A Yorkshire restaurant brand which started with a single venue in Wakefield has celebrated a bumper fortnight after picking up four major industry awards across two of its restaurants.
LALA THE RESTAURANT, which first opened its doors in Wakefield in 2009, has received honours for its Huddersfield and Leeds/Bradford venues at two separate restaurant awards.
The Huddersfield restaurant was named Asian Restaurant of the Year – Best in Huddersfield at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2026.
It followed that success by picking up Yorkshire Curry Experience of the Year at the British Asian Restaurant Awards 2026.
Meanwhile, LALA’s Leeds/Bradford restaurant was named Asian Restaurant of the Year – North of England, before also receiving the Outstanding Achievement – Best of Yorkshire accolade at the British Asian Restaurant Awards.
The four awards represent another milestone for the Yorkshire-grown restaurant business, which has expanded since opening its first restaurant 17 years ago.
For the team behind LALA, however, the recognition is about more than trophies.
The restaurant says much of its success has been built on repeat customers and families who have returned over the years for everything from an evening meal to birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other celebrations.
Owner fondly known as Junior Rashid said: “Everyone at LALA THE RESTAURANT is absolutely delighted to have received four major awards across our Huddersfield and Leeds/Bradford restaurants.
“Receiving recognition across both restaurants in such a short period is a very proud moment for the entire LALA team.
“These awards recognise not only the quality of our food, but also the dedication, consistency and hospitality shown by our chefs, front-of-house teams, managers and everyone working behind the scenes.”
LALA has built its offering around South Asian cuisine, combining traditional flavours with a contemporary restaurant experience.
Since its beginnings in Wakefield in 2009, the business has continued to grow its presence in Yorkshire, while its owners say they have remained committed to the food, service and hospitality on which the original restaurant was built.
Junior said the support of local communities had played an important part in that journey.
He added: “We are especially grateful to our loyal customers and the communities of Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford.
“Many families have supported LALA for years, celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions with us. We therefore see these awards as recognition shared with our customers as much as with our team.”
The restaurant sector has faced considerable challenges in recent years, with businesses having to contend with rising food, energy and staffing costs alongside pressure on household spending.
Against that backdrop, LALA’s expansion from its Wakefield beginnings and its latest recognition across Yorkshire represents a notable local hospitality success story.
But the team says the four awards are not being viewed as an end point.
Junior added: “Winning four awards is a tremendous achievement, but it also motivates us to keep developing, raising our standards and delivering the best possible food, service and overall dining experience.”
