Britain has a long, long love affair with curry and the brisk, wet and miserable autumn weather is upon us, you might need heating up.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, curry grew increasingly popular in Britain owing to its association with the British Raj. And it's remained to this day, especially in Hexham.

And we could think of nothing better than a good old-fashioned curry.

Whether you want the UK's staple dish, the chicken tikka masala, or want to try your hand (and risk death) at a phaal, then the following restaurants cater for all needs.

Top 5 Indian restaurants in and around Hexham:

Zyka Boutique Restaurant

44 Priestpopple, Hexham NE46 1PQ England

Recent reviews: "Fabulous - really lovely selection of dishes on the menu, including some really good signature ones. Attentive staff, without being in your face. Special thanks to Mash who really helped me with my good allergy and checked in on me a couple of times."

"Its quite literally for me the best Indian restaurant I've eaten in. Each time we go I ask the amazing staff advice on what to try and everytime they listen to what I like and produce the perfect meal. Last night was no exception, 10/10".

Cilantro

19 Market Place, Hexham NE46 3NX England

Recent reviews: "Great food and wonderful service, we had a selection of the fusion tapas and it was delightful will definitely be going back!"

"An unusual Indo-Latino tapas restaurant which offers an extensive menu. You can order a main meal or a selection of small dishes to share. We found four between two was plenty. We have visited several times and always found the restaurant welcoming and excellent."

Saathi

28 Priestpopple, Hexham NE46 1PQ England

Recent reviews: "Very friendly staff and the food was excellent. We have regular take away food too which is always tremendous. We have never been disappointed with the quality of food or the service. Highly recommend. Thanks Saathi!"

"An amazing restaurant with great service but particularly the quality of the food, cooked to perfection with a delightful blend of spices and flavour. Exceptional".

The Spice Valley

Unit 1 Allen Mill B6295, Allendale, Hexham NE47 9EA England

Recent reviews: "If you are in the vicinity of Allendale and looking for a meal go here. Some of the best Indian I have ever had. In a reclaimed factory area, modern, bright and clean. Exceptional".

"Visiting the area, and found this in passing. We hadn’t booked but they managed to fit us in. The food was excellent and quick service."

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Acomb Tandoori

7 Acomb Industrial Estate, Hexham NE46 4SA England

Recent reviews: "I cannot recommend this Indians enough, there’s a lot of competition in Hexham for Indian takeaways Acomb tandoori is absolutely delicious, the food is good quality and pipping hot full of flavour. We live rural and they always deliver to us no problem."

"Well a really tasty take away . I had chicken dansak and pilau rice my husband had chicken biriani and sag aloo plus a garlic naan to share. It arrived on time and everything we ordered was there. We are from Worthing in West Sussex and our Indian takeaways always get it wrong. We'll done ."