A Chichester restaurant has been named as a top 10 regional finalist for the 2026 Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), often referred to as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”.
Thyme & Chillies, located on Birdham Road, is in the running for the Regional Restaurant of the Year – South Central category. The shortlisting follows a nationwide search that saw more than 1,250 nominations submitted by diners across the UK via the ChefOnline platform.
The final winners will be announced at a grand gala ceremony scheduled for Monday, 12 October 2026. The event is set to take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane, where the best in South Asian cuisine will be celebrated on a national stage.
The ARTA finalists are determined through a rigorous selection process. Beyond initial customer nominations, the organisers assess social media engagement, Food Hygiene Ratings, and verified reviews to ensure only the highest-performing establishments reach the final stages. This year’s competition comes as the industry continues to navigate a challenging economic landscape for high-street hospitality.
Mohammed Munim, the founder and CEO of ARTA, has previously highlighted the importance of the awards in recognising the craft and resilience of chefs and restaurant owners. The competition aims to showcase the culinary diversity of the sector, which contributes significantly to the UK economy.
For local food enthusiasts, the recognition of Thyme & Chillies marks a distinct achievement separate from other recent industry accolades in the area, such as the English Curry Awards. The Birdham Road venue will now face competition from nine other shortlisted restaurants across the South Central region for the top prize.
Those interested in the awards or looking to attend the ceremony can find further details through the official Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards website.
The restaurant, situated at Birdham Road, Chichester, PO20 7BW, remains open as usual ahead of the final results in October.