Hidden away on the top floor of Soho member’s house 1 Warwick, Yasmin is a restaurant, bar, and rooftop; the latest from resident chef Tom Cenci whose neighbourhood bistro, Nessa, sits just downstairs. Exuding an understated elegance, Yasmin may only be small, but there’s a convivial buzz from the hordes of afterwork diners who are clearly making the most of central London’s limited al fresco spots.
The marble bar and plush pink velvet stools may lean more towards Soho chic than Middle Eastern, but it nevertheless sets a stylish backdrop for an evening out. Floor-to-ceiling windows and terracotta floor tiles add a conservatory-like feel and relaxation washes over us as we sink into comfy armchairs. Sliding doors unite the restaurant and terrace, bringing a welcome breeze to those of us who’ve missed out on an outdoor seat.
The menu is compact: a single list of small plates and nibbles that come in waves, staggered to avoid overcrowding the slightly cramped table. A doughy flatbread arrives, glistening with olive oil, and we tear and swipe it through a bowl of whipped sheep’s cheese, hot honey and urfa chilli. It’s simple but rather spectacular, a warm-up dish of pleasing contrasts and textures.
The bar has been set high, but Cenci’s menu continues to impress with fresh and uncomplicated dishes. We devour a bowl of sumac smoked duck slices atop an aromatic and creamy corn salad, and quickly work our way through a za’atar mushroom skewer that comes smothered in zigzags of black garlic mayo.
Cocktails complement these fresh and fruity dishes and are worth a visit to Yasmin in their own right. The Shapash offers a take on a Margarita, with a green chilli doused rim that brings a heat to the watermelon and strawberry mix.
Yasmin feels like the spot of the summer, a true-hidden gem amongst the wealth of restaurants and boozers in the area. Next time, we’ll be sure to snag a seat on the terrace.