THE RAJ restaurant in Station Hill, Chippenham, is the best south-asian restaurant in the Chippenham constituency according to a public vote run by MP Michelle Donelan.

The win means The Raj progresses in the Tiffin Cup, an annual British competition run by the Tiffin Club to find the best South Asian restaurant in the UK.

Nominees are selected by Parliamentary constituency and then put forward by local MPs, with one restaurant from every region shortlisted and invited to participate in an event held at the House of Commons, judged by MPs and guest celebrities, with the proceeds going to World Vision.

Owner Nazrul Islam said: “This is the first time I have known this competition being run in Chippenham. It is great to see the hard work of our staff being recognised by our Member of Parliament and the loyal customers who I must thank for voting for us. We want to continue supporting the local economy in the town."

Michelle Donelan MP announced the result on Tuesday evening following a public vote throughout July.

She said: “An incredible number of votes were received. As vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the British Curry Catering Industry, I am heartened to know such quality exists in our local area. These restaurants make a vital contribution to our local area and economy.”

The competition followed a Curry Industry Summit hosted by the Conservative MP earlier in the day, where she met with a number of local restaurateurs to discuss matters relating to the curry industry in Chippenham.