KEN LIVINGSTONE LOVES CURRY
Monday 19 May 2003

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone was photographed tucking into a curry at the launch of 'Totally London - Totally Banglatown' today as part of the biggest restaurant promotion the capital has ever seen. Over thirty of Brick Lane's Banglatown restaurants have pledged their support for the £3.8 million campaign that aims to boost business and tourism in the capital by offering great discounts on eating out, transport, entertainment, attractions and shopping.

Ken Livingstone, said: "Banglatown offers some of the best food in London at affordable prices. During Totally London month, it will offer even better value with 15% off in most restaurants. We know that Londoners want to go out more so we are hoping that they will enjoy Totally London month to the full and take advantage of all the amazing offers around. There has never been a better time for the whole family to enjoy the fantastic range of choices our capital has to offer!"

Ken Livingstone visited many of Banglatown's restaurant owners and chefs who are all offering discounts on meals throughout the month. Literally hundreds of other restaurants across the capital are also taking part in the campaign reflecting London's diverse cultures and making sure there is something to suit everyone's taste. These include Caribbean, Turkish, African, Chinese (China Town) and Irish restaurants as well as over thirty of Brick Lane's Banglatown curry houses.

Shiraj Haque, Chairman of the Banglatown Restaurant Association, said, "The whole community here is delighted to welcome Ken Livingstone to Banglatown today to celebrate 'Totally London - Totally Banglatown'. The Brick Lane area is becoming increasingly popular with all sorts of people who love great Asian foods but we want to encourage even more people to come and sample the huge variety of restaurants that there are here now and take in the special atmosphere that is Brick Lane."

Running from 17 May - 15 June, Totally London month has been funded by the London Development Agency at the request of the Mayor as part of a major recovery package to offset the effects of the recent downturn in tourism. It is being delivered by London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau (LTB) and has the support of a multitude of London businesses. They are all working together to encourage Londoners and commuters alike to experience the best of London's diverse range of entertainment, attractions and cultures.

There will also be unlimited bus travel on each of the five weekends for just £1 a passenger per day, plus free travel for accompanied children on the Underground and buses at weekends from 31 May. This ensures it is even more tempting to try something new and explore London to the full. A host of big names are already on board for the month including Conran restaurants, Hilton Hotels, Marks & Spencer, British Airways London Eye, Tate Britain, and the Tower of London, among others.

PARTICIPATING CURRY HOUSES

WOULD YOU LIKE A CURRY?

You can search for a curry house in your area by using the Redhotcurry.com Restaurant Guide - click here.

You can read about cooking curry by visiting our Food & Drink Section.

To find out more about all the offers available and things to do during Totally London month, visit www.visitlondon.com/totallylondon

Top