Seaton Tandoori, based in Seaton Carew, was voted Curry Life’s “Restaurant of the Year 2026” during a prestigious national awards ceremony at the London InterContinental Hotel.
A very proud owner, Syed Dulal, said: “We’ve done it! Your votes got us recognised nationally. Not in Hartlepool or Teesside or the North East. Nationally!
“Being recognised on a national stage alongside some of the very best restaurants in the British curry industry is an honour. Just being in the room was an absolute achievement. But you guys took us there to bring it home… AND SO WE DID!”
Syed, who opened the restaurant in 1998, went on: “We thought we were competing for Curry Life’s Restaurant of Year in Teesside, but your votes allowed us to win Best Restaurant of the Year in the NATIONAL CATEGORY!
“This is a testament to what our Hartlepool community can do when we back each other and our local businesses! We are truly humbled!”
He added: “What a journey. Thank you Seaton. Thank you Hartlepool. Thank you to each and everyone of you who steps through our doors and thank you to everyone who voted for us. This award belongs to our incredible staff, our family and every customer who has supported us, recommended us and chosen to dine with us! WE’VE BROUGHT A CURRY LIFE AWARD HOME TO HARTLEPOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
