Nestled in the bustle of London Bridge, Vivat Bacchus is the sort of restaurant you could easily walk past – only to later wonder how you ever missed it. Step through its doors and the urban rush fades away. Inside, it feels less like a city eatery and more like a tucked-away cellar in the Cape Winelands. Warm, rustic wooden tables invite lingering, while shelves of South African wines line the walls. The lighting is low but not gloomy, creating a balance between intimacy and vibrancy. The hum of conversation is punctuated by the occasional pop of a cork, setting the stage for what is to come.
This is a restaurant that understands atmosphere as much as it does flavour. There is no pretension, no over-orchestrated theatrics – just a genuine warmth that makes you feel as if you have been welcomed into someone’s home. And like any good South African host, they are here to feed you well.
The Flavours of South Africa at Vivat Bacchus
I began with the Biltong Experience, which proved to be more than just a starter – it was an introduction to a culinary culture. Served on a wooden board, the selection included house-made biltong and droëwors sausage. The biltong, sliced thin enough to reveal its marbled grain, had that perfect chew that makes you instinctively reach for a sip of wine after each bite.
Flavour-wise, it was a layered experience: a whisper of coriander and clove, a gentle smokiness, and a deep, gamey richness that spoke of careful curing. The droëwors, drier and more intensely spiced, offered a satisfying snap and a lingering warmth. What impressed me most was the variety – different cuts, textures, and spice profiles all on one plate, each reflecting the patience and craft behind traditional meat drying.
For my main course, I could not resist the Heritage Braai Board – a centrepiece that arrived with the theatricality of a festive feast. In South Africa, the braai is more than just a barbecue; it is an event, a ritual, a gathering. Vivat Bacchus captures that spirit perfectly. On the board sat three stars: wagyu beef, boerewors, and sticky pork ribs.
The wagyu was everything it should be – flame-grilled, rested to perfection, and impossibly tender. Each slice dissolved on the tongue, leaving behind a buttery richness balanced by the smoky kiss of the grill. The boerewors, a traditional coiled sausage, was robustly spiced with hints of nutmeg and clove. Its casing had a satisfying snap, and the filling was coarse and juicy, delivering waves of savoury comfort. The pork ribs, lacquered in a sweet-smoky glaze, demanded to be eaten with your hands. The sticky sauce clung to the meat, while the pork itself yielded easily from the bone.
On the side, the Mealie Bread was a revelation. Served warm, its crumb was soft yet substantial, dotted with whole sweetcorn kernels that popped with gentle sweetness. A drizzle of hot honey elevated it into something that balanced beautifully with the richness of the meats – comforting, slightly indulgent, and dangerously moreish.
By this point, I was close to surrender. But the Peppermint Tart had been recommended with such enthusiasm by my server that resistance felt foolish. This South African classic was treated with reverence here – no deconstruction, no unnecessary embellishment. The layers were simple: a coconut biscuit base, creamy peppermint filling, and a dusting of chocolate flakes. The result was nostalgia on a plate. The peppermint was refreshing yet restrained, never veering into toothpaste territory, while the coconut brought a gentle nuttiness that rounded each bite. It was cool, light, and quietly addictive.
Why Vivat Bacchus is Worth the Journey
One of Vivat Bacchus’s greatest strengths is its authenticity. It does not attempt to fuse South African flavours with something trendier, nor does it dilute them for a British palate. Instead, it presents them proudly, prepared with precision, and paired with wines that celebrate the country’s rich viticultural heritage. The wine list itself deserves its own dedicated visit – particularly the downstairs cellar, which feels like a portal to Stellenbosch.
The staff deserve equal praise. Knowledgeable without being overbearing, they are quick to offer pairing suggestions, explain unfamiliar dishes, and share personal anecdotes about their favourites. It is service with personality – warm, genuine, and rooted in pride for the food they serve.
Vivat Bacchus is more than a place to eat – it is a place to experience a culinary culture in full. Every dish tells a story of land, fire, spice, and celebration. Whether you are a homesick South African craving a taste of home or a Londoner curious about the flavours of the Cape, you will find yourself lingering long after your plate is empty. And when you finally step back out into the bustle of London Bridge, you will carry with you not just the memory of a good meal, but the feeling of having been somewhere entirely else.
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Vivat Bacchus has locations in Farringdon and London Bridge. Visit vivatbacchus.co.uk for menus, bookings, and wine experiences.
