A little corner of Morocco and Persia in St Albans

Al Farid was born from a love of the food that stretches from Morocco to Persia: the generous tables of North Africa, the mezze of the Levant, the slow, fragrant cooking of Persia. It’s one region with many kitchens, and we’ve brought it together right here in St Albans.

These are dishes that have travelled along ancient trade routes, crossed borders and been tinkered with by home cooks for centuries. Every family has its own version, and every version is someone’s favourite. We’ve chosen the ones we can’t stop coming back to, and we make them with lamb and chicken from British farms.

The bar pours wines from Morocco and Lebanon alongside Old and New World favourites, plus a short list of cocktails inspired by the flavours of the region.

Our rooms are dressed with stained-glass lanterns, painted tiles and trailing greenery. You don’t need to book a flight to feel thousands of miles away. It’s a deliberately slow setting, for an evening that unfolds at its own pace. Linger. Order one more plate. We’re not in any hurry, and you needn’t be either.