Vivat Bacchus: Fire, Flavour and a Sense of Togetherness
Vivat Bacchus has never felt like a conventional steakhouse, and with its latest concept it leans even further into experience-led dining. With restaurants in London Bridge and Farringdon, the South African favourite has introduced VB Moments – a series of immersive dining elements that place storytelling, theatre and shared ritual at the centre of the meal.
The experience begins with fire, both literal and symbolic. The Braai Board is designed for the table to share, arriving piled high with flame-grilled meats including steak, boerewors and ostrich. This is food intended to be communal, echoing the South African braai tradition where cooking and conversation unfold together. It’s generous, relaxed and unapologetically bold in flavour.
One of the most memorable moments is the Smoking Braai Candle. Made from slow-melting beef dripping infused with spices, it’s placed at the centre of the table where it gently warms and releases an intoxicating aroma of smoke and seasoning. It’s part centrepiece, part seasoning, and undeniably theatrical – a clever nod to the sensory nature of open-fire cooking.
The sense of occasion continues as the Rolling Biltong Bar makes its way through the restaurant. A leather-aproned Biltong Curator carves house-cured slabs tableside, explaining the differences between cuts and spice levels. From lean and peppery to rich and fatty, it’s both educational and indulgent, turning what could be a simple snack into a talking point.
A longstanding Vivat Bacchus signature, the Cheese Room, remains a highlight. Guests are invited inside the walk-in space mid-meal to choose their own selections, adding an element of intimacy and surprise that feels refreshingly personal. It’s these small, interactive touches that elevate the evening beyond dinner and into something far more memorable.
Dessert brings a sense of nostalgia and joy. The Peppermint Crisp Tart, a South African classic, is served with flair and intended to be shared, a final flourish that reinforces the restaurant’s communal ethos.
Running through the entire experience is the idea of Ubuntu – the Southern African philosophy centred on togetherness and shared humanity. It’s evident not just in the menu but in the way the meal unfolds: shared platters, interactive moments with staff, and playful introductions to Afrikaans phrases along the way. Dining here feels social by design, encouraging connection between guests rather than isolated plates and quiet tables.
Even the supporting dishes carry weight. The Golden Maize Bread, served hot in a skillet with bubbling peri-peri butter, strikes the perfect balance between sweet heat and comfort, and quickly becomes something everyone at the table reaches for.
In a city overflowing with restaurants competing for attention, Vivat Bacchus stands out by offering something rooted in culture rather than trend. VB Moments successfully brings the spirit of South Africa to London – not just through food, but through warmth, ritual and a genuine sense of shared experience. It’s dining that invites you to slow down, engage, and leave feeling like you’ve been part of something rather than simply fed.
Find out more > www.vivatbacchus.co.uk
