Queen of Cups

Queen of Cups has redefined expectations of what a rural-town restaurant can be. In the heart of Glastonbury, chef-owner and former Great British Menu contestant Ayesha Kalaji has created one of the country’s most distinctive dining spots, where Middle Eastern flavours meet Somerset produce with originality, confidence and warmth.

Drawing on her Jordanian heritage and French training, Ayesha’s cooking is bold yet balanced, pairing local ingredients with the spices, techniques and traditions of the Middle East. The restaurant deepens those connections through collaborations with regional producers, including a Somerset cheesemaker who makes a Palestinian-style cheese exclusively for Queen of Cups.

The menu is inventive without feeling contrived. Signature dishes include grilled Nabulsi cheese with Persian black lime honey and wild za’atar. Desserts such as chocolate and cardamom coffee namelaka with salted tahini butterscotch, aubergine ice cream, smoked almond kataifi and cocoa are equally memorable.

A recent interior redesign has introduced rich colours, candlelight and layered textures, creating a more intimate backdrop to one of the South West’s most original dining experiences.