Lidl host major supplier meeting of over 600 delegates

On Wednesday 27 September, Lidl GB welcomed over 600 attendees to its brand new 1.2 million square foot Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Luton as part of its first ever supplier event in Great Britain.   

Lidl GB CEO, Ryan McDonnell, launched the day by welcoming specially invited guests, followed by addresses from other Board Directors and senior colleagues including the Supply Chain Director, Logistics Director and Customer Director. Suppliers were provided with business updates, along with the opportunity to hear all about Lidl’s ambitious growth plans and the integral role of suppliers in reaching those goals.

While learning about initiatives, industry trends and innovation, the event also provided a unique networking platform for suppliers to connect face-to-face with Lidl colleagues and key contacts from across the business, including those from Buying, Procurement and CSR.

Held at Lidl’s largest RDC in the world, which officially opened earlier in the month, suppliers received a virtual tour of the warehouse, offering them a behind the scenes look into Lidl's operations.

The event follows confirmation earlier in the year that Lidl was accelerating spending plans announced at the end of 2019 and would invest £4 billion in British food businesses in 2023, cementing its support for suppliers across the whole country.

Said Martin Kottbauer, Chief Trading Officer at Lidl GB: “Last year Lidl we saw a record number of shoppers coming through our doors, attracting an additional 1.4 million customers. As households have continued to tighten their belts, we’re incredibly grateful to our business partners for the support they've provided us to ensure our customers have continued access to high quality products at the lowest possible prices.  

“We believe our business is only ever as good as our suppliers, and their products are paramount to achieving this. We have led the way with our commitments to longer-term contracts and, as we look to the future and continue on our growth trajectory, we’re committed to bolstering our partnerships further; providing suppliers with the security and certainty needed, as they continue on the journey with us. Our inaugural supplier event is a pivotal part of this, and we look forward to learning and growing together in the years to come.”  

Lidl, which prides itself on only stocking 100% fresh British milk, butter, eggs, cream, poultry, beef and pork, has long championed British food and farming and over-trades in British meat, poultry and eggs. Sourcing two-thirds of its core produce from the UK, Lidl GB works directly with in excess of 650 suppliers across the UK, giving them unrivalled access to local and international markets.

Richard Clothier, who is the MD of Wyke Farms Ltd, added: "We've been proud partners of Lidl GB since their inaugural store opened back in 1994, and next year marks a significant milestone of 30 years together. Over this journey, our collaboration has grown substantially, with the amount of cheese we supply on an annual basis increasing by a staggering 14,000 per cent, spanning 20 countries, including the United States.

“What sets Lidl GB apart for us is their family-like approach, marked by honesty and simplicity, aligning perfectly with our values. The supplier event has been enlightening, allowing us to engage further with key people within the business, witness the journey our products undertake, and gain insights into the future of our collaboration within Lidl’s wider vision.”

Last month, Lidl announced it was offering financial incentives for farmers to help boost British egg production. The unique investment will enable farmers to diversify their existing business and provide confidence and security to invest in the future.

www.lidl.co.uk

On a roll! Sainsbury’s introduces paper packaging to its toilet and kitchen rolls in a first for UK retailers

Although not a traditional food and drink story this news is of interest to us who use paper towels to wipe up our kitchen messes.

Because Sainsbury’s is the first UK retailer to announce a switch from plastic to paper packaging across its entire own-brand toilet paper and kitchen towel ranges. 

This move will save 485 tonnes of plastic, the equivalent of over 55 million pieces of plastic annually. The change is said to be the biggest plastics reduction the retailer has made in its grocery business so far to date.

The new packaging will launch across 27 products, with customers starting to see the change in store and online from this week. The paper packaging will have rolled out to all lines by February next year and can easily be recycled at home through kerbside recycling.

The packaging switch follows the introduction of double-length toilet rolls in Sainsbury’s last year. The multipack rolls include double the number of sheets on each roll, reducing plastic packaging by 30%, and saving 84 tonnes of plastic each year.

