How do you feel when someone shouts your restaurant’s name across the dining room because they’ve just had the best curry of their life? Multiply that by a thousand and stick it on a stage with cameras flashing, that’s pretty much what an award show UK feels like.
For those of us in the food world, the one that really gets everyone talking is the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA). People call it the Curry Oscars, and they’re not wrong. It’s big, it’s glamorous, and it celebrates people like you, restaurant owners who’ve put their blood, sweat and endless 12-hour shifts into making their place more than just somewhere to eat.
But here’s the thing: ARTA isn’t just about glitzy trophies. It’s about credibility, recognition, and that boost that makes your restaurant the one people choose on a Friday night, when they could’ve picked anyone else.
Why These Awards Actually Matter
You’re probably thinking, “Great, another award show, what’s it got to do with me when I’m chasing invoices and dealing with a late delivery of naan flour?” Fair question. However, the truth is that being part of something like the ARTA UK awards or other UK food awards can significantly impact how people perceive you.
When diners scroll through takeaway apps or Google “curry near me,” what makes them click you over the guy down the road? Awards do. A UK restaurant award show badge says: “People trust this place. You’ll get a good meal here.” And that kind of trust is priceless.
Why ARTA Feels Different
Here’s what sets ARTA apart compared to the usual prestigious UK food ceremonies: it doesn’t forget about the little guys. Sure, Michelin stars and London’s fine dining spots receive their applause, but ARTA celebrates the backbone of British food culture: the takeaways, high-street curry houses, and family-run kitchens that fuel communities.
It’s one of the few best food award events where your story matters as much as your food. Maybe your tikka recipe was passed down from your grandmother, or perhaps you’ve built a loyal following by serving late-night curries to hungry students. At ARTA, those stories count.
The Whole “Curry Oscars” Thing
Let’s talk about that nickname: the Oscars of the curry industry. It’s not just hype. The event has the buzz of a red-carpet night. Suits, gowns, spotlights, and instead of film stars, it’s chefs, owners, and teams who’ve spent years sweating it out in kitchens.
And when your name is called? It’s not just a trophy. Restaurants that’ve won ARTA awards have gone on to receive media coverage, increase online orders, and fill their dining rooms. For some, it has been the turning point that has pushed them from “well-known locally” to “must-visit nationally.”
Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Busy Surviving)
Let’s be real: winning a restaurant award isn’t going to fix staffing headaches or make food prices drop. However, it can change how people perceive you. Suddenly, you’re not the one saying, “We’re the best.” Someone else, someone with influence, is saying it for you.
And in an industry as competitive as ours, that recognition can be the difference between being someone’s “go-to spot” or just another option they scroll past.
Thinking About Getting Involved?
If you’re wondering how even to start, the first step is simple: ask your customers. Many nominations for the ARTA UK awards come from diners. If your regulars love what you do, get them to vote when nominations open.
After that, it’s about consistency. Not just with your food, but with service, branding, and the little things that make eating at your place feel like an experience, not just a meal. Check out past winners, too; you’ll see it’s often places that aren’t huge or flashy, but they’ve nailed their identity.
Wrapping Up
Being part of an award show in the UK, such as ARTA, isn’t just about dressing up for a night out. It’s about giving your restaurant a platform to shine. These prestigious UK food ceremonies put you on the radar in a way that marketing alone can’t.
So, whether you’re running a cosy family-run takeaway or a buzzing high-street curry house, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: are you ready to hear your name called at the next ARTA UK award show?
FAQs: Award Show UK & ARTA
- What exactly is ARTA?
It’s the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, celebrating the best of Britain’s South Asian dining scene. - Why do people call it the Curry Oscars?
Because it has the same glamorous feel as the Oscars, but instead of actors, it’s chefs and restaurant owners who take the spotlight. - Do small takeaways really stand a chance?
Yes. Many past winners have been local, family-run spots with a loyal fan base. - How do I get nominated?
Customers usually put names forward, so encourage your diners to support you when nominations open.
5. What’s the real benefit of winning?
Visibility, credibility, more customers, and a reputation that sets you apart from the crowd.
