A Turkish feast offers an alternative to the usual Christmas roast at THE KOR in Brentwood. From a small gathering of friends to an office-wide staff party, the restaurant's set menus and generous sharing dishes suit festive lunches and evening celebrations. Exclusive hire is available for up to 50 guests, allowing larger groups to take over the restaurant.
The dining room makes a cosy setting for a winter meal, with warm terracotta and stone tones, wooden panelling and decorative plates on the walls. Chandelier lighting casts a soft glow over the tables in the evening, while large windows bring plenty of natural daylight to lunchtime gatherings. The relaxed atmosphere suits celebrations where food and conversation lead the occasion.
At the heart of the kitchen is chef Huseyin Yuksel, whose 20 years of experience cooking over live coals shape the menu. The restaurant takes its name from kor, the glowing embers left after a flame dies down, and some meats are marinated for 12 hours before grilling.
Groups can order from the a la carte menu or choose a set lunch or dinner menu. Hot and cold meze lend themselves to sharing, with options including hummus, dolma, falafel, calamari and chilli prawns. Main courses range from halloumi kebab and vegan moussaka to lamb shish and Adana, made with minced lamb, peppers and parsley and chargrilled for a smoky finish.
THE KOR Special is designed for sharing, pairing a mixed meze starter with a mixed grill of lamb shish, chicken shish, beef kofte and wings, bread, rice, bulgur and salad. Baklava, kazandibi and mixed ice cream are among the desserts. Festive drinks can include wine, beer, cider or cocktails such as Margaritas and Cosmopolitans. Mocktails, including a pineapple and strawberry cobbler, sit alongside soft drinks, with spirits and mixers also available.