The $23 million gamble that paid off

Mahboob Hussain, a 71-year-old restaurateur from Pakistan, has transformed a former Co-op bank call centre into the world's largest curry house, employing 200 staff and serving 2,000 customers a night.

The Royal Nawaab, located in Stockport, Greater Manchester, gets through 15,000 chillies a week and boasts an all-you-can-buffet that stretches 165ft, offering 180 different dishes in an as-far-as-the-eye-can-see line of steaming silver cauldrons.

Its owner, Mahboob Hussain, has spent £15 million transforming the building into a Dubai-style hotel with marble floors, chandeliers, and a fountain, employing as many local tradesmen as possible.

A Northern success story

The Royal Nawaab is a British success story that's defying the odds and proving that British manufacturing can still thrive.

Mahboob Hussain, who came to the UK with his family from Pakistan when he was 15, wanted to prove a point that in this country we can still produce and manufacture to a high standard.

He's succeeded in creating a destination that's attracting customers from all over the world,including a couple who travelled from Australia and another from Norway .

A Dubai-style hotel in the heart of Stockport

The Royal Nawaab is a far cry from the typical curry house, with its marble floors, chandeliers, and fountain creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The restaurant is on the ground floor, with the next floor up catering for weddings for as many as 1,200 guests and the floor above that used for corporate events.

A cigar lounge is also planned,adding to the hotel's luxurious feel.

From Co-op bank call centre to curry empire

The Royal Nawaab's building was previously home to a Co-op bank call centre, which was meant to be one of five pyramids in Stockport's own Valley of the Kings.

However, the main contractor for the project went bust, leaving the building derelict for five years.

Mahboob Hussain took over the building and spent £15 million transforming it into the world's largest curry house.

Exceptional service and a theatre kitchen

The Royal Nawaab prides itself on exceptional service, employing one waiter for every two to three tables, and that's despite customers helping themselves.

More than 30 chefs operate in a 'theatre kitchen' while another 65 are 'out the back', creating a seamless dining experience for customers .

Mahboob Hussain shows us around, beaming with pride as he talks about his love for the kitchen and the work that goes into creating the perfect curry dish.