Six Watford area restaurants and cafés to win awards in 2024

From the 'Oscars of the curry world' to the Watford Observer's very own 'your favourite' awards, we're taking a look back at the achievements of the last 12 months.

St James Restaurant Bushey 

The new closed eatery in Bushey (Image: St James Restaurant) It was a bittersweet year for St James Restaurant, as it was heaped with praise in what would prove to be its final year in business.

Food snaps from when the Watford Observer gave St James its own glowing review. (Image: Newsquest) In May it was named in The Good Food Guide's 2024 list of the 100 Best Local Restaurants, being described as a "local gem"  by the guide.

It would prove to be the eatery's final honour, as it announced its closure in September after 27 years as a Bushey High Street staple.

Abbotts Tandoori

Kalam (left) and Emon (right) collect the ARTA award. (Image: Abbots Tandoori) Abbotts Tandoori won big at the "Oscars of Curry" last month, claiming a best chef award at The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA).

Abdul Kalam was crowned as the best chef in Hertfordshire, according to the panel.

Owner Emon Chowdhury had said he was hopeful a win would take the business, established in the village in 1988, “to the next level”.

Speaking after the result was announced, he said: “It was amazing to find out we had won. It was a fantastic feeling. We were overwhelmed with this award.”

Raj Garden Bushey

Raj Garden staff collect the award (Image: Google Maps) Also winning big was Raj Garden Bushey, with staff left "thrilled" after winning in the National Best Category at the Curry Life Awards.

The awards, organised by Curry Life magazine, were held on October 13 at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in Mayfair.

Owner Siddiqur Rahman Joynal said: "I’m thrilled. A Curry Life Award adds a further endorsement.

“We have been here a long time and getting an award adds to our presence and really spreads the word among our customers.”

The Grove

Food and drink from The Grove (Image: The Grove Hotel) The Grove has won a number of awards, with the latest being for its food offering.

The hotel on the outskirts of Watford was given a 'best dining experience' award last month.

Hotels across Great Britain and Europe were up for prizes across different categories, with The Grove winning a 'best in the UK' award for the food and drink on offer.

The awards are given out by  curators including Vogue, GQ, and Tatler.

It comes after the hotel picked up ‘best immersive experience' recognition at last year’s event and was also nominated for a Condé Nast Traveller readers’ choice award.

• The Raj Garden Bushey wins at Curry Life Awards 2024
• Abbots Tandoori chef scoops award at 'the Oscars of curry'

The Kitchen, Inspired, Kings Langley

Inspired in Hempstead Road (Image: Google Maps) 

The Kitchen, based at the Inspired sports facility in Hempstead Road, was awarded the 'Best Locally Sourced Coffee Shop 2024' in the county at the UK Enterprise Awards 2024.

Owner Adam Whitbread, who set up the business in 2017, said he was “proud” to win the award.

The Kitchen serves light bites and hot food from 8.30am to 4pm everyday, as well as a special evening menu every Thursday until 10pm.

Café Amici

Owner and chef, Donato Sinisi, celebrates the win with “nonna of the cafe” Carmela Sinisi, cafe assistant Susie Brady and restaurant supervisor Ania Wilnicka. ( (Image: Cafe Amici) Café Amici, in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, was voted as Watford Observer readers favourite café earlier this year.

It has been owned and run for the last 15 years by the Sinisi family who are of Italian heritage, serving both traditional English food and Italian cuisine.

Owner and chef Donato Sinisi said: “We are extremely happy and proud to have won this award.  We are a small team of dedicated staff all living in Croxley Green. 

“We work well together and feel very appreciated by all of our loyal customers for voting for us for this award.