Impressive four restaurant and takeaway finalists from Northampton at ‘curry industry Oscars’
Four restaurants and takeaways from Northampton have impressively been named as finalists at what is described as the “Oscars of the curry industry”.
The finalists have been unveiled for the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of Asian hospitality, ahead of the ceremony on October 12.
The finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from across the UK will come together in London in the hope of being recognised regionally or nationally as being a jewel in the crown of the UK Asian hospitality industry.
More than 1,250 restaurants and takeaways were put forward by diners and food enthusiasts, and founder and CEO of ARTA Mohammed Munim has congratulated the finalists.
“At a time when rising employment costs, inflation and increasing overheads continue to challenge independent hospitality, Asian restaurants and takeaways remain vital to communities and the wider UK hospitality industry,” he said.
Northampton has seen great success with four shortlisted finalists across three different categories. The Realm on Wellingborough Road will be competing in the prestigious Pan Asian Restaurant of the Year category.
Aramintas, also on Wellingborough Road, will be competing against Jomidar Lounge on Welford Road, Creaton in the Regional Restaurant of the Year category for the East Midlands.
SunSushi on St Leonard’s Road completes the line up in the Regional Takeaway of the Year category for the East Midlands.
The organisers say this year’s awards come at a pivotal moment for the hospitality industry as despite continued customer demand, businesses are facing one of the most challenging economic climates in decades.
Rising national living wages costs, higher employer national insurance contributions, increasing food prices, elevated utility bills and reduced business rates relief have significantly increased operating costs for independent hospitality ventures.
Industry leaders have warned that many restaurants are now operating on tight margins, while continuing to invest in quality and trying their best not to compromise on staff development and customer experience.
Asian restaurants and takeaways remain one of the UK’s greatest hospitality success stories, contributing billions of pounds annually to the economy while employing tens of thousands of people and enriching the UK’s diverse food culture.