Bababoom restaurant, Battersea

The Middle Eastern influence on British food has never been more pronounced, and the opening of trendy eatery Bababoom in Battersea suggests that this particular trend is showing no signs of slowing down.

With most of the food – including some of the desserts – cooked on a Mangal grill, these are kebabs as you’ve never seen them before: think tender lamb shoulder, chicken shish, and aromatic falafel, all served as either a flatbread or a salad along with a choice of sides. The drinks menu is no less enticing and features artisan beers alongside Bababoom’s signature frozen margarita. It’s not Middle Eastern, but we’re not complaining!

And you’re not limited to lunch and dinner, because brunch is also on offer. Take your pick from a menu of fruit-based options, English breakfasts with a twist, and a couple of curveballs: especially tempting is “Baba’s eggy bread”, which has the option of adding caramelised banana and Nutella.

Bababoom is all about the flavours and, if its menu is anything to go by, a journey to its slightly out-of-the-way location will be well worth it. It’s only just opened its doors to the public, so beat the crowds and go now – and remember, you heard it here first!