Rusholme and Victoria Park

Whenever Rusholme is mentioned the first thing that instantly comes to mind is the ‘Curry Mile’; a world famous street on Wilmslow Road packed with bright neon-lit restaurants and popular with students and locals alike. Located to the south of the University of Manchester campus, and just two miles from the city centre, the area comes to life at night with its mix of award-winning restaurants, shisha bars and fast food curry houses staying open until 3 or 4am. 

Food and Nightlife

It goes without saying that the main drawing point to Rusholme is its food – There are over 70 Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, Asian takeaways, shisha cafes, sweet houses and tearooms crammed into the one mile stretch between Oxford Road and Fallowfield. It has a massive choice of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Persian cuisines, and the late-night crowd of hungry students and party-goers make it the place to be after a night out. Firm favourites are Lal Quila, Shere Khan, Spicy Mint and Ziya, where you can pick from a huge selection of curries and traditional dishes that won’t break the bank. And the upmarket Mughli Restaurant + Charcoal Pit is a popular choice for those looking for something a little special, serving authentic Mughlai-cuisine  from northern regions of India and Pakistan. If you’re after something non-curry related, Go Falafel is a great option and serves healthy wraps, salads and fresh juices – perfect for a lunchtime fix. And if you have a sweet craving, there’s a huge selection of Indian sweet shops and dessert cafes where you can grab a quick ice-cream or enjoy some indulgent jalebis on your way home from a lecture. 

Culture

Other than the food, Rusholme is also home to The Gallery of Costume Museum, which can be found tucked away in the grounds of Platt Fields Park and houses an outstanding collection of fashion pieces from the 17th Century to present day. Some highlights include pieces from designers like Christian Dior and Givenchy, an extensive wedding gown exhibition and large display of shoes and hats – it’s a must-see for anyone interested in fashion and best of all? Entry is free!

Rusholme is also in close proximity to a large student population, with both Victoria Park and Fallowfield halls bordering this hub of activity. It is also close to a number of parks and green areas that break up the hectic chaos of Wilmslow Road, including the beautiful Whitworth Park and Platt Fields Park, which is also home to tennis courts, a skate park and a BMX track popular with students in the area.