FOUR years ago Afzal Hassan took over as the new owner of Bombay Lounge with big plans to relaunch the business and make it thrive.

He clearly has the recipe for success as hot on the heels of winning last year’s Best for Curry and Best Restaurant awards, the Winsford venue has scooped Mid Cheshire’s Best for Curry 2023.

Each week, we will be searching for the best Mid Cheshire has to offer in different categories and we’ve given out 21 awards for 2023.

The winners so far:

Best for Hair – Oliver Gibney Hairdressing

Best for Pies – Ka Pie

Best for Nails – Samantha Dean Nails and Makeup

Best for Roast Dinner – The Red Lion in Little Budworth

Best for Cocktails – Grape and Bean

Best for Breakfast – Kanya Bistro and Bar

Best for Fitness – Simon Daniels

Best for Fish and Chips – The Corner Fish and Chip Shop

Best for Tattoos – Ink FX Tattoo

Best for Pizza – Oakwood Smoke and Dough

Best for Pets – Willowsway Cat Rescue

Best Independent Shop or Business – The Style Hut

Best for Desserts – Layers Treats

Best for Kids – Popcat’s Music Time

Best Gym – Namix Performance Centre

Best Beer Garden – The Carriers Inn

Best for Afternoon Tea – Goostrey Home and Leisure

Best for Burgers – Smokehouse and Cellar

Best Café or Coffee Shop – Board Beans Café

Voting for Mid Cheshire’s Best Pub or Bar is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search – Best Restaurant.

Next on the menu was the search for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Curry and Bombay Lounge took the latest Best of 2023 title making them back-to-back winners.

Tasty dishes on the Bombay Lounge menu

Tasty dishes on the Bombay Lounge menu

Afzal Hassan, known as Hassan, opened Bombay Lounge – formerly Bombay Tea Lounge – in 2019 having grown up in London but lived in Cheshire and Staffordshire for the previous 20 years.

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.”

Inside the award-winning Winsford restaurant

Inside the award-winning Winsford restaurant

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.”

What do customers think about Bombay Lounge? Why did they think the venue should win our latest Best of 2023 award?

One nomination said: “The best in the area for food and friendly staff by far.

“They won last year and deserve to win again.”

Customers have been enjoying trying the dishes on the menu since 2019

Customers have been enjoying trying the dishes on the menu since 2019

Hassan said: “When I heard we had made the final shortlist for Mid Cheshire’s Best for Curry 2023 was great news but to win is outstanding – two years in a row!

“I’d like to thank all my customers for all their support and every single one of their votes.

“Also, huge thanks to my team for all their hard work and motivation to continue being the best in the area.”

For more details go to facebook.com/bombayloungewinsford