Bury: Restaurants and takeaway win big at ARTA food awards

Imli Restaurant in Heywood opened its doors two years ago and won the "Regional Chef of the Year" category at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) on Sunday night (October 6).

Head chef Abdul Momin Khan was recognised for his work at the Church Street restaurant, which he runs alongside his sons, Sayem and Sayed Khan.

Speaking at the awards, Abdul said: “I feel very proud because I have been in the trade 40 years and this is the first time I’ve won [an award]. Thank you for this gift.”

Staff at Imli Restaurant in Heywood at the awards (Image: Supplied) Imli Restaurant in Heywood (Image: Supplied)

The trio also own Achari in Bolton, which was also shortlisted for "North West Restaurant of the Year" and was named the best Asian restaurant in the North West at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2022.

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Sayem said: “We had some challenges when we first opened two years ago but have been welcomed into the Heywood community.

“Everyone’s been so friendly and seems to love the restaurant. They like to take pictures of our décor and we have had good reviews.

“My dad has been in the business for a long time and this was a proud moment for us all.

“Winning against so many other people took us by surprise as a new business.

"It’s given us a confidence boost too.

“Thank you to our loyal customer base for your continued support.”

Imli has received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one commenter saying: “Ordered a few takeaways and they’ve always been spot on, delivered quickly so still hot with amazing food with fresh ingredients.”

Another commented: “Heywood is very lucky to have such a good Indian restaurant. I've been a couple of times now and have enjoyed it both times.

“The service was good, and they even made me something that wasn't on the menu when I asked for it.”

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Meanwhile, Indian takeaway Bombay Cuisine in Prestwich won "North West Takeaway of the Year" and Indian Lounge Restaurant in Ramsbottom was awarded "North West Restaurant of the Year".

In their acceptance speech, a spokesperson from Indian Lounge Restaurant said: “Thank you to all the people in Ramsbottom.

"Honestly, without them we wouldn’t be a business and without them, we wouldn’t be able to stay open.”

Nominees were chosen based on nominations by customers from across the UK, including more than 900,000 customers of ARTA’s strategic partner ChefOnline, Social Media and Food Hygiene Ratings, followed by a final judgement of an esteemed judging panel to crown each region’s Asian excellence.

Speaking about the awards, Mohammed Munim, founder member and CEO of ARTA, said: “Asian restaurants and takeaways have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times.

“They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts.

"These restaurants and takeaways have not only created thousands of jobs but have also boosted local economies through their presence, especially post-Brexit.

“To provide staunch support to the thriving Asian restaurants in Britain, ARTA acknowledges and highlights their importance in the culinary landscape.”