We were saddened to learn today – Wednesday 21st April 2021 – of the passing of popular Mill Road restaurateur, Foudil Rerizani.
Foudil had been living with cancer for some while, but his health declined rapidly over the last few weeks.
Cambridge University educated Foudil established the much loved, ever-popular Al Casbah restaurant, at 62 Mill Road, in 1997 as one of the first Charcoal grill restaurants in East Anglia, specialising in marinated grilled meats and fish, with the grill – and leaping flames – eye-catchingly positioned by the front window. The quirky charm of the establishment led to it being described in a Les Routiers review as “un per decentré”.
Al Casbah has since been passed down from father to sons – Karim, Samir, Yacine, Nacer and Djamel – who continue the family tradition of serving fresh North African cuisine.
While the boys were growing up, Foudil provided the boys with their own games hall ‘hangout’, open to all, at 98–100 Mill Road, which kept them out of trouble. Since 2011 the premises have been home to Bedouin, the family’s other Mill Road restaurant, replete with a real Bedouin tent and wall rugs from the Sahara, serving traditional tagines and couscous dishes from across the Maghreb.
As well as being a successful restaurateur, Foudil was a good friend of Mill Road especially other café, restaurant and catering proprietors in the area, to whom he lent his expertise. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
As a close friend of Foudil, I am mourning him and feeling hugely saddened. Rest in peace Foudil.
To Foudil’s sons, daughter in laws, grandchildren, brothers cousins and all his family we extend our heartfelt sympathies, condolences and prayers.
Molly knew Foudil before me and I had known him for 22 years. In all that time he always made me welcomed and to feel very special. We always had time for each other even if it was to celebrate, commiserate or extract the mickey out of each other when our respective football teams were doing badly.
He will be sorely missed. Not only did he live and work on Mill Road he embodied what Mill Road was about in terms of peaceful coexistence. R.I.P. Foudil
David and Molly
Mawson Road
We were saddened to hear of Foudil’s passing. We often enjoyed both the Casbah and the Bedouin restaurants over the years.
All our sympathy to his family.
Jean Michel and Ann Massing
So sad to learn of the death of Foudil. When we arrived in Petersfield the pool hall was a blessing, somewhere my daughter, then fifteen, could meet safely with friends. Later, Ellen’s 21st was a fabulous feast at the Casbah. Foudil will indeed be missed.
Very sad to hear this. Foudil was a great and friendly host. My sincere condolences to his family.
Very sad to hear of Foudil’s passing. We often enjoyed both the Casbah and the Bedouin restaurants over the years. All our sympathy to his family. Ashlyn and Miranda
Very sad to hear this. We have lovely memories of being served by him over many years.
Sad News indeed, my sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time..?
This news is very sad. I held Foudil in very high regard.
Thank you for sharing this with the community at when you have so much else to think about. I also send condolences