Anil Sood is the proprietor of SOS Tools & Hardware at 25 Manor Farm Road. He’s been running businesses for 38 years and has also spent 25 years in the music industry. When his record shop in the Bargate Centre closed he decided to open the hardware shop at The Triangle. Anil says he also promotes concerts, DJs and has a record label.
The Qs & the As
What’s your link with Bitterne Park?
I opened a local hardware store in May 2013.
What’s your earliest memory of the area?
I moved into the area 10 years ago, and remember it as a vibrant local shopping haven.
How could it (the area – or indeed your memories) be better?
It needs to be much more varied: essential retail-based shops are missing. There are too many of the same product/service shops all competing with each other; instead we need complementary outlets which would attract a more discerning customer base.
Tell us something we probably didn’t know already about Bitterne Park
It has great potential if the right type of shops opened here. Take for example the commendable efforts of two very successful new outlets, Cups & Cones and The Butcher's Hook micro bar: both disprove all the arguments that the area has problems, often discussed by many!
What’s good about the wider city?
The great mix of cultural and diverse communities alongside the vast growing student population all successfully living in harmony. Also the vast progress in development in commerce and economics.
Southampton: points for improvement?
It needs much more thought by the council to protect community shopping areas and the city’s historical heritage. Also it needs more leisure centres for families and vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife and restaurants and bars.
What’s your passion in life?
Music & art: I’ve been in the music industry for 25 years as a record shop owner, DJ, producer & promoter. My greatest passion is to always feed the retro culture and old school values to the new generation, be it music, art, culture or values and manners!!!
How do you put bread on your table?
Working 24/7! If you want something, go get it because it's there for the taking! Hard work, diversity and positive thinking are my rules! "Never look down... always look up & reach for the stars"!!
What has your career taught you?
If you give the best to people you will receive the best back! Never be afraid to try new things. Adventures take one to new horizons and a new beginning!
What really gets your goat?
People always moaning about negatives they pick up from other people and then make their own! Bypass this as it’s a barrier to achieving your own aspirations! "Don't believe the hype!" is my motto...
How do you relax?
Music and DJ-ing at clubs, nature programmes and cooking.
What’s your favourite dish?
Whatever is in the fridge! I make from what's there into what my mood wants.
Which is your favourite pub?
I don't drink out! I hate new pubs, and the noise and sports and general lack of atmosphere. I have my own bar at home!!!
What do you listen to?
Underground music, club, hip-hop, Asian Bollywood… anything!
Can you recommend a really good read?
Marvel comics - my faves are Dandy and Beano
What’s a great day out?
A hot summer's day picnic with friends & family – even if it's in the back garden! My absolute fave is driving through East & West Meon via Itchen Abbas and Kings Worthy.
Tell us a secret
A great proven cure for flu: here’s my dear Mum's recipe, which works 100%!!!!
Boil one glass of milk, stir in one tsp honey, add one tsp brandy (constantly stirring!); add sugar to taste if required and let the milk cool to ‘warm’. Now the magic ingredient: add one egg yolk mixing rapidly. Then drink as you are going to bed!!!
Tell us a joke
Ummmm... the current political situation, I think is the biggest joke!
Thanks so much for taking part!
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Read about other Bitterne Parkers
iPod pic under CC2 by Ben K Adams