The cream of the curry industry gathered in Battersea on Monday for the 2011 British Curry Awards.

More than 1,500 restaurateurs, VIP guests and celebrities attended the gala awards dinner, now in its seventh year, at Battersea Evolution.

Prime Minster David Cameron, who has previously attended the awards, delivered a video message describing the awards as ‘uplifting and inspiring’ before announcing the evening’s first award.

Personality of the year was awarded to Shelim Hussain, a former part-time curry house waiter whose business, Eurofoods (UK), now has a turnover of more than £80m and employs over 200 people.

Indian Moment in Northcote Road, Battersea, run by restaurateur, Abdul Milad, was nominated in the category of best in central London award but narrowly lost out to Tamarind in Mayfair.

Guests included the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Conservative party co-chairman Baroness Warsi and a host of celebrities including Max Clifford, David Seaman, Charlie Brooker and Konnie Huq.