Every now and then, a restaurant comes along that reminds us why we do what we do, and this year, that name is Soho Tavern, Gateshead. At ARTA 2025, held in the heart of London at the elegant Hilton Park Lane, Soho Tavern was crowned Regional Restaurant of the Year: North East Region.
It was one of those nights that’ll be remembered for years. The team’s smiles said it all, genuine pride, gratitude, and that spark of joy that comes from years of hard work finally being recognised. As someone who’s been part of the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards since its early days, seeing restaurants like Soho Tavern rise is exactly what ARTA is about: celebrating real people, real passion, and real flavour.
About ARTA
The Prestige Behind the Plate
ARTA isn’t just another event with trophies and applause. It’s become a major part of the UK restaurant awards scene, what some call the “Curry Oscars”, bringing recognition to the people behind Britain’s most loved Indian and South Asian restaurants.
We launched ARTA to shine a light on the curry champions who keep the UK’s food culture alive, the chefs, restaurateurs, and teams who turn every meal into a memory.
How Winners Are Chosen
The process is simple but serious. Customers nominate their favourite local spots, and from there, we shortlist, mystery dine, and judge based on flavour, presentation, consistency, and service. Every shortlisted restaurant earns its place, and those who win, like Soho Tavern, truly stand out for all the right reasons.
In Context with Other Major Awards
While awards like the British Curry Awards and the Asian Curry Awards have their place, ARTA takes a slightly different path. We focus on celebrating the entire hospitality experience, not just the food, but the heart behind it. It’s about the people, their stories, and the communities they serve.
Highlights from the Night
The 2025 awards night was hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, with a mix of laughter, music, and proud moments. The ballroom at the London Hilton, Park Lane glowed with excitement, packed with restaurateurs, chefs, and guests from every corner of the UK. The atmosphere was electric, a proper celebration of what makes the British curry scene so special.
A Proud Win – Regional Restaurant of the Year: North East Region for Soho Tavern
When Soho Tavern’s name was called, the entire table erupted, and rightly so. The judges were blown away by their consistency, creative menu, and the warmth of their service. They’ve become a local favourite and now stand tall as one of the best restaurants in the North East.
Their menu hits that perfect balance between comfort and creativity. Every dish feels familiar yet fresh, that’s what makes them one of Gateshead’s best restaurants. On a national level, their win shows that the North East is holding its own among top Indian restaurants in the UK.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
How It All Started
Soho Tavern didn’t begin as a chain or a grand concept. It started small, with family, ambition, and the love of food. Over time, it’s grown into something much bigger than just a restaurant. It’s a gathering place, a spot where food and friendship come together. That’s what makes their story so special to us.
In the Kitchen
Their chefs work with pride and patience. The kitchen philosophy? Keep it real, keep it tasty. Every dish tells a story, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to the bold new ideas that keep regulars coming back.
Meeting ARTA’s Standards (and Then Some)
ARTA celebrates innovation, authenticity, and sustainability, and Soho Tavern ticks every box. Their team’s attention to quality, their connection to local produce, and their warm hospitality made them a clear standout in the national curry awards lineup.
Signature Dishes and Crowd Favourites
You can’t talk about Soho Tavern without mentioning their signature dishes. Here are a few that keep their guests coming back:
- Chicken Manchurian – a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savoury; bold, yet balanced.
- Lamb Rara – rich, slow-cooked, and full of soul; best enjoyed with soft naan.
- Butter Chicken – creamy and comforting, the classic that never misses.
It’s no surprise that these dishes are now known across the North East as some of the best takeaway options in the region. Each one represents what an award-winning curry restaurant should be: consistent, flavourful, and full of heart.
The North East’s Culinary Pride and Community Spirit
Soho Tavern’s impact goes beyond the kitchen. They’ve created local jobs, supported charity events, and brought people together over food. It’s that community spirit that makes them stand out.
As part of a region with a growing love for good curry, their win represents a victory for everyone who appreciates authentic food and hard work. You can read more about how North East restaurants celebrate a national award win.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
We’ve always believed that food connects people, and that’s what ARTA is built on. Every award we give out is a celebration of diversity, culture, and culinary passion.
Asian restaurants like Soho Tavern are shaping the UK’s food scene, introducing new flavours while honouring old traditions. By celebrating them, ARTA continues to highlight the very best of Britain’s multicultural dining experience, from curry chef awards to best takeaway awards, and everything in between.
FAQs
- What is ARTA?
ARTA (Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards) celebrates the best in Asian cuisine across the UK, recognising exceptional restaurants and chefs. - Which award did Soho Tavern win?
Soho Tavern, Gateshead, took home the Regional Restaurant of the Year: North East Region at ARTA 2025. - What makes Soho Tavern stand out?
Their consistency, authentic flavours, and community-driven approach make them one of Gateshead’s best restaurants. - What are Soho Tavern’s most popular dishes?
Fan favourites include Chicken Manchurian, Lamb Rara, and Butter Chicken, each one packed with flavour and personality. - How does ARTA support the UK’s Asian food industry?
By spotlighting culinary excellence and promoting community cohesion through prestigious food awards like ARTA.
