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FM Mangal
54 Camberwell Church Street SE5 8QZ Tel: 0207 701 6677

FM Mangal is incongruous. Its tacky signage and typical kebab shop vibe seems designed specifically to deter those not in the know from the delights that lie beyond. The number of locals who are not in the know seems to be diminishing though, because since FM Mangal tucked their attractive Turkish ocakbasi restaurant behind the takeaway counter, it has become quietly very popular and on our weeknight visit was pretty much full. There are two main seating areas: upstairs and downstairs (plus a spiral staircase vanishing to an upper floor function room). I slightly favour the upstairs for being a little more airy. The staff are welcoming and enthusiastic, and produce with a proud flourish complementary delicious Turkish flatbread and chargrilled onion; the latter comes in a sauce of pomegranate and spices that is rapidly addictive. And if you want more, your desire is likely to be rapidly sated. And so to the menu. FM Mangal has an essentially standard list of Turkish classics. We went with some meze: hellim (halloumi), falafel, vine leaves, and hummus. None of these items were outstanding, but all of them were tasty and very pleasing. Nicely washed down with beer, though they also have a limited wine list and some interesting Turkish-style drinks. FM Mangal is good value, convivial, and all the more pleasant for its incongruous existence behind the kebab shop façade.

Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Gay Friendliness: 3/5