In the heart of Bradford, at 110 Lumb Lane, the Sweet Centre Restaurant is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: its Diamond Anniversary. Established on 12 December 1964 by brothers Abdul Rehman and Mohammed Bashir, and later joined by Abdul Aziz, the restaurant has become a cherished landmark, delighting generations with its authentic South Asian cuisine.
The journey of the Sweet Centre is a remarkable story of resilience, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial spirit. The three brothers, originally from Mirpur, Pakistan, made significant sacrifices to create their legacy. Abdul Rehman’s journey to the UK in 1957 was made possible, with the help of his brothers by pawning family jewellery and clearing a debt of 5,000 rupees—an amount that would perhaps equate to hundreds of thousands of pounds today.
Once in Bradford, the brothers worked in the textile industry and tried their hand at various ventures, including a halal butcher shop and grocery store, and even a hairdresser and shower bath business. But it was the opening of the Sweet Centre café in 1964 that marked their most successful venture, establishing a legacy that continues to flourish today.
Since 1992, Dr. Zulficar Ali, the son of Mohammed Bashir, has carried forward the family’s vision, followed by the third generation, Waqar and Israr Ali Mughal, who now lead the business. Over the years, the Sweet Centre has not only contributed millions to the UK economy but has also created jobs and provided essential training, enabling others to establish careers and businesses in the curry industry across the country.
The restaurant has remained at its original location for six decades, serving the same authentic recipes and maintaining an ambiance that reflects the charm of the 1960s. This dedication to tradition has resonated with customers of all ages, creating a loyal base that spans three generations. Visitors from around the world, including celebrities like the Kray Twins, Chuck Berry, Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Vijayanthimala, and politicians such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, have savoured its iconic flavours.
Among its many achievements, the restaurant’s signature dish, “Lamb on the Bone,” earned a perfect score from Len Goodman on a BBC program in 2015, with the dish converting the Strictly Come Dancing judge into a curry enthusiast. The Sweet Centre family also proudly presented a box of their finest South Asian sweets to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The accolades have continued to pour in, with recent wins at the Bradford Curry Awards, including Chef of the Year (2022), Lifetime Achievement (2023), and Best Eatery (2024). The Sweet Centre’s success has played a pivotal role in introducing curry to a wider audience in Bradford, creating what many describe as a “curry revolution.”
As Bradford gears up to celebrate its City of Culture 2025, the Sweet Centre’s 60th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the rich contributions of immigrant communities. From humble farming roots in Mirpur to becoming culinary pioneers in the UK, the story of the Sweet Centre is one of triumph, heritage, and community.
Dr. Zulficar Ali reflects on the milestone with pride: “Sweet Centre is more than a restaurant; it is a legacy, a landmark, and a labour of love that has connected people, generations, and cultures.
“As we celebrate 60 years, we honour the sacrifices, dreams, and the relentless dedication of our founders.
“A huge thank you to all our customers and supporters over the years. We hope to continue serving you and I hope you will support my sons in continuing this incredible journey”
The Diamond Anniversary of the Sweet Centre is not just a celebration of its history but a testament to the enduring spirit of Bradford’s curry heritage and its ability to bring people together over a shared love of food and culture.
