The Barbary opened in May 2016 in Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, quickly establishing itself as one of London’s most distinctive dining experiences. Inspired by the Barbary Coast, the stretch of North Africa along the Atlantic, the restaurant tells a story of trade, travel and cultural exchange, where ingredients, techniques and traditions move across borders and evolve along the way.
Fire, clay, pestle & mortar. No dish on our menu could exist without these building blocks. Cooking over flames is a tradition extending centuries; before there was language there was fire. Following these ancient techniques in our kitchen today allows us to create a connection with our past and heritage via the dishes we create. Of course, we are romanticising, but what is a restaurant without romance?
The Barbary has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for ten consecutive years, a reflection of its consistency, creativity and commitment to quality.
In 2024, The Barbary Notting Hill opened on Westbourne Grove, a natural evolution of the original. Set within a Grade II-listed building, it offers a larger, more expansive space, with counter dining, window banquettes and seating for larger groups.
A nod to the coastal restaurants we fell in love with on our travels, we wanted it to exude the same implicit charm, warmth and confidence.
Across both sites, the menus continue to evolve under the guidance of Group Development Chef Aika Levins, whose journey from Japan to London’s kitchens has shaped a distinctive, thoughtful approach to cooking.
The Barbary is part of the wider story of Zoë and Layo Paskin, a journey that began in music and nightlife before moving into hospitality with the opening of The Palomar in 2014. Since then, they have created a collection of spaces that balance atmosphere, culture and food with equal care, including Evelyn’s Table, The Mulwray, and The Blue Posts.
Their work continues today through Studio Paskin, their creative hospitality studio, alongside their growing London portfolio.