Business Details
17 Years
experience
Award-Winning Persian Restaurant in Shrewsbury
Established in 2009, we are a distinguished dining destination specialising in Persian cuisine with a contemporary Western influence. Our culinary philosophy combines traditional Persian techniques with modern presentation, creating dishes that are visually striking, aromatic, and deeply flavourful. As the first Persian restaurant in Shrewsbury, we have cultivated a reputation for innovation while maintaining authenticity in our use of saffron, dried limes, and fresh herbs. Our chef-owner, Dr Lal Haider, brings both medical precision and culinary passion to every plate, having transitioned from a successful surgical career to pursue his lifelong love of food.Recognised with multiple awards including Persian Restaurant of the Year 2019, we prioritise quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Our menu features elaborate rice dishes, tender kababs, and hearty stews, complemented by house-made flatbreads and seasonal desserts. We operate seasonally with evening and weekend availability, offering both la carte and tasting menus. Customer feedback consistently highlights our ability to balance complex flavours with approachable presentation, making Persian cuisine accessible to diverse palates. Through years of refinement, we continue to evolve while staying true to the culinary heritage that inspires us.
Services
Persian Restaurant
Fusion Cuisine
Tasting Menus
Award-Winning Dining
Seasonal Specials
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Awarded Persian Restaurant of the Year 2019 at The Restaurant Awards Midlands Edition
- Chef-owner with dual expertise in medicine and Persian culinary arts
- Unique fusion cuisine blending traditional Persian techniques with modern presentation
- Consistently praised for balancing complex flavours with approachable dining experiences
- First Persian restaurant established in Shrewsbury, setting culinary trends since 2009
What people say
Award-winning Persian cuisine
Unique fusion approach
Chef's dual expertise
Balanced complex flavours
Authentic yet innovative
Services
Persian Restaurant
We offer an immersive Persian dining experience featuring traditional techniques adapted for contemporary tastes. Our menu showcases saffron-infused rice dishes, charcoal-grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews using recipes passed through generations. Each dish balances aromatic spices with fresh ingredients, reflecting both Persian heritage and Western culinary influences. This service caters to diners seeking authentic yet innovative Middle Eastern cuisine in Shropshire.
Tasting Menus
Our curated tasting menus provide a journey through Persian gastronomy with seasonal variations. Guests experience multiple courses showcasing signature dishes like pomegranate-glazed lamb and saffron pilaf. Each menu includes wine pairings and chef's commentary, ideal for special occasions or culinary exploration. This service allows diners to sample the full breadth of our Persian-Western fusion approach in a structured format.
Award-Winning Cuisine
Recognised as Persian Restaurant of the Year 2019, our cuisine combines technical precision with creative flair. The menu features dishes that have earned accolades at national restaurant awards, including unique interpretations of classic Persian recipes. This service guarantees exceptional quality through our chef's dual expertise in medicine and culinary arts, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every preparation.
Seasonal Specials
We offer seasonal menus that incorporate local Shropshire produce while maintaining Persian culinary traditions. Specials change with ingredient availability, featuring dishes like spring herb stews or autumnal fruit-based sauces. This service ensures freshness while maintaining our signature fusion style, allowing regular patrons to experience evolving interpretations of Persian cuisine throughout the year.
Chef's Table
Our chef's table experience provides intimate access to Persian culinary techniques and storytelling. Limited seating allows direct interaction with the chef, who explains the historical context and modern adaptations of each dish. This service caters to food enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding of Persian-Western fusion cooking through hands-on demonstrations and personalised menu explanations.
People
Dr Lal Haider
Chef-Owner
Former Shropshire surgeon turned award-winning chef, Dr Lal Haider combines medical precision with culinary passion. Self-taught in Persian cuisine through family recipes and experimentation, he has earned multiple accolades including Chef of the Year 2016 at English Curry Awards. His unique approach fuses traditional Persian techniques with Western presentation, creating dishes that balance complexity with accessibility.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Old Hall Restaurant specialise in?
We specialise in Persian cuisine with Western influences, offering dishes like saffron-infused rice, charcoal-grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews adapted for modern palates.
Is Old Hall Restaurant associated with any awards?
Yes, we were named Persian Restaurant of the Year 2019 at The Restaurant Awards Midlands Edition and our chef has won multiple English Curry Awards.
Who is the chef behind Old Hall Restaurant?
Dr Lal Haider, a former Shropshire surgeon turned self-taught Persian cuisine specialist, leads our kitchen with a unique approach blending medical precision and culinary creativity.
What are the restaurant's opening hours?
We operate seasonally with evening service Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm, and Sunday 12:30pm-4pm. Closed Mondays.
Does the restaurant offer tasting menus?
Yes, we provide curated tasting menus featuring seasonal variations of Persian dishes with wine pairings and chef commentary for a complete culinary experience.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made by calling 01743 719 100 between 11am-10pm daily or texting 07429 299792 for immediate assistance.
Reviews (7)
Paul Lavronski
Dec 26, 2021
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Very disappointed. Reviews looked good. I am an extremely well travelled man having lived in the middle east and the far east for 20 years. The food was very salty. Heated up. The flavors were difficult to find and not well balanced. They've taken some good ideas but their version of fusion only blands everything out. I love food. Therefore, I won't be wasting my time and money here again. Sorry, but that's the truth. I owe it to future potential diners to write this review.
Clive C.
Nov 22, 2021
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The food here is stunning; as someone who can ordinarily be quite fussy, I have yet to find anything that I havent really enjoyed and will eat anything on the menu. Even the side-salad with the starter is full of interesting flavours. The only downside is we think I ts so good we rarely convince ourselves to eat anywhere else when in Shropshire
Nick Irving
Nov 15, 2021
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Excellent combination of Persian and Indian. Very fresh and tasty. Friendly service. Well worth a visit. We went Friday evening and it was quiet. This place deserves more customers.
John Jones
Oct 09, 2021
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The owner was very keen to limit numbers, so booking is essential. The food was good and some of the spices new to me. Some subtle use of them. I opted for a wine from Lebanon which was a fine example. The waitress was friendly and the experience was enjoyable.
Alan Horobin
Sep 26, 2021
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Such a lovely treat, all the dishes were wonderful, subtly flavoured and so full of taste. We were well looked after by the wonderful staff too! Thank you for a lovely evening!
Donna Ellmore
Sep 19, 2021
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The first time I have tasted Persian food and what a treat! Flavours are amazing with subtle spices and variety. Would absolutely recommend the tasting menu….amazing staff and lovely atmosphere x
David Joseph Bennett
Sep 19, 2021
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Wow this was a really nice change from standard Indian cuisine I went with the Rotary club so we were well packed in will be going again to give a better review
