Artisan flatbread concept Manakish & Naanza targets nationwide rollout

The new grab-and-go brand has already secured a second London location, and has plans to open around 30 sites over the next three years across London and other UK cities.

Manakish & Naanza is a collaboration between Emilio Malik, founder of Mayfair-based Lazeez Lebanese Tapas and Liban Tapas in South Woodford, and Javier Troitino-Ramos, who has more than 20 years industry experience as has worked as general manager for a number of leading hospitality brands including Starbucks and YO! Sushi.

“We’re really excited to be launching our first store in such a vibrant location,” says Malik.

“The buzz of Neal Street is the perfect place for us to open our doors, as it’s got a great community atmosphere.”

The menu will offer customers a choice of two flatbread bases - crisp and chewy manakish or soft naan – available with a range of toppings.

They include ‘smokehouse chicken’ with tandoori chicken, chargrilled peppers, cheddar, caramelised tomato sauce, red onion and rocket; and ‘vegan paradise’ with chestnut mushrooms, chargrilled peppers, sweetcorn, vegan mozzarella, plum tomato sauce, olives, suman and curried avocado.

A range of side dishes will also be available, alongside a selection of flavoured coffees and freshly-brewed teas.

Manakish & Naanza will also work to support the local community and has formed partnerships with charities Refugee Kitchen and The Felix Project to help supply meals to those in need in London.