Ex-Le Gavroche Chefs Aim to Open ‘One of the Best Kebab Houses in the World’

Stephen Tozer and Ed Brunet, founders of Kingly Court’s “modern kebab restaurant” Le Bab, have today confirmed they will open a second site called Maison Bab in Covent Garden this spring. Tozer said he and Brunet “are aiming to make [it] one of the best kebab houses in the world.”

It will be located within the Mercer Walk development, Seven Dials, (opposite Neil Rankin’s third restaurant, the pizza-and-vermouth-themed Temper.) Maison Bab is a self-proclaimed “new style modern kebab house,” bar that will include a hidden 10-seater chef’s table restaurant. Tozer and Brunet have said they will install head chef Manu Canales Garces (former sous chef at two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche) to lead the new restaurant kitchen.

The “relaxed and super-casual” restaurant wants to pay “homage to the authentic kebab houses that were [Tozer and Brunet’s] original inspiration...with ingredients retaining Le Bab’s focus on quality, seasonality and provenance.” Cheffy, yes. Elevated, perhaps. Importantly, it does well to fall short of this.

The menu will feature six kebabs, all priced below £10 — including onglet with fresh green peppercorn mayo and dressed watercress or a vegan slow-grilled celeriac shish with carrot puree and crispy onions — alongside a selection of modern mezze, sides and desserts. They say the kebabs will be handmade “using ancient charcoal-grill traditions coupled with modern culinary techniques, each served in house-made flatbread.”

Cocktails, created by head bartender Alessandro Mannello, will sit on a drinks list with wines by the glass from the award-winning Lea and Sandeman, plus a selection of local craft beers.

Behind the restaurant kitchen, Canales Garces’ intimate chef’s table and “fine dining restaurant” will revolve around a small open kitchen. The main restaurant will be split across two floors: 40 covers at ground level, with a further 30 seats in the basement space. With a total of 80 covers, Maison Bab is significantly larger than the original restaurant.

Tozer said in a statement:

“Maison Bab represents a completely new concept for us. We love Le Bab, and wouldn’t change it for the world. But at Maison Bab we’ll be offering something punchier, bolder, and more surprising. We’ve been developing this concept for over a year, so we’re incredibly excited to unveil what we’ve been working on.

“Kebabs offer a huge breadth of culinary scope, and this restaurant will celebrate that diversity. The philosophy on quality ingredients will stay the same, but diners will be in for a whole new kebab experience. And with Manu’s hidden restaurant offering something extra special, we are aiming to make this one of the best kebab houses in the world, adding to London’s already incredible restaurant scene.”