A hidden treasure brings a glimpse of Morocco to W1

Nestled on an inconspicuous street corner equidistant to trendy Marylebone High Street and bustling Edgware Road, Occo Restaurant and Bar is a stunning venue that successfully transports the style, flavours and culture of native Morocco to London. Sam Ahmimed, the establishment’s proprietor, hails from the city of Tangier, a place renowned for it’s international connections and colourful past.

Occo is the place where the capital’s beautiful crowd rub shoulders with locals in a truly authentic Moroccan setting that has earned it a reputation as ‘Momo’s only real competitor in London’.

Arranged over several levels, the venue is comprised of four separate spaces, each with its own unique style, décor, lighting and atmosphere. The ground floor accommodates the main restaurant and bar area, along with the secret space of the Boudoir – an opulently furnished room with dim lighting and padded walls.

The conservatory is located on a half level between the ground floor and the basement, and is an oasis of light during the day, and an intimate private dining area by evening. The basement is home to Mim: a comfortable subterranean candle lit space featuring a private entrance, dedicated bar, low sofas and DJ decks. With a total capacity of 250, there is a space at Occo to suit every occasion, budget, taste and requirement.

The design scheme attempts to convey the philosophy behind the food on offer at Occo – authentic, but contemporary Moroccan. The materials, colours, lighting and fabrics all adhere to a North African theme and indeed the majority of the fixtures, furnishings and décor were sourced and imported directly from Morocco.

The head chef is Ahmed Hamidi; a Moroccan native who takes pride in drawing culinary inspiration from his homeland and sourcing the majority of his herb and spice supplies from Marrakech. Hamidi is responsible for masterminding the venue’s popular lunch, dinner, tapas and brunch menus which retain a strong Moroccan emphasis jazzed up with a modern twist. The high quality food on offer is complemented by an excellent cocktail list and an extensive list of Moroccan, new world and international wines.

Main Bar/ Dining Room
On the ground floor is the main bar and restaurant area; a bright, airy and modern space flanked by windows on two sides and serving an innovative cocktail menu and selection of light tapas dishes. A curved copper plated wall separates the bar area from the restaurant, while the handmade serving counter is comprised of highly filed and polished bone fragments, inlaid in silver to create an unusual mosaic effect. The central feature of this room is the dramatic ceiling lights, which are suspended from one central point – echoing the lines and style of a traditional Moroccan tent. In summer diners can enjoy Al Fresco drinks and dining, thanks to the venue’s plentiful supply of pavement tables.

Boudoir
In a secluded corner of the main bar area lies the opulent boudoir (known also as the red room). This is a smaller, more private space adorned with red padded walls, low level seating, an abundance of scattered cushions and a view out over the conservatory area – ideal for people watching. The Boudoir provides the perfect hideaway for an intimate drink or private functions and holds up to 25 people.

Conservatory
Located on a half level between the ground floor and the basement, the Conservatory is a perfectly formed private dining area which is flooded with natural light during the day and candle lit by night. Ultimately this is a peaceful and tranquil space, inspired by the Moroccan courtyard. Decorated in muted shades, the space features an array of padded banquet style seating and chairs along with scattered cushions for lounging on.

Mim
Nestled in the basement of Occo, Mim is a miniature club space and an exotic candle lit den which can accommodate up to 50 people. Decorated in rich purples, the space provides guests with their own separate entrance from the street, private bar and low level sofas. The atmospheric lighting and scatter cushions make this the ideal after dark retreat; sit back with a cocktail and let the distinctly Moroccan vibe wash over you.

Cocktails
Highlights from the cocktail list include the legendary Moore Bubbly – a tantalising blend of fresh lime juice, passion fruit and elderflower cordial topped with champagne and served long. The enduringly popular Moroccan Rose is a unique blend of Wyborowa rose, triple sec, fresh lime, pomegranate juice and seeds. The perfect nightcap comes in the form of the Moroccan milkshake – a heavenly mix of baileys, kahlua and butterscotch schnapps shaken lightly with milk and cream.

Tapas
Key dishes from the tapas menu include shrimp, sardine and tuna fritters with a little chilli, deep fried and served with a garlic and parsley yoghurt dip. Another popular choice is the Beef kefta skewers served with flat bread, hummus, Moroccan salad with radish, pickled cucumber and onion.

A La Carte
Favourites from among the appetisers include pigeon, prune and almond cigars with a pomegranate olive oil and honey dipping sauce. Also Chermoula marinated crab cakes, served with a small herb salad and caper aioli. Specialities among the mains include Roast marinated duck breast with honey, coriander and ginger, served with mango, mouli, dates and pomegranate julienne salsa salad. Also popular is the traditional Chicken tangine with reserved lemon and green olives, served with sauté harissa baby new potatoes. Seafood fans will appreciate the Swordfish steak served with avocado, sun blush tomato and chickpea salad, served with an olive oil and parsley vinaigrette.

Express Lunch
Vegetarians will appreciate the risotto flavoured with thyme, tumeric and grated pumpkin, served with roasted baby carrots, courgettes and asparagus, topped with shaved parmesan and pistachios. Also a hit is the Sesame coated tuna fillet, lightly chargrilled and served with fresh mint and pumpkin couscous, tomato salsa and toasted pumpkin seeds. Looking for a quick and popular bite? Try the cracked pepper and coriander seed marinated minute steak, served on toasted Moroccan bread with harissa mayonnaise, fresh tomato chutney and paprika new potato chips.

Offers
Occo runs a daily happy hour from 5 –7pm offering customers a buy one get one free deal on all cocktails, house wines and draft beers and lagers. Customers can also enjoy 25% off the total bill when dining from the express lunch menu on week day lunchtimes, subject to quoting this offer at the time of booking.

OCCO BAR & KITCHEN
58 Crawford Street
Marylebone
London W1H

See more at Occo.co.uk.