In 1996, Normanton was 'dead'. Nowadays, you'll struggle to find an empty shop in the area

Oscar Fisher visited Pak Foods as it marks its 30th anniversary

- By OSCAR FISHER

IN all my journeys through Normanton, I'd never ventured into one of the city's most successful local businesses - Pak Foods. And to be honest, I was out of my depth.

The shop opened in May 1996, since expanding to nine locations across the UK, but its flagship Normanton Road site is the centre of the multi-million pound operation we know today.

I'm new(ish) to Derby, and I've never lived within walking distance of Pak Foods. If I'm honest, I've never thought about heading to Normanton to grab a few bits and bobs during rush hour, which is particularly hectic in the DE23 postcode.

But what I do love is food - you can ask my waistband - and Pak Foods opens the door to new flavours and a different atmosphere.

But was it all a bit too much for the roving reporter with an unadventurous palate? Maybe...

I'd set out to buy some meat, maybe some spices, and a sweet treat or two.

The first thing you notice is the array of fruit and veg displayed on the kerbside. But my fridge was pretty well stocked, so I moved onto the aisles inside.

There I was instantly met with a wall filled with sacks, not bags, of various types of rice. Basmati, jasmine, long grain, all in different shapes and sizes.