Sitting pretty in a prime Coal Drops Yard location, Coal Office is a sharing plate Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired eatery that oozes style. The brainchild of designer Tom Dixon and chef Assaf Granit (of The Palomar and The Barbary fame), the slickly decorated space with wow factor lighting holds a deceivingly large number. Past the open kitchen and counter seating, we’re led to a banquette at the end of the narrow, ground-floor room where we peruse the menu. Divided into small, in between and big plates, our waiter advises on choices with authority and humour. But before all that, he pours us a shot of arac (anise spirit) mixed with cranberry – we’re off to a good start. Talking-point dishes range from smoky josperised aubergine adorned with dollops of tahini and jewels of pomegranate to tender pieces of octopus atop lachuch (Yemenite pancake-like bread), served with punchy harissa sauce. Oh, and don’t miss the ruby red tuna sashimi either.

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