Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, the tiny West End restaurant founded by a refugee from war-torn Damascus, is expanding into bigger premises to offer a wider range of dishes.

Imad Alarnab fled his home in 2015, leaving a flourishing restaurant business behind, and cooked for fellow refugees before rebuilding his career as a restaurateur in London.

His first foray was a pop-up in Columbia Road, Shoreditch, and two years ago a crowdfunding campaign enabled him to move into permanent premises on the second floor of Soho’s Kingly Court. The restaurant was hailed in the 2023 Harden’s Guide as “a delight and an education”.

Next month, Imad moves into a bigger venue also in Kingly Court, where he will be able to add a breakfast service and weekend brunches to his offering.