A curry house in Bury St Edmunds has made the national shortlist in the British Curry Awards which are to be presented later this month. The televised award ceremony, attended by more than 1,600 restauranters, celebrities and political figures, will take place in London on November 26.

There are around 10,000 curry houses across Britain and some 3,800 were nominated in the awards. Now Valley Connection, also known as the VC, has been named in the top 108. Kamrul Jaman, manager at the restaurant in Churchgate Street said: “To be shortlisted, it feels like we have won already.”

Since it opened in 2007 Kamrul says it has built its success through the creativity of its chefs with signature dishes Hariyali Chicken Masala and King Prawn Shalsha both proving popular.He runs the business with co-partners Abdus Shahid and Jabed Ahmed who is also head chef. It also offers a range of fish and vegetarian dishes.

The restaurant has already been named Bury’s best curry house in the BestOf awards, while town MP David Ruffley, a regular at VC nominated it in the Parliamentary Curry House of the Year awards with VC making the Eastern final.

Town MP David Ruffley, a regular at VC nominated it in the Parliamentary Curry House of the Year awards with VC making the Eastern final earlier this year.“Its fresh ingredients and great cooking. Friends always say it is one of the best curries they have had,” said Mr Ruffley.

“I’m a great curry eater and my local is Valley Connection. It is always packed and has a lively atmosphere.

“My girlfriend says it is one of the most healthy curry houses as it is all fresh and has few additives. It is great cooking and it doesn’t suprise me that it has become one of Bury’s insitutions.

“Whenever I take friends there, they always say it is one of the best curries they have had,” said Mr Ruffley.

Story by Mark Beaumont (Bury Free Press)