insideKENT Magazine Issue 48 - March 2016 | Page 49

köz BECKENHAM

FOOD+DRINK

Such was the success in the two years since it opened the doors to its Shirley/West
Wickham border restaurant, that Köz is back again with its third venture – a cool, contemporary
Beckenham-based offering; bursting, not only with a plethora of hungry North Kent diners,
but with even more traditional Turkish favourites on the menu. by Samantha G

Entering the stylishly decorated contemporary
restaurant to a genuinely warm welcome, it was
clear to see that yet again no expense had been
spared on the décor. Traditional lamps and
lighting, tiles, pictures and dark wooden features
provided a fresh yet cosy backdrop to the clusters
of tables and round booths that can cater for
intimate tables for two to large parties who now
also have the option of using the private
dining/function room.
Taking a seat in a cosy booth towards the
rear of the restaurant my guests and I were soon
served with baskets of warm Turkish bread and
plump juicy olives – a perfect appetiser while we
perused the larger Köz menu.
We decided the best approach to the varied
cold and hot starters on offer was to order a
broad selection to share around the table, and
were not disappointed. We enjoyed dishes of
fresh and thick humus (mashed chickpeas with
tahini, lemon and garlic olive oil) – much tastier
than any supermarket tub; grilled Hellim (halloumi
cheese); delicate king prawns in a tasty tomato
sauce and crisp perfectly cooked calamari.
Intrigued about the word Köz, my guest
asked the waiter the meaning in Turkish. He
explained: “It’s the colour of the flame from the
charcoal grill which all the grilled food is cooked
over.” You can see this name inspiration with

your own eyes through the large window between
the restaurant and kitchen, as you watch all the
fresh meats and fish cooking in the traditional
style.
This was enough inspiration for me to order
the grilled chicken ‘shish’ as my main course;
huge chunks of delicately spiced chicken breast
straight from the skewer with a fresh crisp salad,
whilst one guest opted for the Iskender kebab –
a dish of thinly sliced lamb over warm pita bread,
drizzled with browned butter and fresh tomato
sauce, served with a creamy yoghurt and fresh
herbs cooked in a clay pot. We also just had to
try some traditional Turkish pizza fresh from the
stone oven, so also ordered the ‘lahmacun’, a
thin flatbread pizza topped with spiced lamb,
tomato sauce, herbs and ‘pide’, an oozing cheesy
bread that was swiftly devoured. Our waiter also
offered us the homemade chilli and garlic sauces
to add that extra spice.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat
another morsel, our waiter arrived with the dessert
menu full of Turkish classics, which are all
homemade and cooked on site during the day,
along with a large tea and coffee selection. We
couldn’t resist the Baklava, which was truly
delectable with just the right amount of
syrup and sweetness, washed down with fresh
mint tea.

49

The Köz Beckenham menu continues to
offer a mix of enticing starters, slow-cooked
casseroles and stews, and a range of tempting
kebabs and grills as well as delicious traditional
desserts. The additions of the döner and pizza
options make it even more exciting; and the
service and attention from the waiting staff was
second to none.
It is already reasonably priced before taking
into consideration the generous portions! There
is also a children’s menu, lunch menu and
seasonal menu options available. It’s easy to see
why Köz continues to be placed well and truly
on the Kent eateries map, and with yet another
offering of great food and impeccable service,
long may it continue to reign!
Afiyet Olsun (that means Hearty Appetite)

Köz
87-89 High Street,
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 1AG
0208 650 4500
www.kozrestaurant.co.uk