Indian restaurant with quirky coastal theme in Derby named among UK's best by Asian Restaurant Awards 2025
It is a major coup for the eatery that opened just over a year ago.
A Derby restaurant has been named among the best in the UK by the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA).
Ahead of the annual award ceremony that is set to take place next month, a shortlist has been released.
This year the event to honour the country’s top Asian restaurants will be taking place on Monday, October 6, at the London Hilton Park Lane.
House Boat on St Peter’s Street, Derby is in the running for Regional Restaurant of the Year in the East Midlands region.
It is a major coup for the eatery that opened just over a year ago on August 19, 2024.
House Boat is up against three local restaurants, they are Shapla Spice in Ripley, Silchar Indian Dining in Hinckley, and Spice Lounge in Brackley.
ARTA 2025 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 journalist and broadcaster, Samantha Simmonds, and magician, Paul Martin.
The finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from across the UK will come together in London 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.
This year, more than 1,300 restaurants and takeaways across the UK were put forward by diners and food enthusiasts.
ARTA say the nomination process was further strengthened by robust social media engagement and supporting data, including Food Hygiene Ratings.
Speaking about the awards, Mohammed Munim, founder member and CEO of ARTA, said: “Asian restaurants and takeaways have long played a vital role in the UK’s economy and culture.
“Their contribution through job creation, community impact and culinary excellence deserves to be recognised.
“Especially in today’s challenging climate, ARTA is proud to champion their achievements and support their continued success.
“Every nominee is a testament to the industry’s resilience and we look forward to celebrating them on 6th October.”
Here are ARTA 2025 finalists for the Midlands
Regional Restaurant of the Year - East Midlands
- House Boat Restaurant, Derby
- Shapla Spice, Ripley
- Silchar Indian Dining, Hinckley
- Spice Lounge, Brackley
Regional Restaurant of the Year - West Midlands
- Bao To The Broth, Hereford
- Millennium, Birmingham
- Monsoon Majestic Indian Dining, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Newcastle
- Tamarind, Balsall Common, Coventry
Streetfood Restaurant of the Year
- Punjabi Heaven Restaurant, Roundhay, Leeds
- My Delhi Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Mr Chaat, Bolton
- Zaap Thai Street Food, Nottingham
Japanese Restaurant of the Year
- Wakaze, Leicester
- Takayama Restaurant, Ipswich
- Maneki Ramen, Worcester
- Oishii Japanese Restaurant, Hertford
Regional Takeaway of the Year - East Midlands
- Miah's Takeaway, Heanor
- SunSushi, Far Cotton, Northampton
- Masala Takeaway, Sherwood, Nottingham
- Shipon Tandoori, Chesterfield
It is a mixed outlook for the UK curry industry.
ARTA says the sector has bounced back following the upheaval from the pandemic and the Brexit impact of increasing costs of ingredients.
ARTA goes on to add that the curry industry currently contributes £4.5 billion to the economy in 2025, up from £4.2 billion in 2024.
ARTA also say recent changes to immigration rules introduced on July 22, pose a “significant threat” to the industry’s future.
ARTA say they use a two-phase process to select finalists. The public nominates their preferred restaurants or takeaways based on the Quality of Food, Quality of Service, and Value for Money. ARTA then evaluate nominees using Trip Advisor, Google Reviews, and Food Hygiene Ratings. A panel of judges conducts the final phase.
The process concludes at the Grand Finale & Gala Evening, where the ultimate winner is announced and honoured with prestigious awards in various categories.