Lala's scoops prestigious prize at British Restaurant Awards

Lala's Restaurant, on Bradford Road, Pudsey, scooped the Best Restaurant in Leeds amongst 10 finalists at the fifth annual British Restaurant Awards 2023 in London.

Lala’s won the award, beating Michelin-star restaurant The Man Behind The Curtain and other Michelin-recommended restaurants to the crown.

"We were up against some big Michelin restaurants that have been around for decades," said Lala's owner Junior Rashid.

Lala's Restaurant owner Junior Rashid with the Best in Leeds award (Image: UGC)

"I'm overwhelmed. I certainly wasn't expecting it."

Mr Rashid has described the award as the "icing on the cake" as his restaurant just scored a "hat-trick".

"We've already won two accolades this year, so this is a hat-trick for us."

Lala’s won the Platinum Game Changer award at the Bradford Curry Awards earlier this year, and was named the best Asian restaurant in the North of England for the second year running at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2023.

"It feels amazing," added Mr Rashid. "I'd like to say thank you to our customers. If it wasn't for them we wouldn't be where we are today.

"We've been working hard to be recognised for our achievements, so this is the icing on the cake.

"It's also great to be recognised in the capital of the UK.

"It's brilliant. We're on a roll and on top of our game.

"Teamwork makes the dream work."

Lala's Restaurant, on Bradford Road, Pudsey (Image: Google Street View)

Lala's has come a long way since opening in January 2020.

"It was tough because in March 2020 there was lockdown because of the Covid pandemic.

"But we're continuing to make our restaurant luxurious.

"We're in the process of starting an extension, which would allow our customers to experience outdoor 'al fresco' dining."