The couple said it was an “amazing” feeling
Husband and wife team Laxman and Geeta Bhandari(Image: Geeta Bhandari)
A mum and dad have said all their hard work has “paid off” after their business was named the best in Liverpool. The 14th English Curry Awards 2025 returned this week, with a Waterloo venue taking home a prestigious title.
The Oceanic Awards shine a spotlight on the “remarkable talents and dedication of individuals and establishments within the curry industry”. This year was no different ,with the finalists representing the “crème de la crème”, showcasing the unrivalled skills and creativity of chefs, restaurateurs, and takeaway services across the nation.
The award winners were announced at a ceremony on Monday, August 11, at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. The night saw the nation’s curry connoisseurs gather to recognise and applaud the exceptional achievements of the curry sector.
However, one Waterloo venue stood head and shoulders above the rest. Da Mount Gurkha beat competition from Ikkayees Indian Restaurant, Sultan’s Palace, and Holdi Bar to be named the best curry house in Liverpool.
The team at Da Mount Gurkha(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The curry house first opened back in 2015 and has gone on to establish itself as a local institution, with customers travelling from miles around to dine there. It is run by husband and wife Laxman and Geeta Bhandari, who live in Crosby. While 49-year-old Laxman oversees the kitchen, Geeta, 43, is the head of operations.
Mum-of-three Geeta told the ECHO: “It was great for us. All our hard work paid off. The other 10 people who made the list are very good competition, so for us to win is amazing.
“It means a lot, especially as a family-run business. We do everything ourselves, and we look after our kids at the same time. It’s hard to do all this and be parents, but we love it. We will continue doing the great work we are doing. We want to add new dishes to the menu and hope customers love them as much as our curries that have won awards.”
Geeta Bhandari with husband Laxman at Da Mount Gurkha restaurant in Waterloo(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The couple previously told the ECHO how they were “surprised” to be nominated via email. They said their curry “is very special and not like any other”. Geeta added: “It’s fresh with all new ingredients. Once the customer orders the food, it is only then, we start to make it and take it to the table.”
The outstanding achievement award went to Askhaya, The Picture Dome in Kensington and Victoria Street’s Sultan’s Palace was recognised for its excellence.
Husband and wife Laxman and Geeta Bhandari(Image: Geeta Bhandari)
Irfan Younis, spokesperson for The 14th English Curry Awards 2025, said: “It was another memorable event that honoured the dedication and hard work of the nominees and celebrated the rich tapestry of flavours that the curry industry brings to the English culinary landscape.
“The awards provide a platform to applaud the exceptional efforts of those who have made significant contributions to the curry sector and continue to elevate the nation’s love for curry. We would like to congratulate all of our winners on their incredible accomplishments.”