Inside Toum and its new Sister Spot, Bar Encore Where Rotisserie Meets Rhythm

There’s something quietly magnetic about Toum, the French-Lebanese rotisserie spot tucked in the heart of Mayfair. On the surface, it’s all about the chicken; golden, crisp-skinned, and fragrant from the rotisserie but step inside and you quickly realise there’s a lot more to fall in love with. The atmosphere is warm and softly lit, perfectly straddling that sweet spot between refined and relaxed, where the scent of garlic and roasted spices fills the air.

The menu begins with dishes that are deceptively simple yet deeply satisfying. The now-viral hummus with crispy chickpeas and green olive oil deserves every bit of attention it’s received; impossibly smooth, nutty and laced with citrusy olive oil that elevates every bite. Then there’s the Lahm Bi Ajine, a thin flatbread layered with spiced lamb, tomato and pickled peppers: a perfect balance of heat, tang and texture. The Hot Honey Halloumi Kataifi arrives golden and crunchy, its sweetness offset by the salty bite of the cheese; it’s the kind of dish that lingers in memory long after the plate is cleared.

But the star of the show remains the roasted chicken. Juicy, smoky and cooked to perfection, it comes with a quartet of sauces that tell you everything you need to know about Toum’s personality - confident, playful and indulgent. The classic Toum sauce offers a creamy garlic punch, while the chicken jus is rich and comforting.

The Café de Paris butter sauce adds a touch of French decadence, but it’s the Chimichurri that steals the spotlight - bright, herby and unexpectedly addictive, easily my personal favourite. Dessert keeps things grounded in Middle Eastern comfort, with a baked tahini cookie that strikes just the right balance between nutty and sweet. A mix of white and dark chocolate gives it depth, and the scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top makes it even more irresistible.

And just when you think the evening’s done, you’re invited to head downstairs to Encore, Toum’s newly opened listening bar. The shift in mood is instant; think low lights, vinyl spinning, Arabic disco and Habibi funk humming through the speakers. I settle in with a Sumac Negroni, sharp and citrusy, followed by the Glow Zombie - their signature concoction blending over eighteen Lebanese-inspired ingredients, including three rums and absinthe. It’s bold, mysterious and a little dangerous; much like Encore itself.

Together, Toum and Encore make for one of London’s most exciting dining and drinking experiences: soulful, stylish and effortlessly cool.

Address: Toum, 18a Maddox Street, London, W1S 1PL

Website: https://www.toumrotisserie.com/

Words and photography by Enytha Peer