Running a curry restaurant in the UK isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’re juggling late nights, spice levels, online reviews, and sometimes a fryer that just won’t behave. So when someone says you’ve got the best curry in the UK, it means something. Not just to you, but to your staff, your customers, and the years of graft you’ve put in.
That’s why things like the British Curry Awards and the ARTA (Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards) are a big deal. These aren’t just ceremonies with a few trophies and speeches; they’re a real chance for people like you to get the recognition you deserve.
And guess what? More and more customers are now looking beyond just fancy interiors or slick marketing. They care about food with flavour, with heart, and with a story. That’s where ARTA’s approach is shaking things up.
So What’s ARTA Doing Differently?
This is where ARTA comes in and starts flipping the script. Unlike other awards that mostly rely on industry nominations and a handful of judges, ARTA gets the public involved. Real people. Your regulars. The ones who order that same lamb bhuna every Saturday night.
If they love your food, they can nominate you. Simple as that.
ARTA’s also not just looking at big names or trendy hotspots. They’ve got their eyes on hidden gems, family-run takeaways, regional favourites, basically, the restaurants that make up the real curry scene across the UK.
And that makes a difference. Because suddenly, top curry restaurants from places like Bradford, Leicester, or even a little corner of East London are in with a real chance of winning. Not just the big London chains with a PR team.
What Makes a Curry “Award-Winning”?
You might be thinking: “What does it even take to win one of these things?”
Honestly? It’s not always about doing something wild or fancy. From what ARTA judges and voters tend to say, it comes down to:
- Sticking to your roots. If you’re Punjabi, Bengali, South Indian or fusion, own it.
- Freshness and flavour. People know the difference. They really do.
- Being consistent. One amazing dish isn’t enough. It’s got to be solid every time.
- Service that makes people feel at home. Doesn’t matter if it’s a posh dining room or a small takeaway counter. People remember how you treat them.
There’s no magic trick. Just real food, real effort, and a genuine connection with your customers.
Small Towns, Big Wins
Let’s talk location. You don’t have to be in Central London to be a UK curry champion anymore. ARTA has helped shine a light on places in Glasgow, Birmingham, Leicester, and even small suburbs you’ve never heard of.
If you’re based in one of these places, take this as a nudge. You don’t need to move, rebrand, or go viral to be noticed. You just need to serve great food and get your regulars on board. The rest can fall into place.
What Happens After You Win? (Hint: It’s More Than Bragging Rights)
Winning an award like this? It’s not just a shiny trophy to stick behind the counter. It can change things for your business.
Think more bookings. More local press coverage. More people walking in saying, “We saw you won something, had to try it.”
Some restaurants even end up partnering with food platforms, launching meal kits, or expanding to a second branch. You never know who’s watching. If your curry is officially the best in the UK, people are going to want a taste.
A Real-Life Example: East London, Represent
One East London takeaway, which had good food and friendly service, was nominated last year through ARTA. Their regulars sent in loads of votes. As a result, they got shortlisted. Then they won Best Regional Curry.
Fast forward a few months, and they’ve doubled their online orders, hired more staff, and even got featured in the local paper. Not bad for a place that didn’t even have an Instagram last year.
Ready to Get Nominated?
So here’s the thing. If you think your curry’s got what it takes, put yourself forward. Or ask your customers to, especially for ARTA, where customer nominations matter a lot.
Don’t wait around hoping someone notices. Get your staff involved, spread the word, and encourage happy customers to show some love.
It’s not about chasing fame. It’s about showing people what you do day in, day out, and getting the recognition you’ve earned for it.
FAQs: What You Need to Know About ARTA and the British Curry Awards
- What’s the main difference between the two awards?
The British Curry Awards are more judge-driven, while ARTA empowers customers through public nominations. - Do I need to pay to enter ARTA?
Nope. Nominations are free. If you get shortlisted, there may be an invite to the awards ceremony, but you won’t have to fork out just to be considered.
3. How do I get people to nominate my restaurant?
Just ask! Add a note to your receipts, post about it on social media, or get your staff to mention it to loyal customers. People are usually happy to support their local favourites.
