(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
National Curry Week is returning, with restaurants across County Durham and the UK preparing special menus and offers to celebrate one of Britain's favourite cuisines.
Launched in 1998, National Curry Week celebrates the curry industry and South Asian cuisine’s contribution to British food culture.
Restaurants, takeaways and diners join in each year to celebrate curry in all its forms.
Among those marking the occasion this year is Babul's, which has announced a special five-day "Naan-Stop Curry" promotion at its Darlington and Barnard Castle restaurants.
Announcing the offer in a Facebook post, the restaurant said: "National Curry Week is just around the corner and we have something special lined up.
"From the 5th to the 9th October, enjoy Naan-stop Curry at Babul's!
"Aloo can eat curry for just £25 per person, available every day from 3pm until 5pm.
The promotion will run throughout National Curry Week, giving diners the opportunity to sample a range of dishes from a dedicated menu.
The menu offers small plates such as pakoras, tikka bites, shingara and kofta bites, followed by a main curry and side dish.
Mains include rogan josh, madras, korma and palak, with a choice of chicken or paneer. Sides include rice, naan and fries.
National Curry Week has become a regular fixture in the UK's culinary calendar, reflecting the enduring popularity of curry across the country.
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For restaurants, it is a chance to showcase signature dishes and tempt customers to try something new.
Babul’s offer runs from 3pm to 5pm, October 5 to 9, at its Darlington and Barnard Castle restaurants, with bookings open now.