Southall, also known as Little India, is a suburban town in the Middlesex County of West London. Many Bollywood and British movies and OTT series have featured this place, starting with a brief appearance in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), followed by Bend It Like Beckham in the early 2000s, and then Patiala House, and more.
History of Southall
Immigration Post World War 2 in Southall
During the Second World War, Southall became a target of enemy bombings on many occasions, so bunkers and shelters were built by the government under public schools and buildings, and in the gardens of private homes.
World War 2 hampered Britain’s economy, and the country realised the need for cheap labour to rebuild the infrastructure and to run the healthcare, construction and other industries. That’s when the British government encouraged immigration from the Commonwealth countries, mainly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Caribbean.
The British government actively recruited the workforce under the 1948 British Nationality Act, granting them the right to live and work. Many victims of partition in India and Pakistan also came to Britain to seek refuge.
In 1950, the first group of South Asians came to Southall to work in a factory. The population grew due to expansion in employment opportunities nearby, such as at Heathrow Airport.
Southall also became home to the Quaker Oats factory and the earliest British Film Studios, or Southall Studios, where many movies and TV shows were made between 1924 and 1959.
Many manufacturing companies also made their base in Southall, increasing further opportunities.
Why Is Southall Known as Little India?
Southall is a testament to the dynamic South Asian community that has created its home in this town. The area is a unique blend of cultures, with Asian grocery stores, street food, and a lively atmosphere that is a must-see for anyone who wants a taste of India.
It is also home to one of the largest Sikh communities outside India. From station to street names, you will see the Punjabi language alongside English. There is also Europe’s largest Sikh temple, or Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, on Havelock Road.
In Southall, Kessar Singh Bhatti formed Britain’s first Asian football team, which led to the rise of Asian football and other sports tournaments in the UK.
Southall also includes big Indian jewellery stores, such as Joyalukkas, whose ambassador is Kajol Devgan. Her posters are hanging on all the street lampposts of Southall.
Bollywood and Indie-Brit movies also played an integral role in portraying the desi vibes in Southall. In Bend It Like Beckham, Gurinder Chadha has shown a detailed montage of glittery wedding shopping for the protagonist’s sister.
On top of it, there was Glassy Junction public house, which was the only pub to accept Indian Rupees as payment. Can you believe that? However, in 2011, it was replaced by Sarvana Bhavan.
4 Exciting Things to Do in Southall
- Relish the food varieties
- Do Grocery Shopping from Quality Foods
- Clothes, Jewellery, Shoes, Antiques, and Utensils
- Visit Southall During Diwali
Relish the food varieties
Southall is a haven for gastronomers, especially those who like authentic Indian cuisine. You will find street food, including Punjabi Chole Bhature and Lassi, Kebabs, Golgappe or Pani Puri, Idli and Sambar, Chicken Tikka, and all kinds of sweets, such as Jalebi, Kulfi, and Ghewar( a Rajasthani sweet cherished in North India, especially Delhi NCR and Rajasthan during the monsoon season).
The streets of Southall have Sweetcorn pop-up joints, and you can also drink sugarcane juice, which you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.
If you want to explore street food options, visit Aahar or Kulcha Express. For South Indian food, Sarvana Bhavan is the best. Try Apna Punjab or Raunka Punjab Diyan for the Punjabi main course meal.
There are other cuisines, such as Sri Lankan, Afghan, Pakistani, Caribbean and British available too.
When in the area, try Indian sweets, such as Ras Malai, Barfi and Malai Ghewar from Panji Sweet Shop. You can also visit Prasad Sweets to try their Indian savouries.
Take a sip of Masala tea in a Kulhad-style mug at Aahar.
Do Grocery Shopping from Quality Foods
You can buy vegetables like Okra, Bitter Guard, Bottle Guard, and various Indian staples. If it’s the summer season, you will also find mango varieties from India and Pakistan.
Clothes, Jewellery, Shoes, Antiques, and Utensils
Southall Broadway is the main shopping street where you can buy traditional clothes, shoes, bangles, and jewellery for festivals, parties and other occasions.
Visit Southall During Diwali
Diwali is the best time to visit Southall to get the gist of the light festival in late October or the first week of November. There are other places in London to get a Diwali vibe, which I will share in some other post.
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