Claire Hughes, who is the Director of Product and Innovation, said: “We sell thousands of our own brand toilet tissue and kitchen roll products every week and by switching from plastic to paper on these household staples, we’re able to make a significant impact in reducing plastic. 

"This change alone represents the biggest plastic reduction in our grocery products so far and our customers can expect many more changes to come. Collaborating with our suppliers to develop innovative packaging solutions to reduce plastic is a major key priority for Sainsbury’s, helping us to achieve our ambitious target of increasing recycled content and recyclability.”

Sainsbury’s also recently passed on over £4m worth savings directly to customers by cutting the price of selected own brand toilet paper and kitchen towels. The cuts included by Sainsbury’s ultra-absorbent kitchen towels x2 (previously £3.25, now £3) and by Sainsbury’s super soft quilted x16 (previously £7.50, now £6.50) and are part of its commitment to keep prices low on staple household products.

The retailer's latest packaging swap is just one of the changes it has made this year to reduce plastic packaging. Last month, Sainsbury’s was the first UK retailer to swap its plastic babywear hangers to cardboard, saving 103 tonnes of plastic a year. Sainsbury’s also switched its own-brand laundry detergent from plastic to cardboard cartons earlier this year, saving 22 tonnes of plastic annually.

www.sainsburys.co.uk

Aldi first UK supermarket to stock rare Glowberry Flavour hydration drink

In a UK first, Aldi is bringing the brand-new flavour of Prime Hydration Drink, Glowberry, to its stores. Launching this Thursday, 5th October, for a modest £1.99, the drink will be available only as a Specialbuy and as with all Aldi Specialbuys – once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The NEW Glowberry flavour, which tastes of sour apple berries, hasn't been widely available in supermarkets for UK fans, but fortunately for Aldi customers, this highly sought-after variant will be available nationally after proving extremely popular with shoppers over in the USA.

What’s more, shoppers can try and get their hands on the ‘Rare’ and ‘Ultra Rare’ variants of the Glowberry flavour, as the incredibly scarce bottles land in Aldi stores.  

Prime Hydration, which is 10% coconut water, contains electrolytes, B vitamins and BCAAs, has zero sugar and only around 20 calories per bottle.

Following previous launches of Prime in stores, the supermarket saw high shopper demand. To ensure as many people as possible get the opportunity to buy the Glowberry flavour, a purchase limit of one per customer is expected to be set.

Prime Hydration Glowberry will be available to purchase in stores from Thursday 5th October. Shoppers best move swiftly – as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

www.aldi.co.uk

Great news for Halloween fans – pumpkins will be even bigger this year

And the reason why pumpkins will be larger this year? It’s a result of Britain’s unpredictable weather over the summer.

While many Brits may have been cursing the rainier than usual mid-summer months of July and August, the inclement weather was actually good news for the UK’s pumpkin farmers.  

And now Tesco's bracing itself for stronger demand than ever when this season’s crop of pumpkins go on sale at stores across the UK this week.

Tesco pumpkin buyer Lucy Moss said: “The good news for Halloween fans coming from our main pumpkin growers is that the fruit will be larger than normal in all size variations this year as a result of very good growing conditions during the summer months.

“This year we have six different sizes and based on last year’s demand, the carving variety is still the most popular. Each of the six different size categories will be larger than usual this year so fans will get good value for money.

“The good news, from a food waste point of view, is there's been an increase in customers seeking out recipes for their delicious versatile pumpkin flesh on our Tesco Real Food website.” 

Oakley Farms, which is based near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, is one of Europe’s biggest suppliers of pumpkins, growing around five million annually. 

The farm works hand-in-hand with Tesco to ensure there is as little pumpkin waste as possible. 

Steve Whitworth, Commercial Manager at Oakley Farms said: “We had a pretty good growing season for pumpkins this summer with a really hot June which really helped the plants along.

“The rainy July and August may not have been great for sun lovers or BBQ fans but from a growing point of view for pumpkins, it was perfect. 

