THE Queen. Muhammad Ali. Freddie Mercury. You’re in good company when dining at Comptoir Libanais’ new outpost at London Bridge. All decked out in Comptoir’s signature fez hats, their pop prints stare down magnanimously from the walls, daring you not to have a good time.
The bold interior of the Tooley Street branch
The décor of the Tooley Street branch is typically exuberant and inviting – indoor trees, traditional wicker baskets, a dessert bar piled with honey-laden treats, even a wisteria-strewn veranda. We were nicely positioned in front of the drinks bar, and greeted promptly with a deliciously refreshing Comptoir Cosmo with a twist of pomegranate juice.
The starters were a feast unto themselves – a Mezze Platter for two filled with hommos, baba ghanuj, tabbouleh, falafel, beetroot labne, cheese samboussek, flatbread & pickles; followed by Lamb Kibbeh (rich wheat parcels of lamb and pine nut). Enough to satisfy the keenest of word counts and appetites, we almost accidentally turned down the main course in disbelief there could be more.
A feast laden-table including the mixed grill and assorted mezze
The mains were excellent – an incredibly velvety and silky Aubergine Fattet studded with peppers and crispy onions, as well as a succulent Mixed Grill of lamb kofta, chicken kofta and chicken taouk. With incredibly generous portions, we could only manage a Rose Mint Tea for dessert – the perfect way to round up a satisfying and heart-warming meal. Full of cheer, character and textiles Liberty’s would be proud of, Comptoir Libanais Tooley Street is the ultimate comfort food destination.
by Lucy Wai
Comptoir Libanais, London Bridge, SU46 London Bridge Station, Tooley Street, London SE1 2TF