The World Cup is just a week away now. And while the usual matchday accompaniments are likely to be more of the fried, chipped and sausage-shaped, there is inspiration to be found in the England fixtures.
Take Iran, for example, our first match of Qatar 2022. The city has a handful of fine establishments in which to soak in the Persian culinary culture ahead of bellowing at their national team on the pitch. So, earlier this week, I grabbed a table at Darbar in the shadow of Strangeways, a little way up Cheetham Hill Road.
There are not many places like it. Up the steep steps to the first floor, above the African Beauty salon is where you find it, kind of suspended behind some patio windows. Inside is more unusual still.
