Dorrington Old Hall Persian Cuisine is the first Persian restaurant to open near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Persian cuisine is ancient, varied and cosmopolitan. Eating habits and products from ancient Greece, Rome and many Asian as well as Mediterranean cultures have influenced and are affected by this unique cuisine.

It has borrowed spices, styles and recipes from India and has in turn influenced Indian food. There are many dishes that are shared by both Persians and Turks, so much and so that it is difficult to say who has borrowed what and from where.

The archives at the major ancient Persian cities contain names of many food products, ingredients, beverages, herbs, spices and wine, an important ceremonial and religious drink. Basil, mint, cumin, cloves, saffron and coriander were traded along with olive all over the ancient trade routes.

The Parthian and the Sasanian records mention walnut, pistachio, pomegranate, cucumber, broad bean, pea and sesame in their trade records.

My recipes do not belong to any of the listed category, but mostly fusion of ideas; hence very different from the traditional ones available elsewhere! I have used the good old Persian names for my dishes, as there is something quite romantic about them – perhaps, my childhood memories attached!