Winsford restaurant is double finalist in national curry awards

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2023, the second Nation’s Curry Awards will take place on February 12 and Bombay Lounge is in the running for two honours.

The popular restaurant on Wharton Road is a finalist in Curry Kitchen of the Year and Customer Service of the Year.

The awards aim to recognise the talents and hard work of individuals and businesses within the UK’s curry industry, celebrating the rich and diverse curry culture and encouraging continued growth and evolution.

The finalists have distinguished themselves with their exceptional quality, innovation, and consistency in offering a truly memorable dining experience.

Owner Afzal Hassan has the magic touch having picked up Mid Cheshire’s Best for Curry and Best Restaurant in 2022 and 2023

Hassan said: “We are so pleased to have reached the final of two awards – it’s phenomenal.

“We had a very busy Christmas period so to get the call saying we were finalists in two categories was fantastic.

“We have won Best for Curry and Best Restaurant in Mid Cheshire for the past two years and now this!

“It changes everything and is about us receiving recognition nationally.

“We are going from strength to strength and will continue to bring our customers the best culinary experience.”

The talented team at Bombay Lounge will be attending the glittering awards ceremony in Manchester on February 12

Five years ago, Hassan took over as the new owner of Bombay Lounge, formerly Bombay Tea Lounge, with big plans to relaunch the business and make it thrive.

He grew up in London but has lived in Cheshire and Staffordshire for the previous 20 years before opening Bombay Lounge in 2019.

The Wharton Road venue offers dine in, takeaway and delivery services.

Hassan, who is 37, said: “I always wanted to open my own restaurant as I have always worked in the catering and hospitality industry.

“Bombay Lounge is different to other restaurants due to the food we serve.

“It’s Indian food with a modern twist, especially the dining in only menu.

“Many other restaurants serve Indian curries you can get anywhere but times have changed.

“It’s all about trends and modernisation with a twist on traditional Indian food.”

Specialities on the menu include Bombay firecracker, mezbani lamb and rajastanti chicken as well as murgh malabar and, of course, the nation’s favourite chicken tikka masala.

“Our masalas are on a different level.”

Bombay Lounge will be closed on Monday, February 12 so that the dedicated team can attend the awards ceremony at The Hilton Hotel in Manchester.

A Spokesperson for the Second Nation’s Curry Awards 2024 said: “We’re proud to be able to once again celebrate the finest in the UK’s curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.

“The UK’s curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special.

“We want to wish the best of luck to all of our finalists.”