The original Berber & Q is closing

Another week and another big closure has been announced. This time it's the turn of the original Berber & Q, which is shutting after 11 years in Haggerston.

Later called Berber & Q Grill House (to differentiate it from the Shawarma Bar on Exmouth Market), the restaurant was led by chef Josh Katz, taking over a large space under the Haggerston railway arches back in 2015. It opened towards the end of a period in the London food scene when barbecue was a big thing, but added its own spin by taking a distinct Middle Eastern approach. So that's a menu of mixed mezze and a big focus on grilled meats like harissa hot wings and smoked pork belly. It was pretty trail-blazing for its day. 

We're not yet sure what's happening to the space, as they indicate it will be possible to book it for private events, at least in the near future. 

There's still time to have one last meal here, though, as they're not closing until Friday. And the same group are still running the Shawarma Bar in Exmouth Market and Carmel over in Queen's Park.