IQ performed their first of two differing sets this weekend at The Met (Bury) this evening. More on them later, firstly – Curry. Hector has long learned that a night in Manchester is way better than staying in Bury, and so we moved on from Harrogate this afternoon, arriving at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) at 14.15. Rizwan, Mein Host, was surprised to see us.
Seven tables were occupied initially, five by solo diners. By the time we departed the place was pretty much full. Curry mid-afternoon, people are catching on.
For Hector, in a one off visit, it had to be Karahi Lamb (£6.50) on-the-bone with Fried Rice (£2.00). Last month, Marg brought Lamb Chops Tikka (£6.50) back to the consciousness of – The Company. And so it was to be ordered again.
Rizwan moved the first bench so that Hector’s mass could be accommodated. Our luggage was parked under the shelf where one helps oneself to cutlery etc. He verified that we should have our Order together, the Chops would be freshly cooked, the Curry and Rice were ready to serve.
Karahi Lamb – on Fried Rice
Anyone seeing this for the first time, must marvel at the sheer quantity of food piled on the plate. With a Meat count well into double figures, even allowing for the bone content, loads to eat. Fear not, every morsel would be eaten.
A key part of Curry at Kabana is – the foliage. Rizwan brought the three pots: Ginger, sliced Green Chillies and Coriander – to the table along with the rest of the food. As I heaped these on, Marg was already suggesting that I should leave some for others.
Is it the Spice or the Seasoning which is the standout here? Such a familiar blend of Spice, with Clove to the fore as is the Manchester way. A stray piece of Cinnamon Bark was the only Whole Spice encountered. Still, this was very much – Desi cooking.
An inner glow was the feeling created as I ate, this Curry is just so satisfying. The Kabana Curry Flavour so distinctive, outwith Glasgow, this is the Curry I have had the most of anywhere. The consistency is remarkable. Still, the finest Lamb sourced. A variety of bones suggesting multiple cuts of Meat. Perfectly cooked, Tender does not do it justice.
At the halfway point, I took stock, still so much more to enjoy. One Sucky Bone, total satisfaction, astonishing. One almost takes the – Wow! – for granted.
Lamb Chops Tikka
Four large Meaty Chops served with Spiced Onion and a threat of Salad. Cremated exteriors, but not actually on fire as was the case last month. There is only one way to eat Lamb Chops, Marg duly tore in.
Four well-fired Lamb Chops, plenty of succulent meat with good flavour. Managed to gnaw most of the meat off the bone. Messy face (who told her?) and fingers. The spicy onions with sauce gave the dish more eating. It was well worth the effort.
Our plates were cleared, the pile of discarded bones admired.
That was fun.
To my right, at the window table, a wean was starting its performance. Time to leave.
The Bill
£15.00 Our cheapest Valentine’s Day meal, ever.
The Aftermath
Until the summer – was my parting shot. Dr. Stan is currently conceiving a tour of that England.
IQ, The Met (Bury) Night #1
On arrival at The Met, no queue, yay. At the merchandise stall, the new album! Nobody knew this would be available tonight, apart from the band I suppose. I trust everyone bought a copy.
The Friday night show has seating. For the third year in a row, we occupied the same seats: high up, right at the very back. From there, outwith the range of the trusty Oppo for close-ups, but fine for stage shots.
The theme tune from – Are You Being Served – announced the arrival of the band on stage. The ever-present three screen projector system had an image of Mrs. Slocombe bob from one to the next.
Having every IQ album in my possession, and knowing them well, does not mean I know the title of every song. Not all are introduced. In the past I have made a list as the gig progressed, now there are easier ways of securing setlists. Someone posted a photo of the setlist straight after the show, though The Darkest Hour (Ever, 1993) from my favourite album, was not played.
The Last Human Gateway / Through The Corridors (Tales From The Lush Attic, 1983) was a surprise opener. I don’t recall ever seeing all of Side 1 played live before, usually it’s but of Side 2. Twenty plus minutes, how to let any first timers know – this is Prog!
