Cookhouse Joe

Discover Lebanese Delights on Berwick Street

Barely a few steps from the ever-present crowds of Oxford Street lies Cookhouse Joe, a Lebanese-inspired restaurant famous for its free-range rotisserie chicken. The initial impression is definitely wholly authentic, with rustic wooden tables and stools lined outside making people watching in warmer weather a treat. Summer evenings are even better when the incandescent light from the candles make for a brilliant atmosphere. The interior décor is all about the theatre lights and mismatched furniture, which gives the family-owned restaurant a homely vibe.

Inside Cookhouse Joe you’ll it typically packed with a vibrant clientele enjoying one of Berwick Street’s best kept secrets. The staff might be a little over attentive, but if I’m honest it’s only my personal preference for more autonomous dining and generally the staff are incredibly friendly. There always seems to be somewhere to sit, regardless of how packed the restaurant is and you never get the sense that you’re being herded into a corner. I actually got seated on a corner table on the upper floor and very much enjoyed the privacy!

Cookhouse Joe’s main appeal is the competitive pricing of the menu, although don’t let the low prices dissuade you; the portions are extremely generous and the quality is high. Despite the rotisserie chicken (£7 for half a bird) being something of a trademark, there is a plethora of excellent vegetarian and vegan options available; I went for the falafel wrap and fries (£5!). The falafel wrap came served in paper (ideal for takeaways) with a small pot of chunky chips, plus an accompanying garlic dip that was a delicious addition. I was in a rush so I wolfed down my meal as quickly as I could, but that’s the great thing about Cookhouse Joe, you can treat it as a healthy alternative to fast food, or go all out on the varied menu and indulge in a proper three-course epic. The dinner and lunch menus differ significantly, notably in pricing as the lunchtime offerings are cheaper, so take that into consideration when you visit this hidden gem of Soho.

Tom Gill

TripTide User