to the restaurant’s loyal customers and dedicated team. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to win Best Restaurant of the Year” said Syed. “A massive thank you to our customers who have supported us over the past 15 years, and to our amazing team for all their hard work! This award is a celebration of our community here in Glossop and everything we’ve built together.” 

Now in its 16th year, the Curry Life Awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s £4.2 billion curry industry, highlighting restaurants, chefs, and entrepreneurs who combine outstanding quality with innovation and flair. 

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and headline sponsor of the event, praised this year’s winners for their “extraordinary creativity and community spirit,” adding: 

“The curry industry is a cornerstone of Britain’s hospitality landscape, bringing people together and creating opportunities across every corner of the country. I have witnessed first-hand how curry restaurateurs invest in their people and adapt with agility. These awards celebrate not only culinary excellence but also the collaboration and passion that define our industry.” 

Founded in 2009, Ruchi has earned a reputation as a jewel in Glossop’s dining scene. Its Northern Indian and Bangladeshi-inspired cuisine is prepared with the finest seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, blending authentic flavours with modern touches. Sustainability is at the heart of the kitchen, with a commitment to organic and low-mileage produce wherever possible. 

From the moment diners walk in, Ruchi impresses. Guests are greeted at a serpentine bar serving Indian street food and tapas, before settling in to enjoy an à la carte menu that fuses traditional recipes with contemporary flair. Every dish is freshly prepared, reflecting the diversity and richness of the Indian subcontinent, while offering healthier options for those seeking low-fat or low-calorie choices. 

Curry Life editor Syed Belal Ahmed said the awards “shine a light on some of the industry’s biggest and brightest achievements,” noting that this year’s winners “represent the very best of British Asian entrepreneurship and culinary creativity.” 

For Glossop residents, this national recognition is a proud moment, affirming Ruchi’s status as one of the town’s most cherished dining destinations. The restaurant continues to welcome locals and visitors alike at its High Street location, offering a warm atmosphere, superbly prepared dishes and a menu that balances choice, quality, and authenticity.