MANCHESTER: Asha’s Manchester – popular restaurant in the heart of Manchester, UK, named after Indian singer Asha Bhosle – recently won the Best of Manchester Award at the Nation’s Curry Awards 2023. The twice Michelinrecommended and British Curry Awards winning Indian restaurant was shut down for quite some time before reopening its doors in August last year with a brandnew look and feel.
Founded as a culinary brand by Bhosle in celebration of her own love of Indian cuisine, the Manchester branch of Asha’s is now part of the new boutique hotel Forty-Seven. Ryan Thompson, General Manager of the revamped eatery, shares some insights into the secret behind the success of the restaurant:
On how Asha’s Manchester was born: The first Asha’s was born in 2002 in Dubai. Since then, it has grown, and it was noticed that Indian food is quite liked in the UK, inspiring us to open Asha’s Manchester in 2016. Today you can enjoy Asha’s across two continents, five countries, and 14 Locations – Manchester, Birmingham, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Reason behind closure for long period: The restaurant was closed for refurbishment. Behind the scenes at 47 Peter Street we were working to open FortySeven, Manchester’s latest boutique hotel with lavish suites and bedrooms. Forty-Seven is an intelligent luxury hotel for those who appreciate statement and style while they sojourn. There will also be the “Asha’s Suite” inspired with delicate Indian patterns and rich colours to transport guests to the middleeast.
Reopening Asha’s Manchester, we added a selection of new dishes as well as the appearance of the interiors. We have refreshed the welcome lobby setting the tone of a sophisticated and contemporary dining experience. Our latest cocktail lounge, ‘The Peterman, ‘ offers guests of Asha’s a spot to relax and recline for a signature aperitif, cocktail or post-dinner digestive.
Future plans: Asha’s will commemorate its 20th anniversary this year. In retrospect, a few top-selling dishes from the last two decades are being revived. Guests can reminisce about the exclusive 20-year menu and indulge in the gourmet signature dishes that will take you on a nostalgic journey of food and memories.
We aim to provide an award-winning dining experience in the vibrant heart of the UK’s curry capital, Manchester, making it the perfect venue for an after-work gathering, a pre-theatre meal, or a post-movie curry. Signature cocktails and spectacular food in a stunning setting, enjoy the finest Indian culinary traditions in truly opulent surroundings. It’s everything Indian cuisine should be. Inside, elegant interiors and lavish comfort befitting an Indian palace await – a setting worthy of Michelin-listed Indian cuisine.
