Pomegranate

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The team behind the ever popular Hanam’s put every inch of available space to good use in their new Antigua Street venture. Carved out below street level, whitewashed shisha pipe caves nestle alongside a cosy private dining room swathed in Arabic fabrics and scatter cushions. Pistachio and pomegranate tones link the bright ground-level dining rooms while coloured lanterns lend a touch of evening warmth. Service is snappy, with a steady stream of Middle Eastern mezze dishes flowing from the busy kitchen. With nearly two dozen sharing plates on offer and a healthy selection of kebabs and shawarma platters there should be something to satisfy most tastes. Aubergines and sliced potatoes combine well as a tapsi accompaniment to (on the bone) braised lamb, while spicy Lebanese sausage soujuk comes bathed in a satisfying tomato sauce – ideal for naan dipping. Desserts are a bit of a mixed bag, with rosewater adding perfume to cupcakes and sorbet, alongside saffron and cardamom ice-cream that is just too subtle. No-corkage BYOB keeps it affordable, as do lunch deals and a good value pre-theatre when the Playhouse is in action.

• High point: Tasty fare that’s quick to appear – ideal for pre- and post-show
• Low point: Wipe-down plastic tablecloths give a misleading café vibe