'Oscars of the curry industry' - Horsham restaurant named finalist in prestigious Asian food awards
A Horsham restaurant has been named a finalist in a prestigious national competition, celebrating the best Asian restaurants and takeaways in the UK.
Darchini, in London Road, Horsham, is among four restaurants shortlisted for the regional restaurant of the year, at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026.
It will go up against Calcutta 16 in Shoreham-by-Sea, Tamarind Indian Restaurant on the Isle of Wight and Thyme & Chillies in Chichester.
The finalists have been announced ahead of the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale, which will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Monday, October 12.
More than 1,250 restaurants and takeaways across the UK were put forward by diners and food enthusiasts for this year's awards.
The nominations were supported by social media engagement, food hygiene ratings and verified customer reviews, with a large share of entries submitted through ChefOnline, the awards' strategic partner.
The awards, described by organisers as the ‘Oscars of the curry industry’, will bring together Asian restaurants and takeaways from across the UK, with winners recognised in regional and national categories.
ARTA founder and CEO Mohammed Munim said: “Congratulations to every restaurant and takeaway named as a finalist of ARTA 2026. Being a finalist is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, resilience and dedication of the businesses shaping Asian hospitality across the UK.
“At a time when rising employment costs, inflation and increasing overheads continue to challenge independent hospitality, Asian restaurants and takeaways remain vital to communities and the wider UK hospitality industry.
“We look forward to celebrating the winners’ and their achievements in the hospitality industry on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.”
The ceremony will be hosted by BBC journalist and broadcaster Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha.
Other categories at this year's awards include Pan Asian restaurant of the year, restaurant of the year, chef of the year, takeaway of the year, Turkish restaurant of the year, street food restaurant of the year and national newcomer of the year.
The Sussex winner will be announced at the London ceremony on October 12.