Holy hell. I've seen some restaurant transformations in my time, but this one takes teh cake. And the naan. And probably every other carb within a 10-mile radius.
Remember that weird pyramid building off the M60 that's been sitting empty since 2018? The one Manchester locals nicknamed "The Great Pyramid of Britain"? Well, I finally got a peek inside its reincarnation as what's being called the world's largest curry house, and let me tell you—it's absolutely bonkers in the best possible way.
What £15 Million Gets You These Days
The Royal Nawaab chain has dumped a staggering £15 million into transforming this abandoned steel-framed pyramid in Stockport into something that looks like it belongs in a Bollywood version of The Great Gatsby. Gold EVERYWHERE. Chandeliers that probably cost more than my house. Luxury seating that makes my IKEA sofa look like something I fished out of a skip.
I spent three hours wandering around this place last week (my editor convinced the PR team I was "influential" enough to get an early tour—ha!). The scale is mind-blowing.
Listen. This isn't just big. It's 86,000 square feet of curry paradise spread across multiple floors. The ground floor alone will seat 360 people for buffet service, while the first floor can handle another 680 diners.
Exactly How Many Chandeliers Does One Restaurant Need?
Apparently, the answer is "all of them."
The atrium features these insane hanging light installations—clusters of gold and glass orbs suspended from the ceiling like some kind of luxury meteor shower. I tried counting them but gave up after reaching 200. The effect when you walk in is... well, overwhelming doesn't quite cover it.
My friend Raj (who knows the restaurant industry better than anyone) texted me after seeing my photos: "Either they're planning to charge £50 a plate or they're making zero profit for the first decade."
The Wedding Guinea Pigs
Word is they've already hosted their first event—a wedding last weekend that served as a test run before opening to the general public. Can you imagine being the guinea pigs for a venue this size? Poor newlyweds. Though I guess having your reception in Britain's answer to the Pyramids of Giza makes for a decent story.
The official public opening is still a few weeks away. They're working out the kinks, which, given the building's unusual shape, must be numerous.
That Time I Got Lost in a Pyramid
During my tour, I actually got separated from the group for about 10 minutes. Embarrassing. Turns out navigating a pyramid isn't as straightforward as you'd think. I ended up in some back corridor that I'm pretty sure wasn't part of the tour.
Found myself staring at a half-finished wall with electrical wiring exposed. Oops.
When I finally rejoined the group, the manager just smiled knowingly. "Happens all the time," he said. "We're thinking of handing out maps to diners."
The Locals Are... Excited?
I chatted with a few Stockport residents who were passing by. Most seemed thrilled about their town's pyramid finally being put to use after sitting empty since the Co-operative Bank moved out in 2017.
Sandra Holmes, a 37-year-old mum of two, told me she was excited but added, "I might have to save up my pennies first." Same, Sandra. Same.
Back in 2019, I interviewed a couple who lived near the pyramid who described it as "a mess inside" after years of abandonment. They'd be shocked to see it now.
The Man Behind the Madness
Mahboob Hussain, Royal Nawaab's founder, doesn't seem fazed by the challenge of turning a geometric oddity into a functioning restaurant. When I asked him about the difficulties of working with a pyramid shape, he just shrugged and said, "That's why it's called iconic."
The man's confidence is either inspiring or terrifying, I haven't decided which.
This isn't his first rodeo, though. Royal Nawaab previously operated My Nawaab in Levenshulme, which seated 1,000 people and was also billed as one of the world's largest curry houses. They've got 11 other restaurants across Europe, so they know what they're doing... I think.
Will It Actually Work?
I've seen plenty of ambitious restaurant projects crash and burn over my 12 years covering the industry. The bigger they are, the harder they fall and all that.
But there's something about this place. The sheer audacity of it. The fact that they're creating around 200 jobs (half full-time, half part-time) in an area that could use the boost.
Driving away, I caught sight of the pyramid in my rearview mirror, glinting in the afternoon sun. It's ridiculous and over-the-top and exactly the kind of bonkers project that just might succeed.
And if not? Well, we'll have had the world's most spectacular curry house, even if only for a little while.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
Statistics
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
External Links
How To
How To File Your Taxes Accurately
Filing your taxes accurately is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductible expenses. Choose the appropriate filing method, whether using tax software, hiring a tax professional, or filing manually. Familiarize yourself with the tax deductions and credits available to maximize your refund or minimize your liability. Double-check your calculations and ensure all information is accurate before submission. If you are unsure about specific items, consider consulting IRS guidelines or a tax professional for clarification. Lastly, keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for future reference.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
