Popular Wetherby Indian restaurant shortlisted in prestigious International Asian Restaurant Awards

Bengal Lounge, on High Street, has been named among the finalists in the 10th International Asian Restaurant Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation.

The Wetherby restaurant is one of a select group of Yorkshire businesses to be recognised this year, alongside restaurants and takeaways from Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, York, Otley, Wakefield, Doncaster, Huddersfield and Middlesbrough.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel on Monday, September 7, hosted by BBC News presenter Samantha Simmonds and The Apprentice finalist Anisa Khan.

Now in its 10th year, the International Asian Restaurant Awards celebrate excellence across the hospitality industry, recognising outstanding culinary standards, innovation, creativity and customer service.

The awards cover a wide range of Asian cuisines, including Bangladeshi, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Nepalese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern food.

The shortlist is compiled through public votes before the eventual winners are selected by an independent panel of judges.

Among the headline honours are Business Person of the Year, National Asian Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant Group of the Year, King of Curry, National Buffet Restaurant of the Year and Best Regional Newcomer.

Yawar Khan, Chair of the Asian Catering Federation, said: "I am delighted to announce this year's shortlist. Manchester is a city that welcomes international cuisine and is home to some of the very best Asian restaurants and takeaways in the UK.

"We wish all of this year's finalists the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry's outstanding businesses at this year's awards ceremony."

The full list of restaurants and takeaways included in this year’s shortlist is available at https://asianrestaurantawards.org/2026-manchester-shortlist/