“The weather gave us the right amount of rain with sunny intervals especially compared with the challenging conditions we encountered during last year’s heatwave which was officially the hottest UK year on record.” 

Tesco’s pumpkins range this year is as follows:

Carving – standard size 

Culinary 

Munchkin 

Novelty including devil (red) and ghost (white) types 

Large 

Giant 

And here are some pumpkin recipes from Tesco for readers of That's Food and Drink to get their teeth into!

Sweet pumpkin pancakes with blackberries

These seasonal pancakes use pumpkin to give them a warm glow and sweet, squashy flavour. Stack 'em high with syrup and blackberries!

Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Toss the pumpkin with the oil and spread out in a single layer in a roasting tin. Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins, then remove the foil and continue to cook for 10 mins until the pumpkin is tender, with no liquid remaining in the tin. Leave to cool for 10 mins.

Meanwhile, mix the flour and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Crush the pumpkin in the tin with a potato masher or fork. Put in a jug with the milk and eggs, and whisk to combine evenly.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the centre of the flour bowl and whisk to make a smooth batter.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and use a piece of kitchen paper to wipe ¼ of the butter over the surface of the pan. Spoon 4-5 heaped tbsp of batter, well-spaced out in the pan, to make 4-5 pancakes. Cook for about 90 secs until golden underneath with bubbles forming on the surface; flip and cook for another 1 min. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.

Stack the pancakes and serve with the blackberries, a little yogurt and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Tip: Make your pancakes into pumpkin shapes. Spoon an extra 1 tsp batter into the pan while cooking to create stalks. Once cooked, spread half the batch with hazelnut chocolate spread, and cut faces out of the other half. Sandwich the halves together, and colour the stalks with green writing icing.

Pumpkin latte

If you're in need of a warm me up then get cosy with this wonderfully spiced pumpkin latte. This spicy and frothy hot drink is so simple to make at home, it's the perfect drink to snuggle up to and works wonderfully with both espresso coffee and instant coffee.

Put the pumpkin purée, sugar, spices and milk in a microwave-proof jug. Mix the contents to combine. Cover with clingfilm, then carefully pierce the surface two or three times, to allow steam to escape. Microwave on full power for 1½-2 mins, until the milk is hot.

Using an electric milk frother or whisk, whisk for 30-45 secs or until milk is really frothy. Pour the hot coffee into a latte glass or mug, then add the spiced pumpkin milk. Top with cream, if using, then dust with a little more mixed spice and some cocoa.

Tip: If you have a coffee machine, use two shots of espresso to make the latte. If not, use an instant espresso coffee or your usual cafetière. You will need 50ml strong coffee made from about 1 tbsp ground coffee.

https://realfood.tesco.com/gallery/10-best-pumpkin-recipes.html?id=1b1694dc-d4e0-4eaa-8a37-a4dd01265fb5

www.tesco.com

Reservation for Relaxation Please! Zen Hits Zizzi as Goodrays Announces Partnership With Restaurant Chain With Restaurant Chain

There's good news for fans of Goodrays and Zizzi! CBD brand Goodrays is now on the menu at Zizzi Italian restaurants with a listing in 135 restaurants al lover the country.

Goodrays Raspberry and Guava and Passionfruit and Pomelo are now listed, providing diners with options for 'Sober October' and beyond, too.

 Goodrays drinks are perfect for the sober-curious and those who want to relax and explore adventurous and delicious flavours, without feeling they're compromising on a great night out. 

The drinks were developed by company founder Eoin Keenan, who brings decades of experience within the CBD sector, and an ex-Diageo Liquid developer and drinks industry expert, who worked on harnessing the flavour of CBD to compliment the tropical and zingy flavours of Goodrays. 

Goodrays drinks contain a market-leading 'dose' of 30mg per can, making it the market's best value CBD drink. Double the amount of CBD of its nearest competitor, Goodrays is obviously the go-to brand for consumers that want that extra dose of relaxation.

