A SOUTHAMPTON MP attended a gala event to celebrate a restaurant winning a national award.

Kuti’s Brasserie, The Royal Pier, Southampton, was named the best Indian Restaurant in the UK, after winning the Tiffin Cup.

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, was one of the residents to attend this celebration on July 18, who nominated the restaurant as the best in his constituency.

Kuti said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming our friends and loyal customers to celebrate with us tonight, and we are filled with pride to represent Southampton as the best Indian Restaurant."

Guests were welcomed into the restaurant with live Bengali music and the food was served in an Indian barbecue buffet style by Kuti’s chefs, including chef Ravi Rao - the winner of the Tiffin Cup. Residents also enjoyed live jazz music out on the patio while chefs prepared food in the new outdoor kitchen

The evening was hosted by comedian Mike Osman, who spoke about Kuti’s career.

He said: "This little boy from Bangladesh’s dreams came true."

Further speeches were given by Royston and the butcher who provides the meat to the restaurant, Huw Eynon.

The final of the competition which saw Kuti's Brasserie win the title was hosted in the House of Commons on July 2.

The event saw 11 chefs from across the UK cook their dishes for a panel of ten judges.

Chef Ravi from Kuti’s Brasserie prepared Sikandari Royal Lamb for the judges.

The award was presented to Kuti and Chef Ravi by the Speaker of the House, John Bercow.