An Oldham restaurant has been shortlisted as one of the best restaurants in the North West for a curry for the third time.

The Blue Tiffin on Higginshaw Lane has already won the "curry house Oscars" award twice in the past few years.

It won the top spot as the North West's Best Restaurant at the British Curry Awards in 2014 and 2016, and was nominated again only last year.

The Royton restaurant is now up for a chance to reclaim its title again at the 2022 British Curry Awards at its 18th annual ceremony which will take place at Evolution London, Battersea Park, on Monday, November 28.

The British Curry Awards 2022 will pay homage to the legacy of British Curry Awards founder, Enam Ali MBE, who died earlier this year as well as recognise the issues currently facing the UK curry industry amid the cost-of-living and energy crises.

The ceremony will see the finest curry restauranteurs from across the country as voted by the British public come together for the special night.

The evening will also welcome prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, sport, showbiz and entertainment as well as celebrity chefs.

However, the awards will also discuss how the sector is facing uncertainty amid the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation and spiralling costs.

The British Curry Awards said shopping bills for restaurants have increased by an average 40 per cent, oil has increased by more than 100 per cent and other curry house essentials such as onions have doubled in price to more than £14.50.

The Spice Business' "Onion Bhaji Indiex" indicates the average cost of an onion bhaji will jump from £4 to £12 while the average price of a curry could reach as much as £30.

Industry leaders fear it could lead to the closure of thousands of curry restaurants and the ceremony will highlight how the current crisis is unsustainable for most and how seven in 10 restaurants could be forced to close.

Director of the British Curry Awards, Jeffrey Ali, said: “The British Curry Awards 2022 marks the first year without our Founder, the late Enam Ali MBE.

"For decades, he tirelessly dedicated his life towards promoting and championing the UK curry industry, cementing The British Curry Awards as an 'institution'."

Mr Ali said the group strives to continue his legacy but said it was important to touch upon the sector's recent challenges.

He added: "Whilst the international community, especially the UK, faces a continued onslaught of economic uncertainty and political instability, we take solace from the general public who continue to support local businesses such as their local Curry Restaurants.

"We're currently developing the 'Onion Bhaji Index', which will help consumers and business owners alike to better understand prices at their local curry establishment.

"As a consumer-forward award platform, our goal is to promote the best in Britain, bringing real value to our nation’s customers.

"We have received tens of thousands of nominations this year and look forward to announcing the results of our months-long judging process and live vote due to be held at the biggest and most anticipated ceremony on the hospitality calendar.”