The majority of those assembled were of a certain age. We assumed that the only young chap we spotted was with his mum. Sitting at the front of the sated area was Joe Cairney, lead singer in Comedy of Errors, Glasgow’s foremost Prog band. Sadly I missed him before and after the show, we have a lot to catch up on.
Pete Nicholls, whose vocals are never the strongest, reminded us that it was at this very venue twenty eight years ago when the double album – Subterannea – (1998) was first performed, and prior to its release. Hector was here both nights and was able to advise Nick Barrett (Pendragon) on the second night that it would be a full hour or so before the band would say – good evening. Pete was able to announce that next year’s two nights, same February weekend, had already been booked, tickets on sale tomorrow at 10.00. That should wind up those who are only attending tomorrow night’s show.
Sleepless Incidental from the first disk followed on before Sacred Sound (Dark Matter, 2004). All good so far, and tonight, Cookies’ drumming was not drowning out everyone else as was the case on a previous visit here.
The new album – Dominion – five tracks, two to be performed this evening. No Dominion – (eh?) was certainly in the IQ style: lyrics that must mean something to the composer, suitable, but not too detached, instrumental breaks. Manna for the crowd.
Lyrics, complex, meandering, Pete casually walks back to a pad, suitably mounted on a stand, to consult the words he has written. His children, he must recognise them. He did fluff one set, admitted it, then advised that for the new stuff he could sing – any old shit. Marg likes Pete. Not the most gifted of vocalists, but always struts his stuff with a self deprecating delivery. Constant sipping of water sustains the vocal chords, I await the night when his voice simply packs in. Twelfth Night recorded a live album without a vocalist, it worked.
A Missile then Shallow Bay (Resistance, 2019), back to the familiar. This album features a virus on the cover. Note the year, prophetic or what? Not being able to tour it must have set them back megabucks.
Far From Here (Dominion, 2025) had an interesting percussive-keyboard intro, this will become a highly recognisable song in the years to come. Neil Durrant, IQ‘s third man on the ivories, can certainly claim this as his own.
Look at me, one hand! – such was the simplicity of some keyboard sections. Such is the sophistication of our technology, Neil had but one main keyboard and some old (?) synth sat atop. For the grand, church organ sounding parts, both hands required. It all posts here.
Guiding Light (Seventh House, 2000) perhaps my least favourite IQ album, preceded one of my very favourite IQ songs, the title track from Road of Bones (2014) which again has a distinctive keyboard motif as its introduction, another Neil Durrant contribution on the album. Until The End from the same album brought us towards the finale of the main set.
From time to time, Mike Holmes, lead guitar, sidled up to Pete, centre stage, as if there was something important he had to get off his chest. Each time he was despatched back to his spot, stage right. Being February, no angel wings for Mike this evening. Whilst I still miss – Maestro – John Jowitt on bass, the original and returning bass player, Tim Esau, may not be as flamboyant, but still managed to handle the bass pedals with rigour. It was from his feet, the grand choral sounds emanated.
Headlong (The Wake, 1985) brought the mains set to a close. Only one encore, the title track from Subterranea. Nothing from Frequency (2009) which now being twenty five years old, was due to be played in its entirety. Tomorrow night then.
Is that it over? – asked a chap in the foyer. I thought they said – main set – suggesting another? Some are never satisfied. Marg and Hector were, and in a relaxed manner. Sitting does make one hell of a difference.
The Dominion t-shirt had to be purchased, my third IQ t-shirt, the first, dating back to the 1994 Marquee gig, still fits. Note the tour dates on the Dominion t-shirt, my first featuring – Cruise To The Edge, 2025!
The morning after
Tickets were not on sale at 10.00 as announced.
By 12.30, the next time I checked, all 200 or so, seats had gone. No Bury in 2026 for us then. Have I mentioned – Cruise To The Edge?
The opening track on Dominion – The Unknown Door – starts with Chamberlain’s unfortunate followup to his – Peace in our time – speech. another Resistance-like prophecy?
The annual IQ gig in Bury sees Marg and Hector in the north of that England. To add something special, two nights in Harrogate. Marg’s local hockey chum had recommended 
There is a lot of choice in this somewhat pukka town. 
