Curry Mile

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The Curry Mile is a nickname for the main high street of Rusholme in Manchester, England, part of the larger Wilmslow Road. The name is earned from the large number of South Asian restaurants along the road, thought to be the largest concentration outside of the Indian Subcontinent.^{[citation needed]} Although less than a mile, the road boasts at least seventy restaurants, take-aways and kebab houses.

Contents 1 Uniqueness 2 Eid 3 Other features 4 References 5 External link

[edit] Uniqueness

What makes the Curry Mile different from other collections of Indian restaurants is the sheer concentration of them, back to back the entire length of the road. Also unique is the way that the 'mile' starts and stops so abruptly, rather than fading in and out. The number of dining establishments means that competition is extremely potent, and this keeps prices low and quality and quantity high. Equally important is service, and most diners can expect to be treated like royalty, often with condiments provided 'on the house'. This generally favours both parties, with diners feeling suitably pampered, and restaurants receiving generous tipping, helping to boost their meagre prices.

The first restaurants, the Ghulam and Sanam, opened in the mid 1960s. These were initially very basic restaurants catering for an Asian clientele. Throughout the 70s and 80s the numbers of restaurants and sweet centres slowly increased, and the Curry Mile identity began to take hold, especially with students. Over recent years there has been an increasing number of Middle Eastern takeaways and restaurants opening up on the Curry Mile, adding further culinary influences. These serve the usual donner, shish and seekh kebabs as well as more traditional dishes such as falafel, fresh salads and clay oven cooked meat.

At night, the neon lights of the many restaurants illuminate the road in a similar way to Las Vegas and the streets are alive and populated well into the early hours of the morning.

[edit] Eid

Considering the cultural niche, in the past there was a surprising lack of Asian diners in Rusholme, the majority being made up of students and white young professionals.^{[citation needed]} However, over the last few years there has been a considerable increase in the number of Asian families visiting the area for meals.^{[citation needed]} Each year, the Eid festival celebrations transform the Curry Mile into a night-time party, although sadly sometimes a small minority of festival goers have caused trouble and spoiled the colourful atmosphere. In recent years, police presence around the mile during this period has been high, and zero-tolerance has become the strategy used for the disruptive youths.

[edit] Other features

Also situated along the mile are a variety of Asian fashion, grocery and music shops, and the flavour of Asian cultural influence permeates most enterprises. The traditional and relaxing pastime of smoking Sheesha (the Middle-Eastern water pipe) has seen popularity in the area. Sheesha holds a long and historic tradition in Arabia popular with royalty and public alike. Sheesha is available in many weird and wonderful flavours, from the usual apple and strawberry to coffee, chocolate and Coca Cola flavours. It is usually shared by a group of friends accompanied by mint tea.

Rusholme also has several traditional English pubs along the curry mile, which cater to locals and university students including Hardy's Well, The Whitworth, The Huntsman Inn and The Clarence. These tend to have no Asian influence whatsoever, and stand out in stark contrast to the neighbouring buildings.

[edit] References

[edit] External link

• Rusholme Curry Website