The announcement comes as Goodrays is now also listed in the first ever Waitrose meal deal nationwide, a listing meaning that per mg, Goodrays is the best value CBD drink on the market and ties into an ethos that CBD should be accessible for all. 

Reporting a 1500% increase in sales over 2022/23, Goodrays is excited to see CBD drinks listed in mainstream outlets in which consumers can sample the products in comfort and alongside delicious foods.

Henry Colyer, Head of Marketing at Goodrays says: "Your mind doesn't have an off switch. That's why we created Goodrays, a moment of clarity for the curious, the creative, the brave and the bold. Zizzi were looking for a non-alcoholic but functional option for their menu which was sophisticated and appealing to the younger market. 

"Clearly, Goodrays fits the brief perfectly. We know more and more younger people want to drink less alcohol, yet want something delicious, interesting, and a valid substitute for alcohol. Our ethos as a brand is we want to be the CBD brand for all occasions and restaurant partnerships are a huge part of our strategy going into 2024.

Zizzi were looking for a non-alcoholic option for their menus which was sophisticated yet on-trend and appealing to the younger market. Goodrays fit that perfectly. We know that more and more younger people want to drink less yet want something delicious, interesting, and a valid substitute for alcohol. Our ethos as a brand is that we want to be the CBD brand for all occasions and restaurant partnerships are a huge part of our strategy going into 2024.”

https://www.goodrays.com

That's Christmas: Exploring the Magic of Worldwide Christmas Markets

That's Christmas: Exploring the Magic of Worldwide Christmas Markets: Introduction As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns around the world transform into enchanting wonderlands filled with twinkling...

Warrendale Wagyu Launches Gourmet Wagyu Sausages Into Waitrose

I wasn't aware Wagyu beef was produced in Britain, so I was very intrigued and more than a little impressed to learn the UK's top producer of Wagyu beef, Warrendale Wagyu, has revealed its latest product, Wagyu Sausages. 

The new addition to its range will launch in 200 Waitrose stores this Wednesday (4th October) in what is thought to be the only Wagyu beef sausage to be sold in a major supermarket.

The gourmet sausage launch follows six months of rigorous product development and recipe testing and tweaking to introduce a beef sausage with the best taste and texture possible. 

The new sausages are available in Original and Horseradish and are produced using 90% and 86% premium British Wagyu Beef. What's more, both varieties are gluten and dairy free. 

Yorkshire-based Warrendale Wagyu was founded on an unwavering commitment to supply chain transparency, product quality and total consistency. 

The team their works in close partnership with a 750-strong collective of farmers to rear herds of a Wagyu cross dairy cattle breed known as F1 Wagyu. 

The brand has been running its unique business model to produce high quality marbled Wagyu beef since 2017. They now supply to Waitrose, premium restaurants including Hakkasan and Ivy Asia and online to meat lovers across the UK.

Tom Richardson, MD over at Warrendale Wagyu says:  “At Warrendale, we're clearly very passionate about Wagyu and, of course, we want to find new ways for people to enjoy it. 

"And we're very proud of the new Wagyu Sausage. Every care has been taken at each step of the process to ensure the taste, texture and traceability are the best they can possibly be.” 

The launch comes just in time for the start of comfort food season in the UK, with the new Wagyu Sausages here to upgrade autumn and winter meals. (That's Food and Drink says: "We're actually thinking of using Warrendale Wagyu Sausages with our turkey at Christmas dinner!")

John Topham, Chef at one of Yorkshire's finest restaurants, the Alice Hawthorn said: “I'm a big fan of the new Warrendale Wagyu sausage. It's an elegant sausage with a rich, smooth, beefy taste. I believe it's the perfect choice for a toad-in-the-hole with beer caramelised onion gravy!”

Krystina Houghton, Waitrose's sausage buyer said: "We're really very excited to be adding these British wagyu sausages into our range. Not only are they packed full of incredible umami flavours, but they're  made with British beef so it's fantastic to see more support for our farmers, too.