Studying the menu in advance, ILLAM boasts a diverse menu in terms of Indian Cuisine, but not necessarily – Curry – per se. Having dismissed all things – Chicken – that leaves three Meat Curry options, also Fish, but no Chettinad. Beef Varattiyathu (£18.95) looked the best Hector option, pricey, but includes the legendary Malabar Parotta. Sold.
A waiter, pad in hand, asked if we had a reservation, it’s an Indian thing. Most tables were occupied. We were offered the small table in front of the bar, or upstairs. Street level, as ever, the Hector wanted to see – the action.
The presentation was – pukka Thali. A banana leaf sat beneath the focal part of the Dish. Chukka/Sukka is how I have experienced this Curry before. A Dry, Thick Masala, not the Shorva which prevails in South Indian Cuisine, and of course, in Hector’s preferred style. Chopped Onion permeated the Masala, do they blend then add this, or was this a true Masala Mash? The Meat was cut – Bradford small. The Meat count was therefore indeterminate, I had no issue with quantity versus price.
The Parotta looked sublime. White, layered, stretched, maybe the largest yet encountered, worth the admission money alone. Well, maybe not. This remains the – King of Indian Bread. The Salad, little more than a garnish would be classed as incidental. The surprise was the small Side of Aloo. With a Green Mush as its Masala, I considered Peas as the base, alas, there was no sense of – Mutter – here, taste-wise. Given what lay beside it, the Aloo would only provide a welcome Diversity of Texture, but in terms of Flavour, it would be drowned. 
The Spice Level in the Main Masala could prove demanding for some. Striking at the start, it subsequently rampaged on the palate: Cinnamon, and most importantly, the definitive South Indian – smokiness. Why has the Hector been denying himself this pleasure for the past year? The answer is written, already. 
A half full handi, why not full? Lamb swimming in a Soupy Masala, a Tarka Topping, such is South Indian Curry, and why the Hector prefers Chukka/Sukka. The Coconut Rice portion at first appeared to be modest, but having covered her plate with what she felt was enough, Marg was offering Rice across the table, declined. In the end, Marg would use up all her Rice such was the abundance of Masala in terms of its ratio to the Meat. 
A Soupçon of the Masala was sampled, it had nowhere near the intensity of Flavour of Hector’s chosen Curry. However, Marg was certainly pleased with her choice.
My dish had a thin sauce with small pieces of very tender lamb. The dish recommended Coconut Rice or Parotta. I had decided on the rice. A good helping of rice with small bits of cashew nuts. The rice absorbed the sauce and it gave the dish a good flavour and enough spice for me. It was a filling dish with all this rice, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Photo taken, and Chef wondering who this Hector was, the word – Glasgow – reached his ears.
The thousands of readers sitting on tenterhooks waiting for 
Back in Blighty, a normal Saturday afternoon in Glasgow featuring a Southside Curry at 
Lamb Karahi Lahori (£11.00 / £13.00) was on display under the counter, lots of it. Since my visits here became regular, I have been lucky each time, one day, it will have to be something else. Arshad held up a prepared tub of Nihari Lahori Style (£10.00). He has been keen for me to try this. I gave in. Today it was – something else. 
Green Chilli on top? – asked Amjad before serving. The Hector was not going to refuse. He brought out the food himself, the Paratha looking sublime. Served whole, large, layered, flaky the classic Paratha. Maybe a bit greasy, but the butter content makes this unavoidable. I would manage all but a scrap, less wastage than me ordering a Tandoori Nan (£1.50). 
The Lamb Shank sat in the definitive Shorva. Ginger Strips and copious sliced Green Chilli floated therein. The Meat was separated from the bone with ease. Around the equivalent of five large pieces was the estimate of the quantity. Not a huge amount, but then a tenner ain’t a big number. 
