Tel Aviv-inspired eatery, bar & bakery to open next month in London

A new Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar and bakery, Bala Baya, is set to open on 9 January in south east London.

The new Middle Eastern eatery will be open for sit-down lunch and dinner, and there will also be a grab-and-go pitta kiosk and bakery. Pitta customers can add stews and slow cooked meats, such as braised lamb with quince, pecorino and salad.

Head Chef Eran Tibi has created a vibrantly, progressive menu, which incapsulates the soul and energy of his home city and its cuisine.

Dishes will include salt-baked blackened salmon with tahini, or the tea-smoked aubergine with harissa and date glaze with a spicy nut crumb. For sweet treats, there will chocolate and hazelnut babka with plums and pecan praline.

Bala Baya will also feature the first Gazoz bar in London, Gazoz is a traditional sparkling drink from the region and the bar will be giving it a comtemporary twist with combinations like plum with fig and lemon thyme, and watermelon with red basil.

Cocktails have been created by Ali Reynolds, the winner of Diageo Reserve World Class UK Bartender of the Year in 2015. His drinks include Truffle Sour with honey syrup, lemon and truffle oil, and Pink Frapefruit Julep with sherbet and mint.