A newcomer to the curry scene has taken home an award recognising its place as the finest takeaway restaurant in the country.

Deepak Lall, 40, has been working hard to make his dream of a curry restaurant come true.

Joined by his wife, Amisha, 35, who gave birth to their daughter Jasmine earlier this year, the Lalls have created Chilli Tuk Tuk.

The take away has operated out of Woodhouse Road in Friern Barnet for the past three years.

Incorporating ten recipes from India the restaurant streamlined its menu to cover what the brits commonly order – the recipes are only known by Mr Lall and his chef Netra Basnet.

Based on customer votes, reviews and judging panels, the take away has been rated as the best takeaway in the country.

Mr Lall said: “This was such hard work which has finally paid off.

“This totally came out of the blue, but it is a dream to be given this award and thank you to everyone who recommended us for the award.

“I couldn’t have done this without my wife she is the voice and face of the business.

“We didn’t have any experience in restaurants so its wonderful to get the certificate.”

“Before this was just a dream and was enjoyable, but now we have a child and have to be able to give her something.

“This is a journey we have been on and I feel the pressure every day.”

The Lalls received their award at the British Curry Awards hosted in Battersea park on Monday.

Hosted by comedian and impersonator Jon Clegg, British Curry Awards, or the ‘Curry Oscars’ as fondly coined by David Cameron, welcomed a guest list of personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, television, showbiz and entertainment, as well as leading celebrity chefs, restaurant owners and their staff from across the country.

In attendance were: Russell Brand; Sir Vince Cable, Chris Grayling, Brandon Lewis and Baroness Verma; footballer David Seaman MBE and comedian Hardeep Kohli.