Vivat Bacchus Farringdon – South African Wine & Food

Facing a busy part of London, located on a busy street yet once you’ve walked in through the entrance the harmonised atmosphere greets you as do the friendly staff which then busy becomes a distant memory. As part of our continued tour of London seeking out fine sparkling wine and dining locations, we were asked to review the restaurant Vivat Bacchus 47 Farringdon Street, Holborn, London, EC4A 4LL.

If the flavours and aromas of South Africa intrigue you or you’re already hooked, then Vivat Bacchus gives you a diverse choice of both dishes from snacks to mains along with the biggest selection of wines from the region in London. The venue also offers private dining and room hire facilities with Farringdon tube station a mere 5 minutes walk away.

 

It is important to mention early on the very warm reception received from all staff members, not once did any request become a chore or a question receive a sigh, it was all smiles and passionate eagerness to host the guests from the start to leaving. Dishes were fully explained and wines too. Service with a smile was certainly received!

Paper serviettes over cloth napkins were preferred, I totally appreciate the current climate and costs, though this slightly lowered the tone compared to the service and quality of food/wine.

Prices are quite reasonable with culinary heritage, and bucket list dishes to explore including Crocodile Goujons and Ostrich Fillet yet also a fine selection of food choices to suit vegetarian menus including Burrata, Risotto and roasted beetroot. The Braai selection included Sirloin, Rump Fillet Ribeye on the Bone and Iberico Pork Chop.

 

Starters you’ve got the beef biltong (a cherished symbol of South African culinary heritage) cured with salt and sliced into thin strips along with the beef Droewors which are well worth trying at just £5 each.

Food portions were each generous.

 

Starter dishes had ample choice with the Wagyu Carpaccio with Shaved Parmesan and Truffle Aioli being the best of what was a great selection enjoyed.

Don’t worry, the wines were certainly on the menu at Vivat Bacchus so let’s take a peek at what was on offer. The wines were vast in styles and choices, even for sparkling, which was great for any restaurant location. Upon a brief educational tour of their wines from a knowledgeable gentleman in this staff, the aperitif was the Genevieve Blanc de Blanc Zero Dosage that offered a light and pleasing acidity with floral, white fruits and a touch of pastry notes. The red was a fuller bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenboch ‘bartinney’ with a smoky blackcurrant and velvety vanilla smoothness.

 

The main was a traditional grilled meat feast of choice with the rump fillet, sirloin and Iberico Pork Chop chosen. Portions are filling at an average 200g so if two or more are ordered between two following snacks and starters, then do not be shy if you don’t finish your plate! Plenty of side choices are available with freshly steamed broccoli and the Maple roasted beetroot particularly standing out.

Don’t forget to try the cheese selection – Fat Cow was great!

@glassofbubbly #VivatBacchus ‘A taste of #SouthAfrica‘ in #London ♬ original sound – teeharpo