14/2/20 - updated with the opening date
What: Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
In a nutshell: Syrian pop-up goes permanent
Summing it all up: His pop-ups have been a huge success and now, with the final stop of a crowdfunding campaign, Imad Alarnab is bringing his Syrian food to Soho.
The low-down
After hosting a series of special dinners and sold-out pop-ups, chef Imad Alarnab is taking the next step, opening a permanent Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in Kingly Court (taking the space that once held Darjeeling Express).
Imad was once a restaurateur in Damascus. He ran two successful restaurants and a cafe and chain of juice bars before six days of the Syrian Civil War destroyed all he'd worked for. Having fled Syria and made his way through Europe to the UK, he applied for asylum and got it. A fortuitous meeting with entrepreneur Layla Yarjani saw the pair run a hugely popular pop-up in aid of UNICEF and from there, Imad's been building up quite the reputation here in the UK.
Planned for the menu are:
- A selection of Syrian mezze, including his famous falafel
- Fattet Macdous, Crispy baby aubergine stuffed with lamb, topped with crunchy flatbread and a garlic cumin sauce
- Watermelon, Halloumi and Za’atar Salad
- Hamsit Lahem, slow-cooked marinated lamb shoulder
- Anginaar, roasted artichoke, stuffed with vegetables.
Here's what Imad says about the restaurant:
After four years I am so very excited that I am now finally going to open my own restaurant in the heart of London, the city I and my family now call home. Losing my restaurants in Damascus was devastating, but I am so happy that I can now bring my Syrian cooking to Kingly Court in Carnaby, to the people of London who have supported me so much over the last few years. Thank you to you all and I cannot wait to welcome you to my new venture, this is a dream come true!
More about Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Where is it? Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby London W1B 5PW
When does it open? 19 May 2021
How to book: On the website
Find out more: Follow him on Instagram @imadssyriankitchen.
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