Restaurants

At 7pm we were the only people in this spacious, clean-lined branch of the mini-chain. By 8pm almost all the tables were full. It’s easy to see why Shish packs out nightly: food is fresh, well sourced and fairly priced; staff are friendly and efficient. Mixed meze makes a fine start to a meal. Ours were indeed mixed: chinese beans with soy, ginger and garlic were crisp, fresh and zingy; falafel were delicious; spinach borek were a bit soggy, but the smoked aubergine dip was sublime. For mains, choose a kebab (beef, chicken, fish or halloumi cheese), then select an accompaniment of rice, couscous, chips or salad. Satay chicken (thigh meat marinated in coconut milk, lemongrass and coriander) was perfectly tender and well flavoured. In contrast, the halloumi, flavoured with peppers, red onion and rosemary, was a little underdone, and the king prawns (garlic, lemon and chilli) slightly overcooked. Gripes aside, we were looked after well and will return. Drinks comprise decent bottled beers, many smoothies, juices and lassis, and inexpensive wines, including a crisp, fresh 2007 South African Boland chenin blanc (£13.95).

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009