Kenza, which means treasure in Arabic, is hidden in the midst of the houses and offices east of Liverpool Street station.

The Venue
Tucked away in a basement venue in Devonshire Square, Kenza is a bit hard to find and from the outside, doesn’t look like much. Once you carefully make your way down a spiral staircase, however, it’s a North African-inspired assault on your senses. There’s dim lighting, cushioned booths, loads of drapery and low wood and metal tables embossed with symbols and loads of drapery, and everything’s dusted with a sprinkling of rose petals and tea lights.

The Atmosphere
Between all the drapery and the foggy scent of incense in the air, the whole experience is a bit of an overload – even the staff are in traditional garb. So if you’re looking for a quick drink or bite to eat after work, this is definitely not the place. However, between the dim lighting, rose petals and the incense in the air, this is a perfect venue for a date, and you’ll look very in-the-know once you find it. Staff are friendly and helpful, should you need help deciding on the menu.

The Food
There are different menus depending on whether you’re looking for a full meal, a few snacks or a platter to share with friends. The food is North African and Lebanese, with loads of options for vegetarians. It can get a bit pricey, so your best bet is to choose a few small dishes each or choose from one of the set menus. Particularly recommended are the parcels filled with tender lamb and onions and the tiger prawns decorated with black and white sesame seeds. It might be wise to steer clear of the strangely rubbery sticks of calamari and the mealy falafel, however.

The Drink
The drinks menu is enormous and perfectly suited to different occasions, from cocktails with friends to celebratory bottles of wine and champagne. The cocktails can verge into expensive territory, but with their creative combinations of fruit and quality alcohol and lovely Asian names, they’re hard to resist. The Amira is a bubbly and sharp concoction made of Bombay Sapphire Gin, raspberries, strawberries, Chamboard and fresh ginger.

The Last Word
There are a dearth of quality venues near Liverpool Street station and Kenza comes close to glamming the area up a bit. Bring a date and lots of cash, and prepare to stay for awhile.

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