THESE FOUR restaurants are keen as mustard to be crowned Britain’s curry kings.

Chilli Pickle, Indian Summer, Curry Leaf Cafe and Blue Mango are the four curry houses tasked with knocking Bradford off top spot to clinch the title of Curry Capital of Britain.

Last year Brighton and Hove finished runners-up to the Yorkshire city, who are gunning for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title next month.

Councillor Adrian Morris, lead member for tourism and arts, said: “Curry is a big part of the foodie scene in the city, thanks to the quality of restaurants including The Chilli Pickle, Curry Leaf Café, Blue Mango and Indian Summer.

“We wish them every success in their bid to make Brighton and Hove Britain’s Curry Capital for 2015.”

The 13th Curry Capital of Britain Awards was launched at Indian Summer in East Street, Brighton, in March.

Last year, Bradford was crowned the curry king of the UK for the fourth year in a row, but Brighton and Hove leapt from 13th place to second and now has an eye on the top spot.

The awards coincide with National Curry Week in October, now in its 18th year.

According to marketing researchers Mintel, £27.7 million is spent annually on poppadoms alone, and Indian food is the market leader in the UK.

But the awards celebrate more than just turnover.

Peter Grove, chairman of judges and organiser of the event, said: “Curry Capital of Britain is not about curry restaurants alone.

“If so London would win each year based on sheer numbers with Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford as regional contenders.

“Instead the event is about something more.

“What we are looking for can be summed up in one brief phrase – community cohesion through curry.

“As Plutarch, the first century Greek historian, once said – a guest comes to share not only meat, wine, and dessert, but conversation, fun, and the amiability that leads to friendship.”

To vote for your favourite restaurant and for Brighton and Hove to be crowned the Curry Capital of Britain, email votecity@fedrest.co.uk.