Bradford is back where it belongs as the Curry Capital of Britain.

The district was announced as the winner in November, beating four-times winner and title-holder Glasgow into second place.

Aagrah Shipley, Shimla Spice in Keighley, Prashad in Horton Grange Road and Kiplings Restaurant in Greengates were the four Bradford restaurants voted by the public to represent the district.

The win, the first for Bradford since 2004, comes after the city was runner-up last year, being crowned England curry capital.

Councillor David Green, executive member for culture and tourism, said the district’s bid was praised for having a strong restaurant team.

“We know they really went the extra mile to achieve this presti-gious title,” he said. “We in Bradford know we have the best curry restaurants in the country – we just have to prove it, and this year we did.”

Imran Shaukat, Prashad’s restaurant manager, said the win was fantastic news.

“It is great to be part of it and thanks to all our customers for voting us in,” he said.

Bobby Patel, the restaurant’s owner, added: “It is keeping us out there in the forefront of people’s minds and Bradford is back up there where it deserves to be.”

Mohammed Rafiq, one of the partners at Kiplings, said it was a double celebration for the restaurant because it came on the venue’s 17th anniversary.

“This means a lot and it is great to be part of the winning team,” he said. “Bradford is the Curry Capital and it is a good omen.”

Arshad Mahmood, a director at Aagrah Shipley, said that he was glad to be part of the process.

“It is what Bradford deserves as we have the best curry in the UK,” he added.

Faisal Hussain, who joined the family business at Shimla Spice four years ago, aged 16, said he always knew Bradford was the Curry Capital.

The competition was organised by The Federation of Specialist Restaurants and judges visited 67 restaurants in the competition.

Organiser Peter Grove said it was Bradford’s understanding of the whole industry that made it a cut above the rest. “Not only does the district have great restaurants, but they are looking towards tomorrow and the development of the industry instead of just focusing on today” he said.

After the announcement, the cream of Bradford’s restaurant industry enjoyed a slap-up meal to celebrate the city’s official title.

Bradford “thrashed” its fierce rivals with a “tremendous effort”, said Mr Grove.

He had travelled from London with a delegation of Asian food experts to Aagrah’s Saltaire Suite in Saltaire Road, for the official presentation – and a plate full of delicious curry.

Anjali Pathak, from curry sauce empire Patak’s, handed over a trophy to Patricia Tillotson, Bradford Council’s visitor economy manager who co-ordinated the Curry Capital bid.