Restaurants in Stevenage, St Albans, Potters Bar and Welwyn Garden City are among those shortlisted in the Hertfordshire category at this year's Asian restaurant and takeaway awards (ARTA).

Taking place on October 6, the prestigious ceremony recognises the best Pan Asian cuisine in the UK.

Taking place at London's Royal Lancaster, the the awards will be hosted by the BBC's Samantha Simmonds and magician Paul Martin.

Over 1,250 restaurant and takeaway outlets have been nominated in a range of categories.

In the Hertfordshire regional restaurant of the year category, Welwyn Garden City's Red Indian Restaurant is among the finalists , despite the sad news that it will close its doors at the end of August.

The Red Indian, Welwyn Garden CityThe Red Indian, Welwyn Garden City (Image: Google Maps) Also in Welwyn Garden City, Raj Of India has earned a nomination.

Family-run Indian restaurant Tamarind in Potters Bar has also made the shortlist.

Tamarind, Potters Bar.Tamarind, Potters Bar. (Image: Google Street View)
In Hertford, the Ginger Bar and Restaurant is nominated, along with Zaffran One in St Albans.

Ginger Bar & RestaurantGinger Bar & Restaurant (Image: Google Street View)
ARTA CEO Mohammed Munim said: “Asian restaurants and takeaways have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times.

Zaffran One, St AlbansZaffran One, St Albans (Image: Google Street View)

"They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts. These restaurants and takeaways have not only created thousands of jobs but have also boosted local economies through their presence, especially post Brexit.

"To provide staunch support to the thriving Asian restaurants in Britain, ARTA acknowledges and highlights their importance in the culinary landscape.

"Each nominee is a worthy winner and we look forward to celebrating with them all at the award ceremony on October 6."

The full of list of finalists for the Hertfordshire category is:

  • Neelakash Restaurant, Ware
  • Tamarind, Potters Bar, Potters Bar
  • Red Indian Restaurant, Welwyn Garden City
  • The Cochin Indian Restaurant, Hemel Hempstead
  • The Raj of Hertford, Hertford
  • Ginger Bar & Restaurant, Hertford
  • Zaffran One, St Albans
  • Abbots Tandoori, Abbots Langley
  • Cumin Bar & Restaurant, Turnford, Broxbourne
  • Raj Of India, Welwyn Garden City