‘Beer Gate’ and ‘Party Gate’ venues shortlisted in Asian Restaurant Awards

Two curry houses believed to have provided the takeaways for controversial political party meetings, have both been shortlisted for this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards, being held in Manchester on 27th June.

The Spice Lounge in Durham, which is thought to have provided the food for Labour leader Keir Starmer and other party members during the evening of the so called ‘Beer Gate’ meeting, has been nominated for Best Indian in the North East.

Dishoom, whose takeaway box is evident in a photo of Boris Johnson at a leaving event inside 10 Downing Street, is shortlisted in the Best Restaurant Group category. The Irani-café style restaurants have branches in Manchester, Edinburgh and London.

The shortlist was determined by over 100,000 votes from members of the public. A panel of judges for the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which hosts the awards, are currently touring the country to determine the eventual victors. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony, sponsored by Just East and Booker Wholesale, being held at the Manchester Hilton on Monday 27th June.

The prestigious Fine Dining Category will be contested by Benares, Cinnamon Club, Grand Trunk Road, Heritage Dulwich, Indian Essence in Orpington, and Quilon in London, Ambrette in Canterbury, Indian Essence in Orpington, Mint Room in Bath Navadhanya in Cambridge and Prithvi in Cheltenham,