If you’re running a restaurant in the UK right now, you don’t need to be told how hard this industry is. You live it every day. Staff issues, rising food costs, no-shows, online reviews that feel unfair… it’s a lot.
So when someone talks about UK restaurant awards, you might roll your eyes and think, “Nice for them, but not really for me.” Totally understandable. But here’s the thing, you might be missing a trick.
There’s one award, in particular, that’s become a real game-changer for restaurants like yours: the ARTA Restaurant Awards.
Why ARTA Actually Feels Like It Gets It
Most awards feel out of touch, right? They’re either geared towards fine dining with 10-course tasting menus, or they’re popularity contests you don’t even remember entering.
But ARTA’s different. It’s not about who has the flashiest décor or the biggest PR budget. It’s about celebrating real restaurants, real chefs, and real food, especially from the UK’s thriving Asian restaurant scene.
It recognises the kind of places people actually eat at every week, the curry house that’s been serving locals for 20 years, the takeaway that still uses grandma’s recipes, or the new spot that’s hustling to make a name for itself. That’s why ARTA feels less like a corporate pat on the back and more like proper recognition.
More Than Just a Shiny Trophy on the Shelf
You’re probably wondering, what’s the point of these restaurant recognition awards? Do they actually help?
Well, yeah, they do. And not just in a “yay, we won” kind of way.
ARTA awards give your restaurant credibility. Think about it: when people Google “best restaurants UK” or scroll through options on a food delivery app, that award badge can be the difference between you getting the click or not.
People trust awards. They want to know they’re spending money somewhere that’s been tried, tested and appreciated, not just by customers, but by industry folk too. And ARTA ticks both boxes.
It’s Not Just for London Big Names Either
Let’s get this straight: you don’t need to be a fancy Mayfair hotspot to win an ARTA. In fact, some of the best-known winners are local legends from places like Bradford, Birmingham, and Leicester, places where the food scene is thriving but often overlooked.
ARTA helps put smaller, hardworking restaurants on the national radar. Some winners have even gone on to open new branches, land media features, or just have queues out the door for weeks. Not bad for an award that doesn’t ask you to jump through flaming hoops just to apply.
Your Customers Actually Care About This Stuff
Look, we all know how picky customers can be. But one thing most diners agree on? They want to eat at places that feel legit.
Having an ARTA Restaurant Award in your window or on your social media tells customers: “We’re not just good, we’re recognised for it.”
It builds trust before they’ve even walked through the door. Especially if they’re new to the area or trying you for the first time. And let’s face it, first impressions these days often happen online, not at the table.
ARTA: The Award That Speaks Your Language
A lot of UK dining awards are very posh. Nothing wrong with that, but they don’t always speak to the heart of Asian food culture in Britain. ARTA does.
Whether you’re serving Punjabi, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese or fusion dishes, ARTA puts your cuisine front and centre. You’re not buried under a generic “international food” category, you’re being celebrated for your unique contribution to British food culture.
And yeah, it’s often referred to as the “Curry Oscars”, and for good reason. It’s respected, recognised and relevant.
What Happens After You Win (or Get Nominated)?
Here’s the part most restaurant owners don’t talk about: how to make the most of your win.
If you’re lucky enough to be nominated or win, shout it from the rooftops. Seriously.
- Add it to your website homepage.
- Post it on your socials (not just once, make it a series).
- Update your Google listing and TripAdvisor profile.
- Tell your regulars in person.
- Even stick it on your menu.
People want to support award-winning places, especially when they feel part of your story.
Not Nominated Yet? Don’t Wait for Luck
This might sound cheeky, but ask your customers to nominate you. They’ll be more than happy to help if you’ve been feeding them well and treating them right.
You can also register yourself or get your staff involved. The ARTA nomination process is refreshingly simple, and you never know, it could be your restaurant’s moment next.
The Bottom Line? ARTA’s a Big Deal (and You Deserve a Shot)
To sum it all up: if you’re serious about getting your restaurant the attention it deserves, ARTA should be on your radar.
It’s one of the most respected UK restaurant awards out there, especially for Asian and takeaway restaurants. It’s real, it’s relevant, and it’s making a difference to businesses like yours, not just in London but across the UK.
You work hard. You pour your heart into your food and your service. It’s time that got recognised, don’t you think?
Quick FAQ: UK Restaurant Awards & ARTA
- What’s so special about the ARTA Restaurant Awards?
ARTA focuses on celebrating Asian restaurants and takeaways across the UK, combining public votes and industry judgment. It feels more inclusive than many other food awards. - Can small or regional restaurants win ARTA awards?
Absolutely. ARTA’s known for spotlighting hidden gems from all over the UK, not just big-city spots.
3. How can an ARTA nomination help my restaurant?
It builds trust with customers, boosts your online presence, and can bring more footfall and delivery orders. Plus, it just feels good to be recognised.
