The Mezze Bar is one of nine separate food and drink bars in Whole Foods Market, the organic health food superstore from the US which arrived in Kensington in June 2007 to dominate the middle class shopping market.

The Venue
On the first floor, the impressive layout comprises of the bars tapas, juice, burrito, champagne and oyster, sushi, salad and pizza, together with a pub called The Bramley which has an open-plan design similar to those at airports. Nestled into the end of one long food bar is the Mezze Bar which contains a variety of tantalising and traditional Mediterranean delights served by people who flit between the different bars like flies.

The Atmosphere
It’s difficult to say whether the food court generates an atmosphere but suffice to say, during eating hours the place resembles an affluent version of an enormous staff canteen with yummy mummies, office workers and shoppers with unlimited credit cards filing through the area, clutching their trays to their chests as they survey what’s on offer. Thankfully, the staff are extremely courteous and make themselves readily available to cater to your needs, creating a friendly atmosphere – something you almost certainly don’t get in a staff canteen.

The Food
There are a range of dishes to choose from, although this is a relatively small bar so don’t expect examples of different global interpretations of mezze. Diners are invited to either make their own unlimited choices or they can choose any three dishes for a set price. The tabbouleh is fresh and tasty, the different rice options are cooked perfectly bringing out the delicate flavours, and the gorgeous flatbread compliments the delightfully tangy and moreish hummus. Perhaps the bar could benefit from a bit of expansion but otherwise this is an interesting and worthwhile break from the imposing world of the pre-packed sandwich.

The Drink
The Mezze Bar does not serve drinks but there is a splendid juice and smoothies bar opposite and if you feel like a stronger drink, you could always pop into The Bramley not far away - nothing is far away on this floor.

The Last Word
Not the most intimate venue, the Mezze Bar at Whole Foods Market nonetheless provides exotic options at very good prices in clean and pleasant surroundings.

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