‘One of those places I would always recommend’ - Bakchich, Bold Street, reviewed

Restaurants seem to come and go like the seasons on Bold Street, but a special few are lucky enough to survive the winter (who am I kidding? Bold Street is always busy, even in January.) Many things have changed on Bold Street over the years, but Bakchich, amongst a small list of others, remains a staple.

Whoever's in charge of the playlist at Bakchich deserves employee of the month

My partner is the first person I think of taking with me on a review, but as she is recovering from surgery, I had to think of somebody else to take with me to scoff down some delicious food. Not many people are free over Christmas, they're usually scrambling on the high street getting their last minute bits, muttering in unison "Why do I do this to myself every year?" So I decided to dine alone, but as Bakchich offers a take away option, my partner got to eat her meal tucked up on the sofa. Nice. 

I haven't visited for quite some time, but it's one of those places I would always recommend. It may not serve the most exciting food in the city, but when it comes to value for money and consistency from food to service and atmosphere, Bakchich are at the top of my list. 

I arrived around 5pm on a Sunday, and it wasn't too busy. The very friendly waiter took my drink order and I browsed the menu, even though I already knew what I was going to order – I’d looked at the menu whilst on the train beforehand (everyone does that, right?) One of their fresh soft drinks, a blend of apple, lime and ginger, was the perfect drink to start off a meal. Just the right amount of fire from the ginger wakes you up, which is then cut through with the acid sweetness from the apple and lime. 

More and more people started to arrive, and with that the staff seemed to crank up the music. I couldn't blame them. Whoever's in charge of the playlist at Bakchich deserves employee of the month. Until then, I had no idea that remixes of disco tunes were just what I needed on a cold Sunday evening.

The Veggie Burger (£10) arrived almost suspiciously quickly, but all the food was piping hot. Bakchich specialise in Lebanese fast food that tastes great and doesn't make you want to die after eating it.

Their veggie offering is a trio of halloumi, falafel and hummus on a brioche bun, served with a generous portion of French fries. The Halloumi could have been cooked a little bit longer (because who doesn't love crispy fried cheese?) but together with the perfectly cooked falafel and silky smooth hummus, left nothing to complain about. It tastes like a really well seasoned salad, but on bread - how all salads should be served from now on, please.

I explained at the beginning of my meal that I would be taking the rest of my order home with me, and the staff were incredibly accommodating. They double wrapped the food to ensure it stayed hot, and sent me on my way. 

Back on home turf, my partner and I both had a shawarma wrap. I had the mixed shawarma (£7) with lamb and chicken, and she had the chicken (£5). Obviously, the presentation was nothing to write home about since I'd taken them away, but unfortunately the flavours just weren't really there either. There was no real overwhelming flavour to the meat or the flatbread, which was a bit of a disappointment. The hummus (£5) however, is a much more exciting dish. They get the seasoning just right and it doesn’t feel too greasy or sloppy. 

We finished with baklava (£5) which were cooked perfectly. Baklava can sometimes be a little on the dry side, which usually means there's not enough butter, but Bakchich know that butter makes everything better. 

I hope Bakchich continue to feed the masses and provide their friendly and disco-infused service to the lovely people of Liverpool and beyond. Sometimes you just want a business to do well, and Bakchich is one of them. Even on a day when their shawarma didn't quite hit the spot, I know that I can count on them for a smile, some great food and some good music.  

Bakchich, 54 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4ER