![\"Lebanese](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/leb-bake-menu-web.jpg\")
Oh, deep joy! I have found my perfect spot around the corner from the throng which is Covent Garden. Don\u2019t get me wrong: I welcome visitors to this lovely city of ours, but it\u2019s important to have a little corner of peace and quiet that one can call one\u2019s own, with some great food at a reasonable price. I have found The Lebanese Bakery.<\/p>\n
This contemporary caf\u00e9 is close to those boutique shops and stalls selling retro clothes just like I once wore (how time flies), iffy tee-shirts just like I never did, and jewellery that I wish I could. There is plenty to see and do, but it gets more crowded as the day goes by. My advice: leave home or hotel early and have breakfast at the Lebanese Bakery; beat the crowds in delicious fashion.<\/p>\n
The Lebanese Bakery is new, but it has already garnered a loyal following of locals and many of these seem actually to be Lebanese. That must be an accolade, and very handy if you are not sure what to order. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to make suggestions \u2026or just order what those nice folks on the next table are having. That looks good.<\/p>\n
![\"Lebanese](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/leb-bale-eggs-web.jpg\")
The menu has its focus on bread. Not a hint of sliced white, but rather in-house made and baked flatbread, with toppings for which to die. Come hungry, as you will want to sample a couple of these Manousheh. Better still, invite some friends and enjoy a spread of both colour and flavour. And yes, there are even a few dessert versions for those with a sweet tooth.<\/p>\n
Many people just must start the day with an egg. The Lebanese Bakery can provide that comforting brekkie fresh from the huge open oven. Try free-range farmhouse eggs cracked and cooked to still-runny perfection on manousheh bread with Awarma, which is lamb confit. This combines eggy goodness with aromatically seasoned meat. It\u2019s a hearty breakfast and will set up any diner till lunchtime.<\/p>\n
Manousheh works for every meal of the day and for snacks in between. I have my favourites and these I could eat at any time. Kids will love the simplicity of Akkawi which is manousheh bread topped with soft and delicate cow\u2019s milk cheese. Lahmeh Bi Ajin, with pomegranate molasses, minced beef and lamb with onions, will have the diner hooked after only one bite. It\u2019s aromatic, moist and would go perfectly with a glass of Lebanese wine! And then one could have a second course of Haleweh (halva) and Strawberry with green pistachios. This looks striking and its taste is remarkable. It\u2019s sweet but with adult balance. It\u2019s too good for kids \u2013 although they will not agree, I am sure!<\/p>\n
The signature dishes here must be Zaatar, and Zaatar & Zaatar. No, dear reader, your favourite restaurant reviewer hasn\u2019t developed a cut-and-paste stutter. These are two different manousheh breads, and each displaying that spice mix to great advantage. Zaatar is a preparation of herbs and can be found in spice shops already prepared, although every company will produce their own blend. Here it is used as a light but flavourful topping for flatbread.<\/p>\n
![\"Lebanese](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/leb-bake-zatar-zatar-web.jpg\")
\nMy must-try manousheh here is the curiously named Zaatar & Zaatar of tomato spread, thyme flower and fresh thyme, and it is outstanding. The topping is flavourful, bright with herbs and meltingly moreish. All the breads were good but this one has the edge.<\/p>\n
The Lebanese Bakery has a great location and is open late enough to be handy for pre-theatre nibbles. The caf\u00e9 is light and contemporary and just right for the location. This isn\u2019t fast food, but more quality served very quickly. Prices are reasonable, too, and you can\u2019t say that very often in this neighbourhood.<\/p>\n
Opening hours:<\/p>\n
Sunday – Wednesday: 08:00-22:00
\nThursday – Saturday: 08:00-23:00<\/p>\n
The Lebanese Bakery
\nDrury House
\nRussell Street
\nLondon WC2B 5HA<\/p>\n
Phone: +44 (0) 203 8839033<\/p>\n