'A powerful form of recognition... this award comes directly from the hearts, and stomachs, of the public!'

THE owner of a Derby restaurant crowned the “best restaurant in Derbyshire” by our readers has described the win a “powerful form of recognition.”

- By OSCAR FISHER

Kerron Miah travels from Walsall every day to work at the family-run Spice Lounge in Friar Gate, which has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors more than 15 years ago.

The Indian/Bangladeshi restaurant is no stranger to picking up awards, having been named the “best Indian restaurant in Derbyshire” last year - so it's clear all that hard work and travelling is the recipe for success at The Spice Lounge. The restaurant fended off strong competition in our inaugural Derbyshire Dines awards, tipping both Aangan in Willington and Compamigos at Mercia Marina to the top spot, earning more than 3,400 votes along the way.