TWO restaurants in the conurbation are a step closer to picking up a prestigious award.

Iford Tandoori in Bournemouth and Drgnfly Pan Asian Restaurant in Poole have been shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year at Britain’s Top Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2023.

The winners will be announced at a red-carpet event hosted in London Hilton Park Lane on October 8.

The ARTA awards recognise excellence, craft, creativity, and great taste by bringing the country’s most prestigious Asian restaurants and chefs together under one roof.

Shortlisted restaurants were chosen based on nominations by customers, which included more than 750,000 customers from ARTA’s strategic partner ChefOnline.

Founder member and CEO of ARTA, Mohammed Munim, said: “Asian restaurants have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times. They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts.

"These restaurants have not only created thousands of jobs but have also boosted local economies through their presence, especially post-BREXIT.

“To provide staunch support to the thriving Asian restaurants in Britain, ARTA acknowledges and highlights their importance in the culinary landscape.

"Each nominee is a worthy winner, and we look forward to celebrating with them all at the award ceremony on the 8th of October.”