“The sausages will be perfect for those looking to add something delicious to their Bonfire Night get-togethers at home and will make a great addition to warming meals during the winter months, too"

Wagyu Sausages, Original and Horseradish, will be sold exclusively in Waitrose stores, Waitrose online and at www.warrendale-wagyu.co.uk. The RRP is £5.99 for a 400g pack of six, with an introductory offer of 25% off from Wednesday 4th October.

Salcombe Gin Partners With the Heroic RNLI to Launch 'Four Seas' Gin With Every Bottle Helping Save Lives at Sea

With a love and respect for the sea at the heart of everything they do, multi-award winning Salcombe Gin is delighted to have partnered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to launch 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin. 

Commemorating the charity's upcoming 200th anniversary, the new classic London dry gin is a true celebration of British and Irish coastal community spirit.  

Available now and for the next two years, every bottle of 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin will help save lives at sea, with 10% of the net price of every bottle sold proudly donated to the vital work of the RNLI. 

'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin is available in a 70cl bottle, at £39.50, ABV 40% from salcombegin.com, Salcombe Gin's Dartmouth and Salcombe stores, plus via Master of Malt, Amazon and leading independent retailers throughout the country.

It's a relaxed and inclusive gin, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin is crafted for everyday heroes, everyday occasions and for those who love to be close to the sea.  Adhering to the same exacting London Dry standard as their iconic and global award-winning citrus led Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin draws inspiration from their journey around the British coastline to where the four seas that surround our island nation, the Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea, all meet our shores. The same four seas served and protected by the heroic RNLI.  

Beautifully balanced, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin showcases four key botanicals and is led by lemons smoked over Scottish whisky barrel wood chips, tangy sea buckthorn from where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Cornish coast, sugar kelp foraged from the Irish sea providing a richness and a hint of salinity and elderberries from wildest Wales, giving an earthy floral sweetness.   

On the nose there's zesty fresh lemons, smoky citrus and classic juniper, followed by a citrusy tang and sweetness from the sea buckthorn with underlying floral and earthy layers on the palate, too. 

The finish is reportedly smooth, rich and warming, with a slightly saline tone, reminding you of its coastal influence and origin. 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin contains no colourants and no added sugar.

Appealing to gin drinkers both old and new, just serve 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin in a highball glass with four ingredients; gin, premium Indian tonic, ice and lemon or in a cocktail to showcase the subtle notes of smoked citrus and the hint of sea salt.

Like all the products in Salcombe Gin's portfolio, it contains no plastic packaging and has biodegradable cellulose tamper proof seals, 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin uses a totally natural cork and wooden stopper.

Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Distilling Co., Angus Lugsdin says:  “Spending years working at sea and having grown up learning to sail in Salcombe and watching with fascination as a child when the Salcombe Lifeboat was called out,  it's hard to express just exactly how thrilled I am about the collaboration between Salcombe Gin and the RNLI.  

"Having spent years offshore myself and having undergoing sea survival training myself, I have the utmost respect for the RNLI and its dedicated volunteers who generously devote their time to safeguarding and rescuing lives at sea, ensuring a safer environment for us all."

Angus went on to say: “It obviously fills the Salcombe Gin team with immense pride and pleasure to join forces with the RNLI, knowing that the sale of 'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin will contribute to our coastal communities and support the RNLI in their crucial missions.  What's more, as part of our special two-year partnership, we'll also contribute 10% of the net price of every bottle sold of our Salcombe Rum 'Island Street' to the RNLI, too.”

Mark Dowie, RNLI CEO adds: “We're delighted to partner with Salcombe Gin and welcome their kind support. And because Salcombe Gin is made in my hometown, I'm obviously hoping for great things!”

Mark went on toy say: “For almost two centuries the RNLI has been saving lives at sea.  All of the essential training and equipment for our lifeboat crews and lifeguards is only possible because of the donations we receive from our generous partners and our supporters.  Our partnership with Salcombe Gin will raise vital funds to help us continue our lifesaving work.”

