Curry Mile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
 This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2007)
For the 2000 novel, see The Curry Mile.
Photograph of the 'Curry Mile' at nighttime

The Curry Mile is a nickname for the part of Wilmslow Road running through Rusholme in Manchester, England. 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.

The Curry Mile is notable for its the streets being alive and populated well into the early hours of the morning. The area is regularly visited by local students, because of its location near to the city universities.

Contents

[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 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 or other beverages.

Middle Eastern eateries have had a rising presence along the mile in recent years which has. This is due to a rising demand for Arabic food due to its popularity and to cater for a larger Arab and Kurdish community than in the past.

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.

[edit] The Curry Mile on Film

In 1996, Aneel Ahmad and Faisal A. Qureshi wrote Movin As A Massive a Channel 4 Documentary written for the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge.

"Movin As A Massive was the winner of the 1996 Race in the Media Award for Best Youth Programme. Nominated by the RTS in 1996 for Most Innovative Film/Video and winner of the Channel 4/Lloyds Bank Film Challenge. Directed by Ninder Billing and produced by Andy Porter and Madeline French for Compulsive Viewing.

A semi-sequel, Wimmy Road, was later written for BBC Radio Drama by Faisal A. Qureshi and directed by Nadia Molinari. It was nominated for a Race in the Media Award for Best Radio Drama.

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_Mile"
Personal tools