Spicy celebrations for top Winsford restaurant's “outstanding” curries

The Winsford restaurant was awarded Outstanding Curry of the Year at this year’s Nation’s Curry Awards.

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2023, the second Nation’s Curry Awards took place on Monday, February 12 at The Hilton in Manchester and Bombay Lounge was in the running for several honours.

The popular restaurant on Wharton Road was a finalist in Curry Kitchen of the Year and Customer Service of the Year and took home the Outstanding Curry of the Year honour.

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.

Bombay Lounge owner Afzal Hassan at Monday night's awards ceremony

Owner Afzal Hassan, who is 37, said: “I feel so overwhelmed at winning this award.

“It was a national event so there were restaurants from all over the country as well as Scotland and Wales.

“We were nominated for Outstanding Curry of the Year and we won!

“This was the first time that I have been to an awards ceremony and to be honest I wasn’t expecting to win as there where some big restaurants in this category.

“Winning this award means so much to me.”

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.

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.

Tasty dishes on the menu at Bombay Lounge

Hassan said: “Since opening Bombay Lounge, I have worked tirelessly to achieve the highest standards possible and I’m finally being rewarded and recognised for this.

“My staff are crucial as we are all on the same page, with equal passion and determination to set goals and achieve the highest standards.

“The clientele that we have built up over the past five years is amazing and they have supported us all the way.

“They are the reason that we have achieved so much.

“Winning back-to-back double awards for Best Restaurant and Best Curry in Mid Cheshire two years in a row and now winning this national award for Outstanding Curry of the Year is fantastic.

“The hard work that we have put in is now being recognised but it is just the beginning - hopefully we will achieve so much more.”

A spokesperson for the 2nd Nation’s Curry Awards 2024 said: “It was an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, vibrant energy and passionate conversations.

“We have celebrated 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 congratulate all the winners and highly commended recipients on their accomplishment.”