Syrian Feast pop-up restaurant in Redhill for one evening only

The special event for one night only will give residents a flavour of the delicious cuisine cooked by Syrian families resettled into the area.

The event will take place on Friday 15 October, from 7pm and will consist of a 3-course feast with meat and vegetarian dishes. Tickets cost £17.00 per person and the venue will seat up to a maximum of 100 people.

This is the third time Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has put on a Syrian Feast event in Redhill. Two successful sell-out evenings took place in 2019 but were unable to continue with the onset of the pandemic and the lockdowns that followed.

Despite the pandemic stopping all events taking place, refugee volunteer, Anna Tarrant, came up with the idea of creating a recipe book to meet the ongoing requests for recipes. With the support of the Council and fellow volunteers, recipes were collected, tested and translated for publication earlier this summer.

The new book, A Syrian Feast, features 17 authentic recipes, including starters, soups, snacks, main meals and desserts using fresh or easily adapted ingredients like aubergine, lemon, tomatoes, vine leaves, peppers and herbs. The special collection recreates the wonderful recipes, as well as fond memories of the families’ lives and heritage.

Since 2015, 20 Syrian families have resettled in the area through the Government’s 2015 Global Resettlement Scheme and a partnership between Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Tandridge District Council and Mole Valley District Council.

Cllr Caroline Neame, Executive Member for Housing and Support, said: “Through this scheme and the incredible support from dedicated volunteers, the Syrian families have been helped to develop independence and resilience to ensure they are able to contribute to, and thrive in, their new communities.

“I’m delighted that we’re able to once again host a Syrian Feast pop-up with the Syrian community. Food is such an important part of Syrian culture; through their cuisine they share a part of their lives and wonderful memories. We look forward to enjoying their dishes with old friends and new.” 

To book tickets for the Syrian Feast evening on 15 October, visit the Harlequin Theatre box office in Redhill or website at https://harlequintheatre.co.uk/events/a-syrian-feast/.

A Syrian Feast recipe book is also available for individual sale from the Harlequin at a cost of £5; or copies can be purchased on the night at the discounted price of £4. 

For details of the Harlequin’s COVID safety measures, please visit: https://harlequintheatre.co.uk/safety-measures/

All proceeds from the event will go towards future projects to help increase skills, work experience and job opportunities for the local Syrian community.