Impala has been created by Chef Meedu Saad.
FACT Dining Award London winner Kiln has long held its place as one of the capital’s most exciting restaurants. Now, its former Head Chef, Meedu Saad, is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of his debut restaurant, Impala – and it’s shaping up to be something rather special.
Now open in Soho, Impala is a charcoal grill restaurant inspired by flavours stretching from North Africa to North London. Years in the making – five, to be exact – the project brings together memories, journeys and shared meals that have shaped Meedu’s cooking.
The restaurant takes its name from a cherry-red 1964 Chevrolet Impala, which Meedu drove during childhood summers in Egypt – a symbol of nostalgia for him. He explains: “Growing up, I saw river fish baked in bran around community ovens in Ismailia, clams opened over small fires along the Red Sea, and spit-roasted sheep turning in smoky Cypriot kebab houses in Haringey. All of these memories are carried through into our cooking today.”
Set within a 1960s concrete building on Dean Street, Impala places an open-fire grill right at its heart. Chefs cook side by side in full view, creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. Guests will be able to see and smell beef ribs sizzling over coals, sardines wrapped in vine leaves, and greens braised in olive oil.
Seasonality and sourcing will play a key role in the kitchen. Ingredients have been carefully selected, from fruits stored in honey to fermented vegetables. Many of the dishes will be cooked over the charcoal grill.
Drawing inspiration from Egyptian cooking techniques, the aim is to create dishes that are smoky yet light. Highlights range from dry-aged Devon duck stuffed with black lime and chillies to river fish served with Luxor rice and baked in clay. And, as for the wine list, it will be curated by Penny Vine and Martina Larnach, and champions sustainable practices.
Designed by Super 8 co-founder Benjamin Chapman and collaborator Dan Preston, Impala will blend raw concrete with handcrafted details. The space will combine Cairo’s markets with a Soho twist. The venue will include four large skylights, custom lighting by Joe Armitage, and even playful touches – repurposed cinema horns, anyone?
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GO: Visit https://impalasoho.com for more information.