A popular Indian restaurant is saying thank you to its most loyal customers by throwing a VIP anniversary party to mark a quarter of a century in Warwick.

The team at Warwick Spice are hosting the special ticketed event to celebrate 25 years of serving local curry lovers in the same month as National Curry Week(6-12 October).

It is the fifth in a series of Indian restaurants to have occupied the Smith Street premises dating back almost 90 years, following Veranda and, before that, Ashas, Baratam and Assam Bengal.

In the building's most recent chapter, the popular family-run restaurant has accumulated a host of culinary awards, including Top 10 Indian Restaurant in UK two years running, in 2017 and 2018 – and won the affections and loyalty of thousands of customers.

It is the fifth in a series of Indian restaurants to have occupied the Smith Street premises dating back almost 90 years (image via EVERYBODY SMILE PHOTOGRAPHY)

Looking back, manager Hosoun Miah said: "Those 25 years have gone by so quickly. I remember my first day vividly when I had to tip a large bucket of water over my head because I was so hot. I didn't rest a single minute.

"It was extremely hard in the initial weeks months and years to survive. Wages were building up week by week and we were running out of funds and ideas when it came to marketing the business.

"One of the biggest challenges we faced was Covid which forced our business to close for several weeks and the newest challenge is trading in a climate of constantly increasing costs. But we are sure, with the support of our loyal customers and all the locals, we will get through.

"There was a point where we thought we'd possibly have to close down because sufficient business wasn't coming in, but we kept on believing in our menu and our service and, with suppliers' help, we pushed on. And here we are today."

Shaf Tahir, Head Waiter Shafi Miah and Floor Manager Titu Miah (image supplied)

The carefully selected menu has been specially crafted to offer a wide variety of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisines, including Chef's Specials. It has also accumulated a host of culinary awards over the years, including Top 10 Indian Restaurant in UK two years running, in 2017 & 2018.

Open 365 days a year, it is once again offering a special Christmas Day Menu.

Houson said: "It is our belief in what we are doing, the consistently high level of food and service, that has kept us going this long, even seeing off competition along the way."

Hosoun pictured with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan during his visit in 1997 (image supplied)

He added: "Every Warwick Spice meal is individually cooked to order so that it accurately captures the flavours and aromas of the food from our own home region. This means the dishes can vary slightly each time they are cooked and can be adjusted to suit personal taste and preference.

"Our experienced chefs are always willing to create a special dish for our diners using quality ingredients."

The restaurant has played host to many events across the years, including Bollywood and Elvis nights as well as their regular 'An Evening With' events with former snooker champions Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor.

Dennis Taylor pictured with Hosoun Miah at Warwick Spice (image supplied)

Special guests at the 25th anniversary event, on Wednesday 12 November, will also be treated to entertainment including live sitar music and a table magician.

There will also be a raffle to raise funds for one of the restaurant's most supported local charities, Molly Ollys.

Molly Ollys works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, and help with their emotional wellbeing.

Jackie Evans and Rachel Ollerenshaw of Molly Ollys with, from L, Rich Miah, Nash Meghji,Manik Miah and Hosoun Miah (image via Everybody Smile Photography)

As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The charity is just one those to benefit from fundraising support across the years, others including Myton Hospice, British Red Cross and Warwick Hospital.

For more information about Molly Ollys, visit here.

Sitar player Nasir Maghji has been entertaining Warwick Spice diners for 24 years (image supplied)