Heywood’s Venus Lounge and Little Hulton’s Spice & Spirits shine at Asian Restaurant Awards

Thursday, 18 September 2025 20:22

By David Murphy

Two Greater Manchester restaurants have scooped top honours at this year’s Asian International Restaurant Awards, cementing the region’s reputation as a hotspot for outstanding Asian cuisine.

Venus Lounge in Heywood was crowned Manchester’s Asian Restaurant of the Year, while Spice & Spirits in Little Hulton walked away with the title of best Asian Restaurant in the North West.

The awards, hosted at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel by the Asian Catering Federation, saw more than 100 restaurants nominated by popular vote. A final 34 winners were selected by a panel of seasoned catering professionals and industry experts.

For Venus Lounge, which opened in 2017, this year marked their first time entering the competition. “We are truly honoured to have been awarded Best Asian Restaurant in Manchester,” said the team, who praised both their staff and loyal customers for the success.

Spice & Spirits, based in Little Hulton, also stood out as a regional winner. The restaurant, which has become a popular destination for families and food lovers, was celebrated not only for its quality dishes but also for its role in the local community. The Mayor of Bury was among those pictured at the event, underlining the recognition the restaurant has gained in the borough.

Spice Spirits Little Hulton pictured with the Mayor of Bury

Yawar Khan, chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, congratulated both winners, saying: “Each year we celebrate excellence, and today’s winners truly deserve their places as best in the country. These businesses allow the Asian food industry to thrive, despite the challenges facing the hospitality sector.”

Other award highlights included Akbar’s in Manchester, which won the National Asian Restaurant of the Year for England, and Royal Nawaab Pyramid in Stockport, crowned Buffet Restaurant of the Year.

With two titles coming back to Greater Manchester, both Venus Lounge and Spice & Spirits have firmly established themselves as destinations to watch for anyone seeking authentic and memorable dining experiences.