An Indian restaurant which is doubles as a pub and sports bar has been chosen as the best venue in Redbridge.

The Ash Grove, in Green Lane in Ilford, was praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and not encouraging binge drinking at the Best Bar none awards.

Manager Randip Rehinsi said: “We took over in 2011 to offer customers somewhere to get a pint and a curry, which I think turns people away from binge drinking.

“We also do not offer things like two for one deals as this also encourages binge drinking, but it is a bit of a catch-22 situation as obviously we want to keep custom coming in.

“We were happy to take over as pubs, especially in this area, are a dying breed and we are now able to offer something different, while at the same time keeping a pub atmosphere.

“Before a restaurant was put into the pub around five years ago the place was really run down and had a bit of a stigma attached to it so it feels like quite an achievement to win the best venue award, and hopefully we can build on this.”

The New Fairlop Oak pub in Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, which won a distinction, while the Slug and Lettuce, in George Lane and the George pub, in High Road, both in South Woodford, won merits.

The George and Nightingale pubs, both in Wanstead, were given a ‘special credit’.

BBN is a national awards scheme which recognises good alcohol management practices and aims to improve safety and security and lower crime by working with the police and Redbridge council.