Fez Mangal

Time Out says

Fri Mar 25 2011

This compact, no-frills Turkish BYO on Ladbroke Grove, is dominated by a huge charcoal grill. Deft hands move a line of hefty meat skewers (the main draw) hypnotically across its blistering surface, while billows of smoke disappear up into the cavernous copper hood.

A spotless glass fridge, displays the daily variety of seasoned lamb and chicken, as well as whole sea bass or bream, and own-made doner kebabs make slow revolutions behind the counter.

Scoop up simple vegetable dishes and dips, with heated slabs of flat bread while your meats sizzle. The succulent skewers come served on rice with a colourful trio of raw veg – carrots, purple cabbage and wild rocket (this is Notting Hill), or on bread, smothered in tomato sauce and sharp yoghurt. Turkish tea and baklava round off the meal.

Tables turn fast with a friendly efficiency here. Though it can get busy even on a weekday evening, waits to be seated rarely last long, and a black board highlights an occasionally enforced table share policy.