Every year, the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) brings together the very best of Britain’s curry scene, chefs, restaurateurs, and teams who’ve poured their hearts into perfecting flavours that define our food culture.
This year, one name stood out: The Bombay in Swanley.
The restaurant took home the Newcomer of the Year title at ARTA 2025, and it’s safe to say this win has everyone talking.
The ceremony took place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, a night full of lights, laughter, and celebration. Hosted by some of the UK’s familiar faces in the food world, and supported by partners like ChefOnline, the event once again reminded everyone why ARTA is seen as one of the most prestigious food awards in the UK.
About ARTA
Why ARTA Matters
Over the years, ARTA has grown into one of the most respected restaurant awards in the UK, celebrating the chefs and teams who make Britain’s Indian and South Asian restaurants so special.
What makes ARTA stand out is its focus on community. Nominations come directly from diners, meaning real people choose the restaurants that make them happy. From there, a panel of judges visits shortlisted venues, tasting dishes, checking service, and experiencing each restaurant’s story first-hand.
That’s what gives the ARTA newcomer award real weight; it’s earned, not given.
A Celebration Among the Greats
ARTA sits alongside other major industry events like the British Curry Awards and Asian Curry Awards, but its edge lies in how personal it feels. It’s a celebration of effort, not just reputation, from award-winning curry restaurants to small-town newcomers with big dreams.
A Proud Win – Newcomer of the Year for The Bombay
When the name The Bombay was announced at the ARTA 2025 Grand Finale, the room erupted.
For a restaurant that opened not so long ago, this win marks a turning point for both the team and Swanley itself.
The judges praised The Bombay for its “fresh yet grounded approach to Indian dining.” It’s not just about serving a curry, it’s about crafting an experience that feels warm, modern, and rooted in authenticity.
Locals already call it Swanley’s best restaurant, and now, it’s earned national recognition as part of the three South East London winners, a group that’s put the Kent region firmly on the food map.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
Every great restaurant starts with a story, and The Bombay’s story is one of passion.
Set up by a team that wanted to bring a fresh kind of Indian dining to Swanley, it mixes old-school charm with modern dining. The chefs behind the kitchen bring experience from across India and the UK, blending techniques, spices, and presentation styles that give each dish a personality of its own.
Their belief is simple: good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs heart, skill, and respect for ingredients.
That’s exactly the spirit ARTA celebrates, restaurants that balance authenticity with innovation, serving up food that connects people.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Walk into The Bombay and you’ll quickly see why it’s catching attention. The menu is a line-up of beautifully made classics, full of colour and depth.
- Chicken Jalfrezi – cooked with peppers, onions, and a sauce that hits all the right notes between spice and tang.
- Prawn Curry – a comforting coastal-style dish with coconut and fresh herbs that feels like sunshine in a bowl.
- Tandoori Chicken Biryani – aromatic rice layered with marinated tandoori chicken, paired perfectly with raita and naan.
Each dish brings something familiar yet refined, the kind of meal that makes you think, this is what great Indian food should taste like.
If you’re after the best takeaway in town or want to experience an award-winning curry restaurant, The Bombay is exactly where you should be heading.
Community Roots and Local Pride
Beyond the food, what makes The Bombay special is its sense of community. It’s created jobs, supported local suppliers, and often takes part in fundraisers and charity events around Swanley.
That’s why this win means more than just a trophy, it’s recognition for the positive impact a restaurant can have in its hometown.
For Kent’s growing food scene, this victory is huge. It shows that regional restaurants can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top Indian restaurants in the UK and still hold their own on the national stage of the UK food awards.
Media and Recognition
The restaurant’s success didn’t go unnoticed. National media outlets, including The Express, highlighted The Bombay as one of the three South East London winners, spotlighting how Swanley’s local gem has joined the ranks of the UK’s best curry houses.
ARTA’s Ongoing Role in Championing Asian Cuisine
At its heart, ARTA isn’t just about awards. It’s about celebrating culture, talent, and togetherness.
Every winner represents something bigger, a story of family-run businesses, immigrant heritage, long nights in kitchens, and the joy of feeding people.
By recognising restaurants like The Bombay, ARTA continues to honour the chefs and teams who bring Asian cuisine to the forefront of Britain’s dining scene, from curry chef awards to national curry awards, this is where stories of flavour and dedication are told.
FAQs
- What did The Bombay in Swanley win at ARTA 2025?
The Bombay took home the Newcomer of the Year title at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025. - Where was the ARTA 2025 ceremony held?
The event took place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, a glamorous evening celebrating the UK’s best Asian restaurants. - What makes The Bombay stand out?
Its balance of authenticity, innovation, and hospitality, plus an incredible menu that’s already made it a local favourite. - Can you order takeaway from The Bombay?
Yes! You can order directly from their website or via their Facebook page. - Why is ARTA important to the UK food industry?
ARTA shines a light on hardworking chefs and restaurants that represent the heart of Britain’s Asian food scene, keeping the culture alive and evolving.
