Southall in West London is a vibrant neighbourhood with rich South Asian influences, complemented by a diverse mix of communities from around the globe.
As you wander through the streets, you'll encounter women gracefully adorned in Indian attires, while the tantalising aroma of street food stalls selling snacks and Indian sweets fills the air. The rhythmic beats of Bhangra music permeate the surroundings, creating a joyful ambiance. The streets are bustling with activity, fuelled by the thriving local economy, which adds to the energetic charm of the area.
A visit to Southall promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the multicultural tapestry of the community.
During the 1950s, Southall's local factories and proximity to Heathrow Airport attracted a large influx of Asian immigrants. Consequently, the town became home to the largest Punjabi community outside the Indian subcontinent, establishing itself as a major hub of South Asian culture. This vibrant community has earned Southall the nickname "Little India".
What sets Southall apart is its distinct lack of typical chain establishments that dominate many high streets across London. The majority of businesses in Southall are independent enterprises, predominantly Asian-owned, contributing to a vibrant and diverse local economy. From restaurants to religious places and parks, libraries and cinema, the South Asian culture definitely shines through. Even the main railway station embraces the cultural diversity of the community by displaying signs that are bilingual in English and Gurmukhi.
Southall boasts a diverse array of dining options, with a particular emphasis on Punjabi, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, and South Indian cuisines. Restaurants like the Saravanaa Bhavan and the Kulcha Express offer a variety of authentic Indian cuisines that are a class apart. Additionally, you have the option to pamper yourself with an Indian head massage or a henna tattoo.
Curated for the diverse community, Southall Library offers a wide-ranging assortment of books in various languages, including Punjabi, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, and Somalian takes pride in its remarkable collection of dual-language books specifically curated for children. In addition, the library provides a selection of audiovisual materials in both English and Asian languages. For those looking for a dedicated study space, there is a separate area available, equipped with a diverse range of Asian-language newspapers, magazines, and local community information resources.
Southall houses prominent religious institutions like Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Jamia Masjid Islamic Centre, Shree Ram Mandir, St. Anselm's Church and Oshwal Mahajanwadi among others. The residents actively engage in social, cultural, and charitable initiatives that promote unity, support newcomers, and preserve cultural traditions.
The town hosts various festivals throughout the year that celebrate different cultural traditions and provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of the community including Vaisakhi, Diwali, Eid and Christmas. The festivities around these occasions also attract visitors from across London and beyond, fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.
Southall has also served as a backdrop for several Bollywood movies over the years. Movies like Bend It Like Beckham, Namastey London, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, London Dreams and more prominently, Patiala House and portray the unique atmosphere, traditions, and experiences of the South Asian diaspora in Southall.
In the year 2020, the Southall postcode area had a total population of 385,000 residents. Among them, 40.4% identified as Asian, 35.9% identified as White, and 10.5% identified as Black. In terms of religious affiliation, 35.2% of the population identified as Christian, 19.3% identified as Muslim, and 14.2% reported having no religious affiliation.
Regarding religion, Sikhism was the most prevalent religious affiliation in 2011, with 35.4% of the population identifying as Sikhs. Islam followed with 24.9%, Hinduism with 18.6%, and Christianity with 12.9%. Only 2% of residents claimed no religious affiliation, the lowest figure among all areas in London.
The vibrant district in Ealing shines with an abundance of gold jewellery stores, vibrant sari vendors, and a myriad of sweet shops and street food stalls that offer an irresistible selection of tooth-indulging delicacies. Southall offers a comprehensive range of amenities that cater to the needs of individuals from India, ensuring they feel a sense of familiarity while residing in London.
