Le Bab

Disproving those gourmet kebab doubters, this tucked-away top-floor youngblood is packing in savvy Londoners, leaving Carnaby’s tourists to pick over Kingly Court’s more visible choices. Le Bab’s trump card is a clutch of hot-shot chefs (ex-Le Gavroche, no less), who make everything on the menu from scratch. Their line-up is sensibly short and reasonably priced, although we urge you to order at least two kebabs, served ‘open’ with cutlery. Admire the artful presentation, then get stuck into the likes of pork shawarma with skin crackling and broccoli purée or the equally good BBQ paneer version, its fiery charcoal flavours offset by light touches of beetroot and toum (garlic sauce). Seasonal sides might include purple kohlrabi salad, while specials such as grouse on basmati pilaf allow the kitchen to flex its muscles. The location is cramped, but bright and busy – so bag a counter seat and stay cool with a bottle from the London Beer Factory.

Le Bab opened its doors in 2015, in the well-known Kingly Court, just off the busy and popular Regent Street. It would be a great place to go for a pre-theatre visit, with countertop seating providing a quick and tasty service. The restaurant serves refined, seasonal kebabs and sharing plates to central London’s visitors. It aims to work from traditional kebab styles, incorporating classical fine dining techniques and global gastronomic influences.

Since 2015, Le Bab has expanded to seven different locations. This also includes Kebab Queen, which was carefully curated over four years. Kebab Queen is almost an elevated version of Le Bab, providing a place for you to ‘adventure and indulge’ in a unique Turkish dining experience. Guests are sat at a counter-top surrounding the chef’s table, and encouraged to eat with their hands from the bacteria-resistant countertop. Although this does sound fun, the food from Le Bab itself is tempting enough, and makes for a great dining experience in maybe a slightly more normal fashion. The other branches of Le Bab can be found in Covent Garden, Brixton, Old Street and Spitalfields.

Le Bab uses free range British meat and top seasonal produce within its recipes. The menu is distinctly fresh, featuring a range of padron peppers, green salad, and chipotle tahini broccoli. As well as this there are double cooked fries, offering a golden crispiness to your meal, with the potential to be covered with a beef brisket and glazed in pork jus. The main event is of course, the kebab, and these are by no means a disappointment. Incorporating mouth-watering meats, as well as sumptuous vegetables or cheeses, there is sure to be a choice for everyone. Pork Ribeye, Slow-cooked pork, grilled chicken, spiced paneer, roasted aubergine or vegan sausage – it all sounds too good! As well as your delicious meal, there is a drinks menu serving curated wines, craft beers and cocktails.