Lebanese Talk of the Town

This local favourite changed hands in late 2013, with a menu update and renovation planned. But, for now, it still has an inviting wood-panelled cosiness, florid scenes of exotic locales, the aromatic spit, colourful salads and dips. Vine leaves, zinging with lemon, come with a chunky tzatziki; succulent marinated lamb is accompanied by dips (a darkly smoky hummus and tahini are both excellent) and salads, all with a vampire-repelling hit of garlic. Coleslaw and snowpea salads provide welcome crunch among rich offerings of eggplant, potato, mushroom and chickpea. Baklava may be slightly dry but consolingly nutty and sweet.