Another chap came in, ordered, and sat at the adjacent table. I’m sure we have dined together back in the days of 
Prague
Howard, who had found his appetite, texted this morning to say he would join me at 
As witnessed on my two previous visits to Amritsar Mail, the majority of diners were here for the Buffet (129Kc). At a little over six quid for – all you can eat – tremendous value. Featuring Vegetables and Chicken only, not for the Hector, or Howard. 
The a la carte menu was provided. Previously, I have published extracts, today, the whole thing (below). This is what is available at Amritsar Mail. How many are aware of this?
Steve has been here before, but missed out on the impressive Lamb Madras (370Kc), ironically, his favourite Curry. Today, the three of us would have the Lamb Madras. Having read a well known and reliable Curry Blog, Howard appreciated that the Rice portions here could be excessive. We would therefore share a Mushroom Rice (130Kc) and a Butter Naan (80Kc). 
With hydration required, I ordered both a Fanta (65Kc) and a half litre of the House Lemonade (90Kc). 
The work of art served here previously, no more. The Toppings today were minimal. Seven large pieces of Meat were arranged over the Mushroom Rice. This I should manage. The thick Masala impressed, a decent level of viscosity, maybe more – 
Columnar Lamb, one day someone will name the cut, Tender, an acceptable amount of chewing required. As I made progress, I noted that the Lamb was the least interesting component of what lay before me. Meaty yes, giving back more, not so. It was the prominent Seasoning which stood out. 
First impressions / second impressions
Steve:
2025 Menu
Lamb two days in a row, it happens. If only Glasgow had a Curry House where the Fish Curry/Karahi was served as a full portion and truly hit the spot. I had originally considered that my next visit to 
Arriving at 13.30, there was no sign of Vini, Mein Host, nor would any Chef make an appearance. With a solo diner occupying the table adjacent to my usual corner, I chose the small table nearest the doorway. The next couple to arrive, were sat in his proximity, cosy. Chips, Spike aside, who orders Curry & Chips? With Takeaway customers arriving too, this was the busiest I have seen 
The Mushroom Rice was served in a cold karahi. I quickly tipped the thankfully hot contents onto my plate. A cold plate. I would love to know where 
The Masala was surely darker than anything served here previously? Tomato Seeds were visible in the rich, thick Masala, Coriander strewn through also. If one is having – Curry – as opposed to – Karahi – then this is how I want my Masala. Whole Spices should feature in a Desi Curry, two Green Cardamom were unearthed in the Masala. 
The Meat count was one less than double figures, the majority, large pieces, served on-the-bone. No – Sucky Bones – was my first reaction, an observation that was soon rectified. The bones might not have been from the – leg – with marrow oozing, but solid marrowbone aplenty was revealed as I ate. 
It may have been a somewhat tongue in cheek present, but Marg received a cookery for her recent birthday, and not from me. Marg can cook, however, the norm in Hector’s House is that she doesn’t. Despite the joy of going out for Curry, typically twice a week, the Hector can become tired of his own cooking. It was suggested that Marg have a go, periodically. 
With hundreds of recipes to choose from in her Mary Berry tome, Marg chose a Curry, a Korma no less (right). The 
Ms Berry had casually suggested that her Korma be served with Lentils. 
Mint and Paprika were the Toppings. I had convinced Marg that in no way would – Paprika – become – 
Tender Meat, the best I’ve had from this Scotstoun source, which may have changed hands in the not too distant past. (The chap there also has his own poultry farm.) Having sealed/ browned the Meat, I did tell Marg that this would reduce its ability to absorb the Spice. Not the Punjabi way. Consequently, it hadn’t. 
All plates were cleared. Marg:
Arriving with Marg at 13.30, I was relieved to see the high sign had survived Storm 
We were shown to a window table, where else, and issued with the new 
The already well-worn 
This gave plenty of time to capture images of the new layout. The facilities have a new entrance, they too may have been upgraded. It was Marg who spotted the bit of humour… Refuge from the weans?
Having eaten so little of what they had ordered, why not just have Takeaway to start with? Little did I know of what was to come our way.
The Rice was a Euro-portion. I put more on my plate than I knew I would manage, loads left. This Pilau is to share, just as well we hadn’t ordered two. 
