Welcome to the Cessalman podcast in which some of the biggest names in business, fitness, fashion and more tell us about their careers, their style, their routines, their mental health and much more.

Imad Arlenab is a Syrian chef, entrepreneur and refugee who ran three successful restaurants and several juice bars and cafes in Damascus.

During the war in Syria, Imad's restaurants were destroyed and he was forced to flee the country in search of safety for his family.

Making his way from Lebanon through Europe, Emad shared his skills, cooking for up to 400 refugees at a time

and found that even in the most challenging times his passion for food and bringing people together to celebrate life was strong.

Emad arrived on the London restaurant scene four years ago with a series of charity events that became hugely popular.

Supp club sold out within hours and there were long cues for

take-away lunches at his pop-ups.

In 2021, his first permanent restaurant, Emad Sarine Kitchen,

launched in Kingley Court while this summer saw the launch of his first cookbook.

And at the end of last year, Emad was invited to Buckingham Palace for a reception with the

King in recognition of his humanitarian work.

So welcome Emad.

Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for having me. Thank you so much for coming on.

Thank you for having me.

Thank you.

I came to your restaurant when the book launched and had such an amazing feast.

It was a lovely collection of people. but I think the key thing for me

It did have that real feeling of family all around the table and everyone sort of eating together

It was a real event that I imagine was kind of what you were picturing when you wanted to open.

Actually, exactly. This is exactly like I feel so happy when people told me such a thing like we felt so welcoming or we met the next table you know and we became a friend

if it's up to me I will do all of my friends. If it's up to me I will do all of my restaurant like one big table and I come from my family where we like I have 14 uncles. In 1991 we were 98 cousins so yeah we stop counting then it's

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