WHILE queuing for a curry might seem anathema to today's sophisticated diners, that was what you had to do to secure a table at the Shish Mahal in Gibson Street back in 1978.

With fewer Indian eateries in the city then than there are today, curry lovers had to wait to get their chilli kick - and the long wait only added to their anticipation.

Founded in early Sixties by Ali Ahmed Aslam, that's him holding the menu, the Shish was soon a real hot spot.

The restaurant also has a place in history, being the birthplace of that British favourite, chicken tikka masala.

Sadly, due to subsidence, the original Shish has now gone to the great curry house in the sky, but the tastes, flavours and great food live on just down the road and around the corner at the new Shish, in nearby Park Road.