If anyone had ordered this anticipating a – Curry – they would have been surely taken aback by the wonder that was presented. This was – Karahi – as authentic as it comes. The minimal, Tomato-based Masala was devoid of any sign of – 
With the Ginger Strips, separating Oil, and a Bullet Chilli halved lengthwise, this had me won even before the eating commenced. I decanted around half of the bowl, there was no point even pretending that I could manage all this food. A late night dietary supplement was already being considered.
The Spice and Seasoning were a la Desi Karahi, a sufficient level of potency, satisfaction guaranteed. The Flavour of Peas had permeated the Pilau, the Masala was giving off its own, and all this before I actually started on the Meat or Cauliflower.
The Lamb was suitably tender, the right amount of chewing. Initially, the depth of Flavour was revealed, way more than just – Peppery. 
I felt as though I had eaten a mountain of Rice, yet as the photo shows, it appears to be hardly touched. My plate remnants were returned to the serving bowl. Surely, that’s more than I started with?
Again, Ginger Strips and the separating Oil may be what registers first. Consider the Mince itself, Minimal Masala in the extreme. This is how a Keema is meant to be served. Today, there was no Hector Soupçon, Marg, as is now her custom, had more than a few words to add:
It took over 30 minutes to prepare and I was hungry when it arrived. A large plate of tasty looking Keema with a fresh Chapatti. The Keema was spicy and I enjoyed the strips of ginger on top. 
After the food, I received my Masala Tea which helped my digestion and completed the meal. 
The Bill
A year since 
The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was not Hector’s intended venue this afternoon, matters Geography, determined this. Storm 
Achari Gosht (13.95), from the serious part of the menu, was today’s choice, accompanied by the usual Mushroom Rice (£3.95). A jug of tap water was duly provided. 
All but two of the initial assembly would depart during my stay. They were soon replaced, all of us sitting at, or near, the window tables. How many people pass in the bus, look in but never come? This is one of 
No Herb Topping today. Instead, a smothering of Spice which I took to be Garam Masala. Dry Methi might have had me in raptures. 
By 
Walking back along Nelson Street, avoiding big puddles, behold the new frontage and signage of what has been – Hector’s home – for so long: 
I keep seeing recipes online for either Prawns or Chicken with Spinach, not Curry. As yet, none have been tried, but having seemingly bought a lot of Spinach in recent weeks, which has to be used, 
Methi was the extra Herb. 
If 
The accompanying Rice was the Chana Pilau presented at 
Tasty, indeed, this was. The 
My last visit
Shafiq raised the shutters at 13.55, and quickly removed the covers from the food on display. He then brought a raw Donner from the kitchen and installed it on the rotisserie. 
There was a huge tray of Fish Pakora (£6.00 / £8.00) on display, so nothing fresh from the kitchen for Hector today. I spotted two dishes containing Potato in the corner of the shelf.
Chicken Mince and Potato-Cauliflower – advised Shafiq. 
Settled into my usual spot, I had come prepared for the chilly room. It was approaching 15.00 when the next two sit-in customers arrived. 
Black and Green Olives, pickled Chillies, my favourites. I will admit to leaving the green stuff. 
Just the nine pieces, each would be halved, such was their size. A whole Fish then. 
The Spiced Batter blanketed the white Scottish Haddock. It’s all about balance here: the Spice mustn’t drown the natural Flavour of the Fish. Flipping between Pakora and Salad, the variety of Textures makes this so much fun to eat. Fish without Chips, or Bread even, Hector celebrating Salad, it was the quality of what sat before me which makes the meal. And there’s more.
Fortunately this had been truly reheated, so the time taken to admire the Fish Pakora was not to the detriment of the Vegetable Curry. There was possibly twice as much Cauliflower as Potato in this portion, as it happened, this turned out to be a bonus. I have written oft of Potato’s ability to absorb Flavours, today no exception, however… 
Behold a freshly made plate of Chana Pilau. In fact I had to verify with the waiter as I put on my coat that it was indeed Chickpea. I had sampled one, a black Chickpea? These I had never seen before. 
The Aftermath