Tariq Manzils

General information

Tariq Manzils is the Real Manzils Owned by Mr. Tariq! Who used to run Manzils Tandoori!

Ask any student about their time at Southampton and it is likely that Manzils, the esteemed curry house on Bevois Valley Road will pop up somewhere in the conversation.

A traditional post-Jesters port of call on any given evening, Manzils undoubtedly offers some of the finest curry in Southampton and across the land. A grand claim this may be, but Tariq, Manzils Waiter, and his cohort of merry men have the official title to prove it, since they were voted as The Guardian’s ‘7th Best curry house in Britain’ in 2007. Manzils is “A perfect late-night curry house” claimed the paper, and with a statement like that, who could dispute it

This issue, we introduce a new feature to the Wessex Scene, where we interview the local people that make Southampton that extra bit special. To begin the proceedings, George Bergel and Tom Watson caught up with Tariq Rahmankhan of Manzils fame to talk about notorious sports teams, memorable moments and his favourite curry.

Hi Tariq, thanks for talking to us. How long have you been working at Manzils?

About 13 years or so. Before then I worked in Dubai selling garments and working in the catering industry.

Manzils is very well known amongst the student population, achieving near mythical status. You have also been recently named in the top 10 curry houses in the UK by the Guardian – what do you attribute this success to?

We try to make sure everyone enjoys their meal, looking after all of our customers. We aim to provide the best quality food at reasonable prices, because we know students don’t have much money.

What’s it like working in Southampton?

My father used to be based in Southampton when he was in the Royal Navy in the Second World War, so I have strong ties with the area, over 50 years of family history. It’s a friendly, lively community, a great town to live in.

Often sports teams visit Manzils on socials or after Jesters. Are you a sportsman yourself?

We love having the sports teams come into Manzils, it’s always a great atmosphere. I used to play football myself, and a bit of cricket. Now I’m also a big fan of rugby, and I support the local Indian teams as well as the University sports teams of course! We are proud to have the sports teams visit Manzils, as it shows how good the atmosphere is.

Stories of a big night out frequently involve odd events in Manzils – what’s the most bizarre thing you’ve seen in your time working here?

One day about 7 years ago I was in the restaurant on my own, and at about 1:30 in the morning 20 students came in, the Men and Women’s cricket teams. I went into the kitchen, and when I came back they were all naked! I was very embarrassed, especially for the girls but it quickly became very funny. Everyone had a great time, and they left one by one, still naked, and got stopped by the police outside. The police came in to question me, and asked me if they were allowed to be in our restaurant naked, and I had to apologise.

What is your personal favourite curry?

I love Lamb Vindaloo – I like my curries very spicy, and Vindaloo is very hot, but also has a great flavor. I would recommend for you the Chicken Bhuna, a nice medium dish that everyone can enjoy. We make it for both the Indian and English markets.

Any student studying at Southampton will inherently know about Manzil’s, it’s history and the synonymous popularity that goes with it, echoed through word of mouth from student to student. It has become a pilgrimage undertaken after a long night of partying at local haunts such as ‘Sobar’ and ‘Jesters’. The warm-hearted feelings many hold towards Tariq and his establishment is not a new concept; on the contrary, it’s something that not only Tariq, but his whole family have committed themselves to improving and constantly striving to provide their customers with great service and the best possible prices.

After establishing his business nearly 17 years ago, Tariq’s first night was a dismal display compared to the flock of loyal customers he is used to seeing today, where he only sold one onion bhaji all night. So where did the initiative come from to start introducing the student deal (£6.95) and to stay open later?

“Just before 2000 we introduced the special student deal because at that time we could start to see the true effects of money constraints students were having, as students wanted to dine here, but simply couldn’t afford it. So we decided to fix that!”

During the early 2000’s, the European Union were feeling the impact of decline within economic activity. Although the outcome wasn’t as bad as previously predicted, it still took a bold move from Tariq to introduce lower prices, which could have seen his business sink. However the business gained momentum and was driven forward by Tariq’s altruistic influence towards his customers. But at the end of the day, there is a business to be run; has the change in price altered any other part of Tariq’s business plan?

“Of course we are a business and it is always nice to make a profit but what I want to do now more than anything else is look after my family and my customers- which is now one in the same. I have students bringing their families to my restaurant to meet me which is something I hold very close to my heart.”

Students appear to love Tariq’s restaurant and are extremely loyal. In the past, when bogged down in a busy work flow, students have volunteered to help get food out on time. With this stable business cemented in Portswood and a strong customer base, Tariq is looking to expand and open another restaurant, but where? Bedford Place seems to be Tariq’s ideal location- close to Southampton’s students favourite place to go on a night out. These plans for expansion would give Tariq a new challenge- providing the same great atmosphere and service at a different location.

“Family is a massive part in what I do and I feel the students are a part of my family. A lot of students don’t know where I am and end up going to the wrong place and often get taken advantage of when they are drunk by getting charged too much. I try to look after students as best I can as I really care about my customers. Tariq Manzils is the real Manzils.”

Tariq’s efforts were recognised in 2007 and his restaurant was named one of the top 10 curry houses in the UK by the Guardian. Although he has seen great success with his business, his kind-hearted nature has also been taken advantage of, leading to losing money and even connections. It is evident that both he and his family work hard to provide not only a service but also a second home for students. So after your next night out in Portswood, fill your stomach, your head and your heart with no only curry, but an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re Tariq’s favourite customer. And to be honest, you probably are.