Celebrations as Shropshire town’s balti house scoops second award in weeks

A Shropshire balti house is celebrating after being named Best Indian Restaurant 2026 at a leading restaurant awards.

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Shifnal Balti won the title on Thursday at the British Curry & Catering Awards.

It comes just weeks after the family-run restaurant was also named Indian Restaurant of the Year 2026/27 at the Prestige Awards, giving Shifnal Balti two major national award wins in quick succession.

The restaurant has also been featured in the 2026 edition of Harden's Restaurant Guide.

Following the Prestige Award win, local Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard sent an official letter of congratulations from the House of Commons, praising the restaurant's "fantastic achievement" and "outstanding record of excellence."

The balti house has been providing curries in Shifnal for 30 years.

In that time, the restaurant was visited by the late Pat Chapman, renowned food writer, broadcaster, and founder of The Curry Club and the Good Curry Guide.

The restaurant said that their most recent awards win honours the late David "Dave" Billson, who played an important part in the restaurant’s journey.

The Shifnal Balti team said: "To receive this award, so soon after our Prestige Award win, is an incredibly proud moment for our family and team.

“We are especially grateful to the generations of customers who have supported us throughout more than 30 years in Shifnal.

“We know both Pat Chapman and Dave Billson would have been so proud today. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to us and to everyone who has walked through our doors."

Manager at the restaurant Faz Ali said the award was a “tribute to his family, friends and everyone who has stood by the restaurant, giving special thanks to Rob and Ian, as well as the Shifnal community, for their friendship, loyalty and support throughout the restaurant's journey”.