With silks drapes, red velvet cushions and the sweet smell of apple tobacco in the air, Sahara is an Arabian dream come true. The restaurant serves traditional Lebanese and Persian fare, with a daily changing specials board.

Typical examples are maglooba (a chicken dish with basmati rice, aubergine, peppers, garlic and fried onion, £8.95); koshari (an Egyptian speciality of crispy onion, brown lentils, pasta, ice and chickpeas served with a tomato sauce, £7.95); and zereshk polo (fried chicken with a barberry mix and rice, £7.95).

Middle Eastern favourites such as falafel, shish kebab and tabouleh are also available. Sahara operates a BYO booze policy and hookah pipes are available.