The perfect partnership, Salcombe Gin draws influence from the coastal vitality of Salcombe and its shipbuilding heritage.  They produce internationally acclaimed gins at their waterside distillery on Island Street in Salcombe, one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat.  'Four Seas' by Salcombe Gin joins Salcombe Gin's outstanding line-up of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie', Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' and their exclusive Voyager Series.

Since 1824, the story of the RNLI is one of courage and dedication.  Across their almost 200-year history, RNLI lifesavers have answered the call to rescue, day or night, on calm seas or in ferocious storms.  If someone is in peril at sea, the RNLI will do all they can to save them.  Since the charity launched its first lifeboat in 1824, the RNLI has saved over 144,000 lives at sea.

For further information about Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombegin.com, follow Salcombe Gin on Instagram and Facebook. For further information about the RNLI's work, visit www.rnli.org or follow RNLI on Facebook.

That's Food and Drink believes this will make a superb Christmas gift or birthday present this year. 

Clearspring Launches Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Organic Okumidori Matcha

The leading authentic Japanese and organic fine food specialist Clearspring is launching an exclusive limited-edition Matcha to celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary: Clearspring Organic Japanese Okumidori Matcha - Ceremonial Grade. 

The special, limited-edition Organic Okumidori Matcha has been specially selected by Clearspring's tea master Nagata-san. Okumidori, meaning 'deepest green', is a superior, artisanal matcha from Wazuka, in Uji, Kyoto, a place steeped in eight centuries of matcha history. Of all the tea fields in Japan, less than 5% are dedicated to growing Okumidori Matcha, which makes it so absolutely valuable.

The tea leaves used have been shade-grown for 20 days before being harvested which increases chlorophyll levels which gives the matcha its vibrant green colour and its utterly unique flavour. 

Only the freshest and youngest tea leaves have been selected from this year's first harvest. Once picked, the leaves are stone-ground to create a fine, bright green powder which has a naturally smooth taste, whilst also delivering a rich umami flavour.

Clearspring's limited-edition Okumidori Matcha is sustainably grown and produced to the highest of  organic standards, whilst working with nature and encouraging biodiversity. This allows the tea leaves to develop a full, rounded and natural flavour and offer all the benefits of organic green tea.

The limited-edition launch, which is a first for Clearspring, offers Clearspring's supporters and Matcha connoisseurs the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the taste of a unique, ceremonial grade Organic Okumidori Matcha and mark 30 years of Clearspring. 

The brand will be donating £1 from the sale of each pack of its Limited-Edition Matcha to long-term charity partner and community cookery school Made in Hackney.

Says Maria Dawson, who is the MD Clearspring: “We've been working with our tea master Nagata-san for the past three decades and we're absolutely delighted to be launching this Limited Edition Organic Japanese Okumidori Matcha together. We wanted to offer something extra special for our 30th anniversary, and this Matcha delivers on taste, quality, uniqueness and sustainability."

She went on to explain: “This limited edition, Okumidori Matcha is best enjoyed when made to a traditional matcha recipe, simply with warm water, to fully enjoy the delicate flavour nuances it offers. We'd love to invite you to join us in celebrating 30 years of Clearspring with this Limited Edition Matcha”

Clearspring Limited Edition Matcha is available to purchase from selected independent stores from September, plus also online at www.clearspring.co.uk.

We at That's Food and Drink believe this will make an excellent Christmas present for the Matcha and tea lovers in your life.

Finalists unveiled for annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards

Finalists have been unveiled for the annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), the most prestigious celebration of Pan Asian cuisine in the UK and beyond, which this year will take place on Sunday 8th October at London’s Hilton Park Lane.

ARTA 2023 will welcome a guest list of the nation’s most popular Asian restaurateurs alongside MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenters, Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin. 

The finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from all over the UK will come together in the Capital city in the hope of being recognised as the best restaurant in their region or nationally and honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK Asian restaurant industry award sector.

