A family run Indian restaurant has been shortlisted for the Best New Indian Restaurant Awards at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2024. 

The Chennai Lounge, in Terminus Terrace on the site of the former Parkers Hotel, was visited secretly by two judges, who tried out their authentic Indian cuisine. 

The judges explained who they were at the end of the meal and, according to co-owner Kannan Rathinavel, they said it was the "one of the best Indian meals" they’ve eaten.

(Image: The Chennai Lounge)

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The Chennai Lounge opened its doors in Southampton in March and will now be going up against five other Indian restaurants from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.

The awards place at The Hilton Manchester at the end of August. 

Kannan and his wife Masila lovingly restored the 50-seat restaurant during a 12-week refurbishment in which it was decorated with traditional Indian artworks. 

Kannan told the Daily Echo: “We knew we were doing well as the online reviews we’ve been getting have been really positive.

"These seem to have caught the eye of the judges. For the awards two judges came along secretly to test us out.

"They visit hundreds of restaurants around the UK so to make the shortlist among all of those makes us so proud.

"Looking at the other restaurants nominated it is a real honour to be amongst these. Now we go through to the grand final.

"We had no idea the judges were coming. At the end of their meal they announced themselves and said it was one of the best Indian meals they’d had.

"They particularly liked our lamb dishes, we do spend a lot of care marinading to get the taste right.

"They also had our squid sukka and some authentic South Indian dishes Methu Vada and Chicken Chettinad.

"These are dishes you won’t find in many restaurants in Southampton or Hampshire. These are all dishes that if you like Indian and spicy food you will really like.”

(Image: The Chennai Lounge)

Chefs at the restaurant previously worked in London and Dubai and have worked hard to get the taste just right. 

To celebrate their nomination, Chennai Lounge is now offering a special three-course menu to taste a variety of dishes throughout August for £25 per person.

(Image: The Chennai Lounge)