Prestwich Indian and Rochdale restaurant named big winners at prestigious Asian food awards

Some of Greater Manchester’s best Asian restaurants and takeaways have been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony attended by celebrities including Patsy Kensit.

Taking place at the Royal Lancaster in London on Sunday night (October 6), the annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2024 (ARTA) celebrate the best of the nation’s restaurants, with awards also specifically praising those serving Asian fusion, street food, and Japanese food.

The biggest award of the night, the Champion of Champion title, was handed to Radhuni Lounge Restaurant, which is based in Risborough, Buckinghamshire, for its selection of Indian dishes, but there were also plenty of big winners for venues much closer to Manchester.

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The National Takeaway of the Year award was handed to Indian takeaway Bombay Cuisine, which is based in Prestwich. The Whittaker Lane restaurant and takeaway serves a range of house specialities including a Bengal Balti, inspired by dishes served in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, and a Murgh Musallam, a medium-spiced dish featuring tandoori chicken and a host of herbs and spices.

In fact, the venue, which also hosts live music throughout the week, won the same accolade at the awards ceremony two years ago. Alongside operating as a restaurant and a takeaway, Bombay Cuisine also regularly caters for events, like weddings and meetings. Bombay Cuisine also took home a second prize on the night, winning the title of the North West Takeaway of the Year.

Indian Lounge Restaurant, in Ramsbottom in Bury, was named the North West Restaurant of the Year for its selection of tandooris, curries, Balti specialities and Indian favourites. It’s another accolade for the venue, having also won the Best Restaurant title at the Curry Life Awards back in 2022.

Sharing their excitement about the recent ARTA win, owners of Indian Lounge posted on Facebook: “A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who dines with us and uses us as their go to Indian for takeaways & deliveries. Without you we would not have been able to win our award for Best Restaurant (North West) 2024 at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards ceremony tonight.

“It's a pleasure to be a part of the community and we hope to continue doing what we do best! This award is for the people of Ramsbottom and Greater Manchester as much as it is for our Business.”

A third win at this year’s ARTA’s for Greater Manchester came in the form of Heywood restaurant Imli, which was the recipient of the converted North West Chef of the Year title.

Offering a range of dishes, including shashliks barbecued in a clay oven and chef specials including a lamb handi and a flavoursome Palak Balti, the Indian restaurant was praised for its authentic flavours and range of tastes.

The London event, hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Richard Jones, was attended by famous faces including actress Patsy Kensit, professional boxer Julius Francis, singer Leila Russack and model Jackie St Clair.

ARTA Founder Mohammed Munim said of this year’s recipients: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of ARTA 2024 – the Pan Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs who continue to stand as pillars of excellence in the UK’s hospitality industry.

“As the original and premier awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the best of the UK’s Asian restaurant and takeaway sector, we honour your unwavering commitment and passion, which continue to bring unparalleled flavours and experiences to diners across the nation, even in the face of adversity.”

Mohammed added: “This industry is not just about food; it represents the beauty and strength of multiculturalism in the UK. ARTA 2024 celebrates you, the champions of this journey, for your enduring contribution to our culinary landscape.”