Since the 1950s—with the employment of many South Asian factory workers by a British Indian Army Officer—Southall has fast become a miniaturized India in its own right, and as such offers a host of establishments we recommend you take advantage of visiting. From record shopping to movie going to grabbing a pint and jeering at the cricket game on overhead, to sitting down to a proper Indian meal then grabbing a bag of sweets for takeaway, you can easily pack a day bouncing around Southall’s highlights.
Here’s our entertaining, cultured jaunt through London’s little India.
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When you get off the train, turn away from intersecting down at The Broadway and follow the gilded dome of the largest Sikh temple outside India. When you get there, make sure to drop your shoes, wash your hands, wrap your head, then go upstairs to admire the stunning stained glass windows, prayer room and the beauty of communion with higher powers.
Now that you’ve sampled the sounds of religious ceremony, switch things up and head to the home of Bhangra beats. Timbaland once shut down this shop to mine it for sonic gold. What music treasures will you find?
Check out a stunning collection of Indian bridalwear and top-notch pieces for extravagant engagements; men’s suits, women’s sarees, gowns and accessories.
By now you’re most likely wondering when the main event, eating, should get underway. Keep walking down the Broadway till you hit Chandni Chowk. The upstairs dining room is a nice place to sit down, take a load off, and order up delicious traditional Indian fare.
Work off the meal with a quick walk back towards the main hub of Southall. What better way to take it easy while you digest then catch a Bollywood movie at the Himalaya Palace. If you still have room, you can even grab samosa at the concession stand.
Before you turn back, you must experience the Glassy Junction. Have a pint or tea, and if for some reason you’re fresh back from India and discover a forgotten pocketful of currency, pay the tab with your spare Rupees. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better medley of British and Indian cultures than this establishment.
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