Pasha claims to be London's only Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan restaurant, hiding at the back of an exterior that seems straight out of a scene from Borat.
Pasha also hosts a hotel and a sauna and hammam (Turkish steam bath) on the premises. Quite an unusual venue and a great, if somewhat wacky, night out.

www.hotelpasha.com
158 Camberwell Road, SE5 0EE
+44 207 277 2228
Buses 12, 171 to Camberwell Road
Google map: bit.ly/nWrFaj

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Hidden just at the edge of the ramparts of Tangier's casbah high above the medina, is this gem of a small hotel with only ten rooms. During restoration work the owners discovered an old hammam within their walls, which now is the secret centrepiece of the hotel. Sooner or later you will share a beer with your convivial host and he will offer to introduce you to the oldest form of wellness - his master of ceremony will heat the private hamman with fire wood, give you a perfect rubdown in the steamy marbled vaults scented in oriental fragrances and wrap you in cosy blankets afterwards. Fresh mint tea on the diwans on the roof terrace overlooking both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean complete the joutney back to the old Tangier of poets, spies and smugglers ...

19 Riad Sultan Kasbah, Tangier
+212539947731
www.latangerina.com
Google map: bit.ly/ifBlHb

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This authentic hammam is located in London's vibrant Turkish community, and is a brilliant place to unwind. I went on one of the ladies' days (Wednesday and Saturday) and was encouraged to spend as much time as I wished in the calm, marbled steam room. A foaming scrub followed, after which an 'anti-stress massage' of my back and legs left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, all for £35. Other packages include deep tissue massage and full-body aromatherapy.

4A Crossway, London N16 8HX
www.turkishbathhamam.co.uk
+44(0)207 249 5554
Google map: bit.ly/dZOVCv
Nearest station: Dalston Kingsland

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Originally built by Yavuz Sultan Selim in the 16th Century this is a beautiful mixed hammam - a fantastic place to be steamed, scrubbed and massaged. With most hammam's now based in hotels this is an original alternative with its traditional Moorish design and architecture (check out the brass fittings.) Having arrived covered in seasalt (it's neatly located in the Old Town near the marina) I and my partner in crime were returned to former glory ready to face the haggling and the raki that lay beyond the white walls. It is professional and welcoming, swimwear is worn in the hammam and girls can request a female masseuse. As with any Turkish establishment they may try and sell you an additional massage such as a facial while there so just be aware that they will add this to your bill when you leave and don't be afraid to say no! Other than that you really do feel amazing, radiant and squeaky clean!

www.oldturkishbath.com

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Just as a beer tastes best after physical exertion so a hammam is blissful when muscles are weary and the body has a degree of grubbiness. So head for Jordan and spend a couple of days trekking in the desert at Wadi Rum, sleeping under the stars and enjoying Bedouin hospitality but no washing facilities. Then on to Petra where a hammam just before the site provides sublime refreshment. It may not be a world beater but it will certainly feel like it and the staff are skillful and welcoming. You leave cleansed and reinvigorated, ready to explore Petra; a much larger site than expected where it is easy to escape the crowds. As the sun sets walk on to a second Bedouin camp where a traditional meal awaits plus an untraditional beer. Perfick!

Google map: bit.ly/gcPnZs

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