Following the public nominations drive, a formal assessment was undertaken to determine the leading Asian culinary establishments based on criteria including quality of service; quality of product; value for money; and food hygiene ratings in tandem with the number of nominations provided from members of  the public. Following the rigorous vetting process, finalists have been announced across ARTA categories.

ARTA 2023 Finalists

Newcomer of the Year:

Savci, Stopsley, Luton

Tanishq Restaurant & Bar, Ongar, Chelmsford

Shimlas, Attleborough, Norwich

Coco Buffer, Weston-Super-Mare

Fine Dine Restaurant of the Year:

Dhoom, Dunfermline, Kirkaldy

Dining Room, Sheerness, Rochester

Blue Jasmine, Ocean Village, Southampton

Chaskaa Indian, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh

Korean Restaurant of the Year:

Cafe Andamiro, Newington, Edinburgh

Bento Bab, Aldgate, London

Yori, Piccadilly Circus, London

Bullgogi Restaurant, Notting Hill, London

Japanese Restaurant of the Year:

Tanakatsu, Camden, London

Maneki Ramen, Worcester

Sakura, Weston-super-Mare

Sapporo Teppanyaki, Castlefield, Manchester

Street Food Restaurant of the Year:

Mowgli Street Food, Brighton

Streetly Balti, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Twisted Indian Street Food, Blackpool

My Delhi, Newcastle upon Tyne

European Restaurant of the Year:

Kashmir House, Paris, France

New Delhi, Milano, Italy

Tamasha, Playa Blanca, Spain

Royal Indian Restaurant, Munich, Germany

Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year:

Copper Ceylon, Bromley, London

The Pier Ceylon, Herne Bay, Canterbury

Colombo Kitchen Restaurant, Worcester Park, Kingston upon Thames

Rathiga Restaurant & Bar, Luton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Northern Ireland:

Yaks, Bangor

Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast

Bangla, Bangor

India Gate, Belfast

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Scotland:

The Royal Bengal, Dunfermline, Kirkaldy

Qismat, Elgin, Inverness

Sylhet Brasserie, Grantown-on-Spey, Perth

Carron to Mumbai, Stonehaven, Aberdeen

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Wales:

Benllech Tandoori Restaurant, Benllech, Llandudno

Belfoi, Carmarthen, Swansea

The Grand Sultan, Port Talbot, Swansea

Mango Tree, Whitchurch, Cardiff

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North West:

Spice Valley, Horwich, Bolton

The Milnrow Balti Restaurant, Rochdale, Oldham

Achari, Bolton

Paneer, Wallasey, Chester

Regional Restaurant of the Year – West Midlands:

Delhi 45 Indian Streatery, Rubery, Birmingham

Titash Indian Restaurant, Sheldon, Birmingham

Shifnal Balti, Shifnal, Telford

The Royal Bengal, Earlsdon, Coventry

Regional Restaurant of the Year – East Midlands:

Royal Tandoori, Corby, Northampton

Sylhet Spice, Ripley, Derby

The Bridge & Bayleaf, Gunthorpe, Nottingham

Nazreen, Kettering, Northampton

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North East:

Jays Indian, Durham

Ahad Tandoori, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Bayleaf Indian Restaurant, Cramlington, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Hertfordshire:

Mint Leaf, Stortford, Chelmsford

Zaffran One, St Albans

Cumin Bar & Restaurant, Broxbourne, Enfield

Raj of India, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Essex:

The Polash, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea

Cinnamon, Epping, Chelmsford

Village Indiya Restaurant, Benfleet, Romford

Pride of Sylhet, Dunmow, Chelmsford

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Surrey:

Trishala, Redhill

Tiffin Wala, Camberley, Guildford

The Rajdoot, Guildford

Tarana, Lingfield, Redhill

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South Central:

Burghfield Spices, Burghfield, Reading

Jalpari of Woodley, Woodley, Reading

Madhuban Tandoori, Liss, Guildford

House of Flavours, Reading

Regional Restaurant of the Year – North London:

