A family-run curry house that has been serving the community for 36 years has won the Guardian's Indian of the Year Award.

When Purbani Tandoori, in The Avenue in Highams Park, opened in 1983 it was the only Indian restaurant in the area.

It is now run by owner and head chef Tony Raja with the help of his two sons sons, Mo, who is director of business, and Raj, managing director, as well as Tony’s son-in-law Rahman, who is customer supervisor, and Tony's grandsons.

Tony said: "Having been recognised as the best Indian restaurant and takeaway of the year shows the hard work our the kitchen team and cooks have put in as well as the front of house to make sure we always provide our old and new customers the food and service that they deserve all year round.

"We always use the freshest produce and spices to ensure all the dishes are the traditional Indian home-cooked style form of cooking which customers can enjoy, whether it is dining in our contemporary surroundings or the fast and efficient takeaway delivery service that we provide."

The restaurant hopes to expand in future, with seating upstairs and a mezzanine and balcony.

He added: “It is a great feeling to be recognised as the best Indian restaurant and takeaway of 2019 in the whole of Waltham Forest as well parts of Essex. We first opened our doors on 1983 in Highams Park and we were the only restaurant back then. Now there are a huge selection of many restaurants, so to be crowned the best in all of Waltham Forest and parts of Essex is a great achievement.

“We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support over the past 36 years as well as all our new customers that we are starting to see. Without them this journey would not have been possible and I hope my two sons Mo and Raj continue this journey for the next 36 years - they also have plenty of experience between them."