ISLAMABAD: Themed cafes are all the rage. Everyone’s Facebook and Instagram feeds are inundated with photographs of people posing next to the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, or sipping coffee in Hogwarts mugs.

Now though, there is a café to cater to the tastes of the more highbrow lover of literature; fans of the immortal Bard. Offering a lovely view of the flower-market from a charming balcony is the recently-opened ‘Shakespeare’s Lounge’ in F-7 Markaz.

A joint venture by two sisters, the cafe has become a favourite haunt for the lunch crowd, which is pulled by the shabby-chic interior, the dainty crockery and the literature-inspired theme.

The restaurant itself has been styled to match the theme; Mehreen Azmat is an interior designer who has brought her creative touch to the café, with giant book-spines displaying William Shakespeare’s titles in one corner and well-lit bookshelves in another.

The latest themed-café to open its doors to the capital offers food with a Shakespearean twist

The best part, however, lies beyond a pair of white French doors – a small European-style balcony with wicker chairs and tables, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoors on pleasant days.

The one-page menu is a simple skim and some of the dishes are also named after The Bard’s more famous works. There is Othello’s Sesame Beef Bowl and the Romeo and Juliet Burger. But most of the food offered at Shakespeare’s Lounge is not English-themed. “While we offer some English favourites such as fish n’ chips, we did not think people in Pakistan would enjoy English food much,” says Naveen Ahmed, the other half of the duo that runs the cafe.

Then there’s the Chicken Parmesan Stromboli, which is parmesan chicken stuffed in a garlicky, herby loaf, and the restaurant’s own version of Mac n’ Cheese.

“We ensure the ingredients we use are healthy and natural; many of our items are homemade, such as the roast beef and cottage cheese. Naveen makes all the salad dressings herself and we never use syrups in our drinks,” says Ms Azmat.

The Greek Nachos, both say, are quite popular; the nachos are made in-house with corn maize flour and topped with a tangy salsa, olives and jalapenos. Add a generous dollop of sour-cream and the result is an ideal balance of flavours. If paired with a mint margarita, which is served in a chilled mason jar, the combination is an ideal snack for those hot summer afternoons.

But inevitably, real life ends up imitating Shakespeare and the As You Like It starter platter proves to be the hamartia, or tragic flaw. Sara, Sana and Dimple, visitors who were otherwise full of praise for the ‘Othello Beef Bowl’ and the restaurant itself, admitted that the platter did not live up to expectations.

Trouble also boils and bubbles when it comes to the lasagna roll-ups: the cafe’s take on traditional lasagna, served on a flat plate. The dish is more pasta than sauce, however, and can only be appreciated by those willing to compromise on the essentials of the traditional dish.

The Rip n’ Tear Mac n’ Cheese, is perhaps a better option. The cooks add a layer of butter-smothered puff pastry on top of the macaroni, which is drowned in a creamy cheese sauce. But rather than being freshly-baked, the pastry is pre-made and placed on top.

In the world of Shakespeare, “the last taste of sweets is sweetest last”. And so it the delicious desserts offered at Shakespeare’s Lounge that will surely distract you from the forgettable entrees.

The Walnut and Date Crumble, which perfectly combines the bitter nuttiness of walnuts with a luscious chocolate and date sauce, is served with a warm custard. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet is a similarly delectable Nutella-stuffed cookie, served on a hot skillet with ice cream.

Zehra Valliani, who visits the café at least twice a week, seems convinced. “It’s a very cozy space and the music is not too loud. My mother and I are Shakespeare fans and love ye olde English theme,” she says.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2017