A Syrian refugee chef who escaped to Britain is to open a two-week pop-up in Bethnal Green this month, in the hope of re-launching his career.

Imad Alarnab had two restaurants in Damascus before Syria’s civil war, but more recently has catered for hundreds of fellow refugees.

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen will run from Thursday March 9 to Friday 24 March at 134 Columbia Road, offering a family-style three-course set supper designed to be shared with fellow diners. Dishes include fattoush (toasted flatbreads, pomegranate molasses, tomato and cucumber); kabsa (spicy chicken with cardamom and rice); and tabakh rohoo (aubergine, squash and tamarind stew).

Meals must be booked via Eventbrite and cost £16.85 for weekend brunch or £42.95 for dinner (Tuesday-Sunday). A portion (10%) of ticket sales will go toward supporting Unicef NEXTGeneration and #CookForSyria. This funding will support children in Syria and the region.  The project was made possible by Appear Here, Unicef NEXTGeneration and The Hampstead Kitchen Feeding Fund.

No alcohol will be served, but diners are welcome to bring their own bottles.