A MULTI-award-winning Keighley restaurant has celebrated a milestone.

Shimla Spice, in South Street, has marked its 25th anniversary.

The business was founded by three brothers – Basharat Hussain, Mohammed Ayub and Mahmood Akhtar.

Today, the restaurant is run by the second generation of the family.

Manager is Basharat's son, Faisal Hussain.

"My father and uncles still work in the business and help out but now mainly on the development side of the restaurant," says Faisal.

"Over our 25 years of trading we have developed a great relationship with customers, who have become like family.

"There are people who have been coming to the restaurant since we first opened. They have come with their children, who are now grown up and are visiting with their families. We have welcomed three generations over the years, which is great."

Faisal says that as the restaurant's reputation grew, locally-based clientele were joined by customers travelling from further afield and the expanding business opened two further branches – in Shipley and Burnley.

"We get many people who come to Keighley from far and wide to eat at our restaurant and they will stay in the area and visit attractions such as the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Cliffe Castle and Haworth village," he says.

Faisal adds that over the years, Shimla Spice has picked up more than 30 national and regional awards and was the only restaurant to be on the Curry Capital of Britain winning team for six consecutive years.

"Our aim since day one has always been to provide good food and a friendly service," he says.

"Through our hard work and dedication, we have been recognised with some of the biggest awards in the hospitality industry which has helped put Keighley on the map – and we are very proud of that.

"We've also worked closely with the community and with many local charities such as Manorlands, and with primary and secondary schools through providing food classes.

"We have enjoyed a fantastic 25 years of trading in Keighley and are looking forward to serving the people of the town and beyond for many more years to come.

"Our customers have been very much part of our success and we thank them for their support.

"And tribute also goes to all staff and management who work hard day in, day out, and have done for 25 years, to ensure the business is successful."