ARTA has been around long enough to see hundreds of restaurants walk across that stage, but there was something genuinely heartwarming about watching Spice Lounge from Brackley lift the East Midlands Restaurant of the Year trophy this year.
You could feel the pride, proper, honest pride, from their team. The chefs were emotional, the owners looked like they just exhaled after years of graft, and the crowd gave them a cheer that felt more like a “finally!” than a polite clap.
This is exactly what ARTA is about: shining a light on the places that quietly get things right day after day.
About ARTA
Why ARTA Matters So Much in the UK Food Scene
People sometimes ask why ARTA has become such a big deal in the world of restaurant awards in the UK, especially when there are long-standing awards like the British Curry Awards and the Asian Curry Awards.
It’s simple, we don’t just look at “nice décor” or “a good plate of curry”. We measure heart, consistency, customer loyalty, community impact, and genuine craftsmanship. That’s why so many award-winning curry restaurants value this trophy. It’s earned, not handed out.
How We Pick Our Winners
The process isn’t quick, and that’s intentional:
- Customers nominate and vote
- Judges look at consistency, quality, service, and innovation.
- We check how well restaurants keep traditional South Asian cooking alive while still moving forward
This is why winning ARTA matters. It’s not a “popularity contest”, it’s a reflection of a restaurant’s all-round excellence.
A Night to Remember at Hilton Park Lane
The 2025 ceremony had that bit of magic you can’t plan.
Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin kept the room lively, we had top-notch entertainment, and Hilton Park Lane looked grand as ever.
Somewhere between the laughter, speeches, and very loud cheering from different restaurant tables, Spice Lounge became one of the biggest highlights of the night.
A Proud Win – Regional Restaurant of the Year: East Midlands
When we announced Spice Lounge East Midlands Restaurant of the Year, it wasn’t a shock to anyone. You could actually see nearby tables nodding as if to say, “Yeah, fair enough.”
What Made Spice Lounge Stand Out
Here’s what our judging panel kept coming back to:
- Consistency – every dish, every visit, every week
- Proper service – warm, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming
- Flavour confidence – bold when it needs to be, subtle when it should be
This is precisely the kind of balance that wins national curry awards and puts restaurants on the map as the best restaurants in the East Midlands.
A Win That Goes Beyond the Region
This award puts Spice Lounge right into national conversations, best Indian restaurant awards, top Indian restaurants UK, even best takeaway awards.
Once you win a regional ARTA category, doors open. And rightly so.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
How Spice Lounge Started Off
Spice Lounge didn’t pop up overnight. It started the way many good restaurants do, small, humble, quietly determined. What stood out early on was how the team refused to dilute their food for trends.
They stuck to proper South Asian roots, using techniques passed down in families long before they set foot in Brackley.
A Chef Who Cooks With Purpose
The head chef is the kind of person who talks about spices like they’re people, each with its own attitude. He once told us, “I don’t want to shock people, I want to impress them slowly.”
And honestly, that’s the exact approach that aligns with curry awards for Indian restaurants.
No shortcuts. No pretending. Just honest craft.
A Natural Fit for ARTA’s Standards
Some restaurants actively chase awards. Spice Lounge simply focuses on doing things properly, quality ingredients, heartfelt techniques, and a calm confidence in their food. That’s why they scored so highly in south Asian restaurant awards, curry champion awards, and Indian food awards–style evaluations.
Signature Dishes That Everyone Talks About
Spice Lounge has several dishes that always get mentioned in customer feedback:
- Bengal Naga Jalfrezi – fiery, aromatic, and strangely addictive
- Jhaal Bhuna Massala – rich, layered, packed with warmth
- Sizzling Tawa – arrives at the table like it owns the room
If you look up “best takeaway” in Brackley or nearby areas, these dishes pop up constantly. They’re also part of the reason the restaurant became an award-winning restaurant in Brackley.
A Restaurant That Stands by Its Community
One thing we admire deeply at ARTA is how invested Spice Lounge is in its town.
They hire locally, train staff genuinely, and stay active in charity events and fundraising efforts.
This isn’t a restaurant that just takes from the community. It’s one that gives back, which is exactly what strengthens its place within the larger UK food awards and national curry awards circles.
Media Recognition and Third-Party Praise
Their win didn’t go unnoticed. National media covered it, adding even more credibility.
Here’s one that highlighted the achievement:
WINNERS OF ASIAN RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY AWARDS 2025 ANNOUNCED
When a small-town restaurant makes national headlines, you know they’re doing something right.
ARTA’s Role in Celebrating Asian Cuisine Across the UK
ARTA has always been about more than awards. It’s about giving Asian cuisine the respect it deserves in the UK food industry.
We celebrate multiculturalism, encourage new culinary talent, and make sure restaurants, no matter how big or small, get a fair shot at recognition.
Restaurants like Spice Lounge remind us why this mission matters.
FAQs
1. What award did Spice Lounge win at ARTA 2025?
They won the East Midlands Restaurant of the Year.
2. Why is Spice Lounge considered one of the best restaurants in the East Midlands?
Its consistency, flavours, and warm service have earned it a strong local and national reputation.
3. What dishes are most popular at Spice Lounge?
The Bengal Naga Jalfrezi, Jhaal Bhuna Massala, and Sizzling Tawa are guest favourites.
4. How do ARTA awards differ from other restaurant awards?
ARTA looks at customer loyalty, community impact, authenticity, and innovation, making it far more holistic.
5. Does winning an ARTA award help a restaurant grow?
Absolutely. Media coverage and national recognition often follow, opening new opportunities.
