Food Review by Nicola Moyne
CHRISTMAS nights out are always fun; after all catching up with family and friends is what the Yuletide season is all about. However, if you’re struggling to find a venue that combines good food, entertainment and a winter-warming atmosphere, Santa’s just come early, because Souk in Seven Dials ticks all the right boxes.
Situated in Shorts Gardens, and a mere five-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station, Souk specialises in Moroccan cuisine and has a décor to die-for.
Rich wooden furniture and traditional low-level seating gives the restaurant an authentic Eastern vibe, and regular performances from bejewelled belly dancers add a certain sense of drama to proceedings.
I visited Souk on Thursday of last week, and was pleasantly surprised to see the place packed out. Lively punters at the bar and big groups of diners all sharing platters greeted me as I made my way into the dimly lit, yet vibrantly furnished, eatery. And I soon realised why: the food is simply amazing, and the buzzing vibe is infectious.
My friend and I decided to get into the festive spirit, and sample the Christmas Set Menu, which offers an impressive mezze selection of dishes served together for just £24.95 each.
As a huge fan of Moroccan food, I was looking forward to sampling some of the more authentic dishes, and was particularly impressed with the lamb sausages, sautéed potato cubes and Moroccan spices that came out with our starters. Next up was a feast of spiced chicken, couscous, lamb, spinach, feta cheese and fish tagine – all of which were beautifully seasoned.
However, the best was yet to come – dessert! A sumptuous selection of Baklava (pastry with honey and almonds) was swiftly brought to the table to round off the meal, along with some deliciously sweet mint tea.
It’s a comforting place to eat. Staff are friendly, diners are obviously in a good mood as a direct result of their surroundings, and you truly feel as though you’ve suddenly been transported to the streets of Marrakech amid the glow of ornate lanterns.
Indeed, Souk reminds me of an Aladdin’s Cave. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatre land, it provides a haven away from a cold December day in London, and transports you to a land of rich Morrocan food, entertainment, and warm hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening out there, and would definitely recommend it to groups of friends looking for a venue to celebrate this Christmas, or even couples who want an intimate night out without the backdrop of beige. Souk offers it all: great food, great company, and a great setting. All you have to do is enjoy.
For further details on Souk’s complete range of menus, or to book, visit www.soukrestaurant.net or call 020 7240 1796.