Review on Vivat Bacchus
Lovers of fine wine and fine food (especially cheese) should set a course for Vivat Bacchus an oenophile's Mecca on Farringdon Street just off Holborn Viaduct. Set over two floors with private dining areas below stairs, the restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming vibe with a smart contemporary décor.
VB's owners hail from South Africa and the menu has a strong bias towards the home country - although the kitchen works with flavours and ideas gleaned from the world larder. Kick off with crocodile spring rolls with smoked chilli jam, ostrich 'tartare' or seared peppered kudu carpaccio with girolles, apricots and rocket salad. After that, perhaps prawn and butterfish Thai curry, chicken saltimbocca with pecorino gnocchi or herb and mustard crusted roast loin of springbok. Desserts have their fans, but it would be sinful to miss a trip to the two tantalising cheese rooms.
As for wine, there a five dedicated cellars containing some 18,000 bottles with 250 labels - many of which are rarities from South African vineyards (although Italy, Spain and the Antipodes also figure strongly). You are welcome to take a tour and pick your own. On Friday evenings from 8.30pm Vivat Baccus plays host to live jazz bands, as well as Saturday nights at their second branch at 4 Hays Lane, London Bridge, SE1.
Vivat Bacchus is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern European
Chef
Ferenc Perjesi
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 through until
Dinner: 10.30pm Mon-Fri (5.00 - 10.30pm Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
