A Clayton-Le-Moors restaurant, that has been nominated for the Lancashire Telegraph’s Best Curry House competition, has thanked its customers for supporting it through some tough times.

Our readers have nominated Balti Stan, in Whalley Road, as one of the best curry houses in East Lancashire. We caught up with owner, Harun Miah, to see how he feels about the nomination.

The restaurant has been serving “mouthwatering Indian cuisine” since 1994 but Harun, who has been at the helm for 28 years, said the restaurant has faced some challenges over the years.

Harun Miah, owner of Balti StanHarun Miah, owner of Balti Stan (Image: Harun Miah)In 2017, the flat above the Balti Stan caught fire and earlier this year Harun warned that the restaurant may close due to proposed plans to install a pedestrian crossing directly outside.

Harun said his loyal customers always help the team through adversity.

Harun said: “When I am in trouble my customers help me. We had a fire a few years ago and I had so much support from them. I cannot thank them enough.

“I couldn’t do this without my customers and staff.

“We have had a lot of ups and downs this year and my staff would be over the moon to win.”

Food served at Balti StanFood served at Balti Stan (Image: Harun Miah) Harun, from Great Harwood, said he is grateful for his nomination for the competition.

He said “I am so grateful and thankful towards my customers who have voted for me so far.

“When I came here everyone supported me which is why I have been at the restaurant for so long.

"I am sure I will remain here for much longer. I am going to stay here for as long as I can.”

Harun said his business is his life.

He said: “Business comes first for me and this job is in my blood. I have been working in the industry [for most of my life] and I love my restaurant.

“I want to look after my customers and I really care about them.”

Harun said the restaurant’s food, created from a mixture of passed-down recipes and new ideas inspired by his visit to Bangladesh, is what makes it stand out from the crowd.

Its popular dishes change frequently but the lamb makhani is one of its “famous” dishes.

He said: “Most of our recipes have been passed down from my dad, Abdul Goni, who was a chef before he retired.

“Some of the new dishes originate from Bangladesh, where I visited myself.

“I have some very loyal customers and four generations come through the doors. I am so proud of that even though it can make me feel very old to see them grown up!

“I want to thank the customers and staff that have voted for me and hope they will continue to support me.”

The Best Curry Houses competition asked readers to nominate their favourite establishments for the much-loved cuisine, and you didn’t disappoint, with nominations flying in.

We have collated the votes and whittled them down to a top 10 that received the most nominations and have made the final shortlist.

Over the coming days, readers will be able to vote for their favourite restaurants by picking up a paper copy of the Lancashire Telegraph, with the winner announced next month.

Readers can vote for the ‘Best Curry House 2024’ by picking up copies of the Lancashire Telegraph between Monday, October 28 and Saturday, November 9.