Peace, relaxation and meditation
Immediately discernible by its stature and gleaming golden dome, London's largest Sikh temple, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, was completed in 2003. Although intended as a place of worship for Sikhs, this Gurdwara (Gateway to the Guru) welcomes people from all religions.
Southall Park is a delightful green space that is ideal for relaxing on the grass or a bench as you watch the world go by. As well as being a nature conservation area, the park has a playground, play centre, bowling green and tennis courts.
Look and learn
The Dominion Centre and Library reflects Southall's kaleidoscope of cultures with an extensive choice of books written in Somali, Tamil, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati, as well as dual language books for children. Here you'll have access to Asian language magazines and newspapers and a learning centre. There's also a collection of Victorian-era Martinware ceramics created by the Martin Brothers, who produced illustrative and sculptural pottery in the district between 1873 and 1923.
Sporting chance
There are two fitness and leisure centres, Southall Sports Centre and Dormers Wells Leisure Centre, which, between them, offer swimming, dance classes, workouts in the gym, indoor and outdoor sports including table tennis and much more. And with Chelsea FC, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham FC, London Wasps and Middlesex County Cricket Club all within a 12 mile radius, there's plenty of spectator sport to enjoy too.
Eating and drinking in Southall
When it comes to eating out, you'll be spoiled for choice in Southall. You'll find restaurants serving Punjabi, Sri Lankan, South Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and that's just for starters. Raunka Punjab Diyan serves tasty traditional Punjabi cooking and is also enjoyed for its convivial ambience. You can't beat a traditional pub and The Plough Inn is a fine example that serves home-cooked food and fine cask ale in a lovely old building that has a beer garden. And Watan is a popular Afghan eatery where you could sample a karahi, chapli kebab or a mixed grill with traditional Afghan bread.
Shopping in Southall
Southall Broadway is the main thoroughfare that runs through the town and is populated by national chain stores and local shops selling spices, shoes, fabrics and so on. The district's bazaars and street markets are full of stalls brimming with vivid colours, fine flavours and tempting smells. Pick up anything from samosas, fresh jalebis, mangos and Indian sweets to radiant silks and shimmering jewellery. You can even get yourself a henna tattoo. Last but not least, Southall Market opens Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday every week.
