As a staple of Warwick’s thriving restaurant culture for more than 25 years, Warwick Spice Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant have every reason to celebrate in 2026.

Since first opening its doors in 2001, this much-loved local landmark has clocked up countless accolades across the years, from No. 1 Indian Restaurant in Warwick and Leamington Spa as voted by locals to the prestigious title of ‘Most Loved Indian Restaurant in the UK’, taking in Honours from the House of Commons and Buckingham Palace along the way.

Fast forward to today and Warwick Spice’s reputation for authentic flavour, warmth of welcome and genuine passion people and place shine through under the guiding hand of Manager Hussain Miah, who couldn’t wait to welcome us back earlier this month to celebrate 25 years of award-winning Bangladeshi hospitality in the heart of Warwick.

Settling into our surroundings, which – on this occasion – came complete with a soundtrack of live sitar music, played by resident performer Nash, I was instantly reminded of what sets Warwick Spice apart from so many of its nearby competitors. From popular curry-house staples like the Tandoori Chicken Balti, Biriyani, Rogan Josh and Sagwalla to the celebratory ‘Chef’s Specials’; Chicken ‘Jumri’ cooked with kidney beans & garam masala, King Prawn Orange served medium-spiced and cooked in orange peel and the ever-popular Makhoni; an opulent chicken dish served in a fragrant almond and cream sauce, there was no taste left uncatered for and no ask too great for the venue’s warm and attentive waiting staff, who were always on hand to offer advice based on our particular palette (and spice threshold!)

Tucking into an appetiser of Papadom served with a fresh onion salad, cucumber raita and sweet mango chutney, it was time to get serious and choose a starter. But why have one when you can have three?

Opting for the Tandoori Mix, priced at a very reasonable £6.50, I tucked into the tasy trio of freshly prepared Lamb, Chicken Tikka and Sheek Kebab without hesitation. Cooked to absolute perfection and served with a generous helping of side-salad, the Sheek kebab was richly spiced with a subtle kick of chilli that lingered on the tongue, whilst the tender chunks of tandoori-spiced chicken and lamb simply melted in the mouth.

And speaking of melt-in-the-mouth, my partner’s choice of Chicken Pakora was nothing short of exceptional. Served in a deliciously light batter, subtly spiced, with generous chunks of fresh chicken, this was home-cooking at its finest and, at £6.75 per portion, exceptional value for money for the portion size too. And for the non-meat eater, I thoroughly recommend tucking into a portion of Belpuri Chana (£6.25); a tangy Indian street snack served with chickpeas, chutneys & spices! There is something nostalgic, even timeless about Warwick Spice’s welcome. From the beautifully manicured table linen to the rich aroma of spices emanating from the nearby kitchen, sampling your favourite dish here feels akin to coming home somehow and that’s exactly how you are treated…like old friends!

With so much choice on offer, here was a chance to deviate from my tried-and-tested Lamb Tikka Masala and take a punt on something genuinely different. Opting for the Manik’s Special (£13.95) served with Garlic Naan, with a side order of fragrant Bombay Aloo, I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. Served in. a medium-spiced sauce, the fragrant pieces of fresh chicken thigh couldn’t have been any more tender.

Shot through with subtle undertones of cumin, coriander, onion and chilli, this was traditionally Bangladeshi comfort-food just as it should be; warming, satisfying, generously portioned and jam-packed with authentic flavour. And speaking of traditional home-cooking, nothing (in my humble opinion) quite beats the taste of a Naan-bread served piping hot from the tandoori clay oven! Particularly (as in this case) when it’s the size of two dinner plates!

As our evening drew to a close, there was just enough time to tuck into a serving of traditional Gulab Jamun (deep fried dough-balls served with sugar syrup) and vanilla ice cream before heading back out into the world, fed, watered and warmed by the friendly conversation, humour and unwavering passion of its waiting staff.

25 years on and still going strong, it isn’t hard to see why Warwick Spice’s reputation for great quality, affordability and – perhaps above all – unwavering community spirit – continues to hold fast, despite everything an ever-changing world might throw at them. From Bollywood nights to regular fundraisers for local charities like the nearby Myton Hospice, discounted incentives for regulars to singalongs with the King of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Warwick Spice’s recipe for success lies as much with its passion for people as its cuisine (as delicious and expertly prepared as it is). That, ultimately, is the secret to its longevity and I, for one, look forward to many more visits in years to come.

Katherine Ewing

Food: 4 Stars
Service: 5 Stars
Ambience: 4 Stars
Overall value: 4 Stars
Rating: 4 Stars