ONE OF Southampton's best-known restaurants has been short-listed for another top award at a ceremony dubbed the "Curry Oscars".

Kuti's Brasserie, housed in the Grade II-listed Royal Pier gatehouse, could be crowned Best Restaurant in the South East at the British Curry Awards.

Curry kings from across the UK will descend on London on November 29 in the hope of being recognised as the best eatery in their region.

Kuti's was named Best Restaurant and Best New Restaurant in 2018, and Best Indian UK Restaurant in 2019.

Held in conjunction with Just Eat, the British Curry Awards will be attended by household names from politics, sport and entertainment, plus a sprinkling of celebrity chefs.

Last year’s ceremony was held virtually because of the pandemic. Those taking part included Love Island contestants Amy Hart, Eva Zapico and Nas Majeed, along with TOWIE star Jess Wright.

An awards spokesman said: "This year’s ceremony has particular significance, given the challenges faced by the industry over the past 18 months, and will acknowledge the industry’s spirit and resilience through difficult business and personal circumstances.

"The industry has seen many restaurateurs and staff tragically lose their lives to Covid, and this year's ceremony will pay tribute to those who have passed away.

"Additionally, issues such as staff shortages and the knock-on effect of multiple lockdowns have had a lasting impact.

"Nevertheless the curry community continues to work tirelessly to serve customers and diners across the UK with the nation’s favourite dish."

Enam Ali, who founded the awards, added: "It gives me great joy that, after the challenges of the last 18 months, my friends in the UK curry fraternity will unite once again in person to celebrate the nation’s favourite curry houses."

Andrew Kenny, UK managing director of Just Eat, praised the resilience of people working in the restaurant and takeaway sector.

He added: "Despite the many obstacles faced, from shortages in the supply chain to difficulty in recruiting skilled workers, restaurants have risen to the occasion and delivered customers a taste of normality when they needed it the most.

"We want to ensure that restaurants, especially in a sector which contributes so much to British culture, don’t just survive but thrive."