Ruhit's Indian Cuisine, Brent

The Rajdoot, Hampstead

Pinos Warung, Chalk Farm

The Spice, Kentish Town

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South London:

Samrat, Tooting

Gandhi’s, Kennington

Pure Indian Cooking, Fulham

Saka Maka, Hither Green

Regional Restaurant of the Year – West London:

Haweli of Ealing, Ealing

Durbar Tandoori Restaurant, Bayswater

The Rajdoot, Marylebone

Takaa Tak, Ealing

Regional Restaurant of the Year – South West:

Denley's Essence of India, Topsham, Exeter

Drgnfly Pan Asian Restaurant, Poole, Bournemouth

Daaku, Falmouth, Truro

Iford Tandoori, Iford, Bournemouth

Regional Restaurant of the Year – Sussex:

The New Curry Centre, Horsham, Redhill

Calcutta 16, Shoreham-by-Sea, Brighton

Darchini, Horsham, Redhill

Tamasha, Lindfield, Redhill

Regional Takeaway of the Year – North East:

The Jewel In the Crown, Birtley, Chester-le-Street

Zeera Tandoori, Durham

Balti Hut Indian Takeaway, Middlesborough, Cleveland

Spice Junction, Boldon Colliery, Newcastle upon Tyne

Regional Takeaway of the Year – North West:

Arong Tandoori, Waterloo, Liverpool

Bombay Cuisine, Prestwich, Manchester

Akash, Accrington, Blackburn

Bradshaw Tandoori, Bradshaw, Bolton

Regional Takeaway of the Year – West Midlands:

New Royal Balti, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent

Chutney Express, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham

Mahim Indian Takeaway, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury

Karma Lounge, Tamworth, Birmingham

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Essex:

Pathari's, Wickford, Southend-on-Sea

Kismet, Colchester

Spice Boys, Harlow, Chelmsford

Kaani Kaana, Chelmsford

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Surrey:

Hampton Tandoori, Hampton, Twickenham

Vindaloo Indian Takeaway, Farnborough, Guildford

Mohini Balti House, Carshalton Beeches, Carshalton, Sutton

Chipstead Tandoori, Coulsdon, Croydon

Regional Takeaway of the Year – Kent:

Shumi Tandoori, Frindsbury, Rochester

Mahan Indian Takeaway, Bexley, Dartford

Naims Tandoori, Bedford, Milton Keynes

Sher E Bangla, Longfield, Dartford

Regional Takeaway of the Year – East Anglia:

Kairali South Indian, Poringland, Norwich

Eastern Spice, Suffolk, Ipswich

Bhujon, Tring, Hemel Hempstead

Lime Takeaway, Saint Edmunds, Ipswich

Regional Takeaway of the year – East Midlands:

Little India, Desford, Leicester

Agra Cottage, Bingham, Nottingham

Miah's Takeaway, Heanor, Derby

Rikshaw Urban Indian Kitchen, Sherwood, Nottingham

Regional Takeaway of the year – Wales:

Masalla, Port Talbot, Swansea

Tiffin Rasoi, Barry, Cardiff

Kalimirch, Barry, Cardiff

Shaan Tandoori Takeaway, Ammanford, Swansea

Also additional awards will be presented on the night for Champion of Champions; National Chef of the Year; and National Takeaway of the Year.

ARTA 2023 will continue to honour one of the most lucrative sectors of the UK hospitality industry in the face of continued business and operational challenges during the current cost of living crisis. 

Says ARTA Founder Salik Mohammed Munim, “The UK’s popular Asian restaurant industry, known for its resilience in weathering operational and business challenges such as staff shortages and the Covid pandemic, now faces a new set of challenges during the current cost of living crisis. 

"The prices of products, ingredients and energy have risen significantly while customers are also facing the pinch. In this tough situation, ARTA will once again be honouring the UK’s best Asian restaurants and takeaways who are committed to delivering the best in restaurant and home dining in these tough circumstances.”