Review: Honey & Co

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

Israeli husband and wife chef duo Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich first opened Honey & Co in 2012 in a homely space in Warren Street, serving delicious Middle Eastern dishes that got the whole of London excited. The demand for those few precious tables was always high and it was often a tight squeeze once you were lucky enough to get a seat. In 2022, they moved to this bigger, lighter, brighter, and more grown up space on Lamb’s Conduit Street and haven’t looked back. Inside, it’s still as welcoming as ever, but there’s more space to savor your supper, plus plenty of quiet covered outdoor tables, which are the ideal spot for a sunny lunch.

What’s the crowd like?

Sophisticated Bloomsbury literary agents, well-dressed gents browsing the Lamb’s Conduit Street men’s outfitters, old friends having catch ups, and grateful parents stopping off for lunch before an afternoon in the playground at Coram’s Fields.

What should we be drinking?

Similarly to the food, cocktails are sprinkled with Middle Eastern aromatics such as a mule with dried Persian lime and an old fashioned with orange blossom water. Wines have a similar Mediterranean leaning with glasses starting at £8, all sourced by Bloomsbury neighbor Keeling Andrew who runs Shrine to the Vine a few shops up the road.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.

Oh the food! Sarit and Itama sure know how to pack a meal full of flavor. All their Middle-Eastern inspired dishes are vibrant, fresh, and moreish. From the pleasing plates of juicy peach salad with goat’s cheese and crunchy almonds, sour labneh, and crispy fried artichokes and sea bream cured in sumac salt to the heartier mains of lovingly grilled meats and fish, you’re going to want to order as much as possible. We’d advise to go straight for the sharing menu to get a taste of all the mezze dishes, although it’s best if you’re very hungry. Try to save space for dessert as you need to try the feta and honey cheesecake on a nest of kadaif pastry—a sweet and salty taste sensation.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?

Everything about the experience here is warm and friendly, including the staff who go out of their way to make sure you’re having a lovely time. They’re attentive without being overbearing and seem genuinely excited about the food.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?

The food here is truly delicious and a taste of summer all year round – whether you pop in for a breakfast meeting (get the green shakshuka) or want a drawn out dinner with friends working your way through the small plates, it doesn’t disappoint. Whenever you come, be sure to swing by the deli shelves and look for the preserved lemon and tahini cookies. The best.