‘King’ Jim’s recipe for success has paid off

There’s no mistaking Camelot restaurant in Adliya. It’s the big building that looks like a mediaeval castle that brings a smile to my face every time I see it and king of the castle is well known Bahrain restaurateur Jim Lawless.  

Hailing from Limerick City in Ireland, Jim first came to Bahrain 19 years ago to the month as the general manager of Mansoori Mansions, where he worked for two-and-a-half years before moving on to manage the Al Hamra hotel for seven years.
From there he started Jim’s Restaurant, weaving his special blend of delicious home cooked food and Irish hospitality to turn it into one of the most sought eateries on the island.
After seven years, having met the challenge and looking for another, Jim moved on from Jim’s Restaurant and took over the reigns at Camelot three years ago where he spun his magic once again and has turned the castle into another hit, with many of Jim’s clientele following him to the new location.
There’s something about walking across the drawbridge and through the massive carved wooden door of Camelot that gives you a sense of something unique to come before you’ve even taken your seat.
With suits of armours and big candle chandeliers hanging down, the medieval theme is carried all the way through, giving a warm and welcoming ambience from the minute you arrive to the time you say goodbye to Jim and his ever smiling staff.
In a country like Bahrain, where new restaurants are popping up left right and centre and people come and go from the island on a regular basis, what’s the secret to Jim’s continued success? In his own words: “Hard work and passion for what you do. I have a great head chef and a lovely team. It’s all about making people feel at home and when they leave they should feel as if they’ve had great value for their money.” 
And it’s a recipe for success that seems to have paid off. In the five years I’ve know Jim, I’ve never had anything but fun and a great meal anytime I visit.

By Marie-Claire