The best of baltis were celebrated at a national awards ceremony with the West Midlands winning a clutch of awards.

Recognising top-class ethnic restaurants from across the UK, the Best in Britain Awards (BIBA) were held at the National Theatre on London's South Bank and attended by more than 150 restaurant owners.

Recently opened Itihaas in Birmingham scooped Newcomer of the Year, whilst the Mango Tree in Stonnall claimed the Wine List of the Year award.

The Mango Tree was also recognised in the UK's top thirty Indian restaurants along with Birmingham's Lasan.

Owner of Itihaas, 28-year-old Raj Rana said he was still in shock that the BIBA judges chose to recognise his restaurant.

He said: "I'm over the moon! When they announced we had won, I didn't believe it.

"It's really motivated our team - we're all walking around with beams on our faces today."

Jewellery Quarter-based Itihaas, which opened in February, is the first restaurant outside of London to scoop the award.

Mr Rana puts the restaurant's success down to its traditional- style service.

He said: "We pride ourselves on our five-star Maharaja service - which I think is often lacking in restaurants in this modern, stressful world.

"We've also bucked the trend of contemporary Indian restaurants and had the courage to go the other way and be more traditional."

Rajinder Ram, co-owner of the Mango Tree, said he was absolutely delighted to "fly the flag" for the region.

"Birmingham is the Curry Capital, but it's great that the West Midlands as a whole can be recognised for its quality service and food."

Mr Ram, attributes the successes of the family-run Mango Tree to specialising in South Indian costal food and a close relationship with wine suppliers, Churchill Vintners - who helped chose the wine list.

"There is so many Indian restaurants out there now, you want to try and do something a little bit different so that people will remember you."