When the lights dimmed inside the London Hilton, Park Lane, and the applause filled the air, one name shone brightly across the stage, Bay Leaves, proudly taking home the Regional Restaurant of the Year: Surrey Region title at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025 (ARTA).
As someone who’s been part of ARTA for years, moments like these never lose their magic. You could see the pride in their eyes, the passion behind every dish, and the joy of representing Surrey’s vibrant food culture on a national stage.
About ARTA
For those new to it, ARTA has become one of the most prestigious events in the UK’s restaurant awards calendar, often referred to as one of the top restaurant awards UK platforms, celebrating South Asian culinary brilliance.
We started ARTA with a mission: to shine a light on chefs and restaurants that go beyond serving great food —the ones who build communities, mentor teams, and keep traditional recipes alive through innovation.
Every shortlisted restaurant goes through a careful process of public nominations, mystery dining evaluations, and expert judging. It’s not just about popularity; it’s about consistency, creativity, and hospitality that stay with you long after your meal.
This year’s event, hosted at the glamorous London Hilton, Park Lane, brought together a lively mix of celebrity hosts like Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, brilliant entertainers, and our proud sponsors. It was a night of celebration, storytelling, and unforgettable flavours.
A Proud Win – Regional Restaurant of the Year: Surrey Region
The judges were impressed by Bay Leaves for its balance between authenticity and innovation, a restaurant that knows how to respect tradition while experimenting with flavours.
Their consistency stood out too. Whether you’re dining in or ordering through Indian food delivery deals, Bay Leaves never misses the mark. Customers describe it as one of the best Indian takeaways in Surrey, a place that makes you feel at home the moment you step inside.
In a region filled with culinary gems, Bay Leaves carved out a reputation not just locally but nationally. Winning this title puts them among the top Indian restaurants UK, recognised alongside other award-winning curry restaurants celebrated at ARTA 2025.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
Every restaurant has a story, and Bay Leaves’ journey started with a straightforward idea: to serve food that feels like a warm memory.
Founded by passionate food lovers in Epsom, Bay Leaves built its reputation on authenticity. The head chef’s philosophy is simple: let the ingredients speak for themselves. He combines classic Indian cooking traditions with a modern touch, an approach that perfectly aligns with what curry chef awards and Indian food awards look for in true excellence.
From the marination process to the final garnish, every plate at Bay Leaves is prepared with care. And when you taste it, you know you’re experiencing the product of years of hard work, community love, and culinary artistry.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
You can’t talk about Bay Leaves without mentioning their Lamb Shashlik Main, bursting with smoky flavours and delicate spice. Or their Tandoori Mixed Grill, a meat lover’s dream that brings together perfectly cooked chicken, lamb, and prawns straight from the tandoor.
And for seafood fans, the Tandoori King Prawn Shashlik is a must-try, fresh, fiery, and full of flavour. These dishes have become local legends, frequently topping orders for those searching “curry takeaway near me” or placing an online Indian food order for a cosy night in.
The Region’s Culinary Pride and Community Impact
Bay Leaves isn’t just the best restaurant in the Surrey Region for its food, it’s a restaurant that truly belongs to its community.
They’ve provided steady employment opportunities for locals, supported local suppliers, and often partnered with charities during special events. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes their win even more meaningful, showing that prestigious food awards aren’t just about food, but about the people behind it.
In a landscape filled with UK food awards, Bay Leaves has set a benchmark for what regional excellence looks like —a restaurant that uplifts its region while adding value to the wider Asian cuisine awards circle.
Media Recognition and Third-Party Validation
After the big night, Bay Leaves’ victory made waves across media platforms. Publications covering national curry awards and best takeaway awards highlighted their story, praising their dedication to quality and consistency as they announced the Winners of the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025.
For diners across Surrey, it reaffirmed what they already knew: that Bay Leaves isn’t just another restaurant. It’s a name that represents passion, pride, and the essence of great Indian cooking.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
At ARTA, we take pride in being a part of something bigger, a celebration of multiculturalism and community through food.
Asian cuisine has shaped Britain’s dining identity for decades. Awards like ours help recognise those who keep that culture alive while inspiring a new generation of chefs to innovate fearlessly.
From curry champion awards to South Asian restaurant awards, the goal is always the same: to honour those who put heart and heritage into every plate. And this year, Bay Leaves showed us exactly what that looks like.
FAQ: Bay Leaves and ARTA 2025
- What award did Bay Leaves win at ARTA 2025?
Bay Leaves won the Regional Restaurant of the Year: Surrey Region at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025. - Where is Bay Leaves located?
Bay Leaves is based in Epsom, Surrey, serving authentic Indian cuisine both for dine-in and takeaway. - What makes Bay Leaves stand out among other restaurants in Surrey?
Their balance of tradition, consistency, and innovation makes them one of the best Indian takeaways in the Surrey Region. - How are ARTA winners selected?
Winners are chosen through public nominations, dining reviews, and final judging by industry experts. - Can customers order Bay Leaves food online?
Yes, you can order directly via their website for Indian curry delivery in London and Surrey.
