Ever tried saffron pistachios, or lemon almonds? Step through the enticing doors of Lebanese roastery Beanut and these delicious flavours are among unique treats bringing a taste of the Middle East to the borough.
It's impossible to walk past Beanut without taking a second glance – the striking gold filigree-lined walls and glass cabinets overflowing with colourful delicacies scream glamour.
Celebrating its second anniversary in Fulham's North End Road this summer, Beanut's founder Wael Bou Hamdan has poured his passion into each handpicked morsel. "I love attention to detail, and that runs through everything here at Beanut," explains Wael.
From cashews with honey and cinnamon to zaatar spice-coated peanuts, each of the shop's 86 varieties of nuts packs a flavour punch. Alongside the array of nuts, freshly-roasted arabica coffee beans are among Beanut's most popular products. Meanwhile, tempting sweets including nut-filled filo pastry baklawa fill the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Beautifully-wrapped gift baskets and boxes line the ornate walls of the shop, which was designed by 49-year-old Wael using the influences of Middle Eastern art.
Having long dreamed of opening a London-based branch of the family business, the former restaurateur is devoted to sharing his love of food.
Unique products
"We have a lot of products that you can't find anywhere else outside our store, such as the kri kri nuts which are coated in a crispy shell in a range of different flavours," says Wael.
"Running a business is not easy so it makes me very proud to see my customers coming back again and again."
The luxurious look of Beanut's interiors often attracts passing shoppers to stop and take photographs and videos, but the store's Insta-worthy appearance is not just about kerb appeal.
"I have around 800 customers who come on a regular basis and what keeps people coming back is good service, good quality and good prices," points out Wael.
Father-of-three Wael might have debuted Beanut in London when the business opened at 399 North End Road in June 2022, but its history dates back around 40 years.
Starting as a small business run by his father in Lebanon, demand for the family's fresh nuts and spices grew.
The family enterprise now includes four branches in Lebanon, a wholesale supply business and factory – which supplies Beanut's London outpost – and a store in Dubai airport.
Entrepreneurial Wael was determined to bring his vision to London, and settled on Fulham after living in nearby Castletown Road. "Getting to know the area, the customers and the footfall made me realise this was a good spot," explains Wael.
"There wasn't anything like this with fresh nuts and spices and I thought it would be a great idea."
Every imaginable treat from the Middle East is on offer – as well as more unusual flavours to tempt those looking for a fresh take on classic favourites.
Think Turkish delight in apple, cherry, strawberry, mint and pomegranate flavours, or pick-your-own dried fruits, including mango, peach and kiwi.
New plans
And with Beanut's popularity growing, Wael has plans afoot to bring more new food options to the store.
Within the coming months, customers will have chance to create their own tahini paste in store using fresh sesame seeds, as well as their own peanut butter.
"The idea is that customers will be able to create these products themselves using fresh, whole ingredients, so they know exactly what they are buying and eating," says health-conscious Wael.
"There are no surprises about what has gone into it."
Other plans include adding self-serve dispensers for products such as coffee beans and nuts, so customers can bring their own reusable containers and bulk buy their favourite items.
Meanwhile, a fresh fruit cocktail counter is in the pipeline, along with plans to create an extensive seating area for around 30 people to enjoy freshly-made coffee and treats including Lebanese knafeh – made from layers of spun pastry, nuts and cheese soaked in light syrup – in the store's lower ground floor.
"The response from local people has made me very proud as customers love what we have done with Beanut so far," adds Wael. "The new plans will add something different and make Beanut stand out even more."
Visit Beanut at 399 North End Road, Fulham, or stay updated on Instagram @beanutroastery.
