Vivat Bacchus (London Bridge)

It's hard to believe I had lunch at the same restaurant yesterday as many of the previous reviewers. Lunch here yesterday was a disappointing experience, many dishes were simply not available and worst of all one of the key things which attracted us here, the cheese room, was not open. The food we did have was adequate, starters included a competent blue cheese salad and a miserly portion of gravadlax, rump steak for main course was tender and tasty enough but accompanied by seriously bland and under cooked chips. Other mains in our group (ostrich and risotto) were OK but nothing special. The cheese they were able to rustle up (after admitting they had run down stocks for Christmas) was good enough although a miniscule portion for £7.50. Wines were good, service well meaning but rather amateur. Far better dining experiences are available for similar money, will not be returning.
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Richard Curtis - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Friday, December 23, 2011

The good - Four of us went for a meal at Vivat Bacchus last night. Overall we had a enjoyable evening. I'm not go into detail about what we ate, suffice it to say that the food was excellent and that it is clear the chefs in this restaurant pay attention to detail and do not accept second best. I think you would have to look hard to find better quality for the same money in central London.

There was also live Jazz music, none of us are particularly big jazz fans, but we enjoyed this band.

The not so good: The service overall was mediocre. One member of staff seemed to take no enjoyment from their job and exhibited little warmth or personality. They asked straight away whether we wanted a bottle of wine and were given the drinks menu immediately. However we had to wait nearly half an hour for the food menu and in the end had to request it. The same person also, without asking, topped up our glasses and asked several times whather we wanted a second bottle. Unfortunately this rather blatant, hard sell, approach did not work well and was off putting.

A couple of the other waiters were more friendly and clearly had better people skills. We would consider going back because of the excellent food, but would be keeping our fingers crossed that the service would be better.
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slapheadphil
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, February 06, 2011

Fantastic restaurant offering great wines at a decent price. We decided to graze through some of the tapas-style food, sides and starters. Everything was consistently good, with the prawns with aioli a standout dish. The biltong is some of the best in London. Finally, we picked some amazing cheese from the cheese-cellar with the assistance of the very knowledgeable manager. Will definitely be going back.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Amazing restaurant! Arrived without a reservation on a Saturday night and were greeted by the staff. After a slightly rough start, we were ushered into the restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the set dinner menu which (for two courses) was a bargain for £13.50. Starters of smoked eel was divine and the the mains of grilled lamb chop was juicy and tender though it was rather sparse. The staff was extremely accommodating. We moved up to the wine bar for cheese, a few glasses of wine and live jazz music. For the seasonal cheese selection, three glasses of wine, an appetizer and mains it came up to about £30pp.
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TheSparklingVampire
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, August 01, 2010

Absolutely superb. Went with a friend and NOTHING could be faulted - decor, ambience, food quality & value, friendly and helpful staff, not obsequious but had the time and knowledge to explain some of the more esoteric menu offerings . Terrific value oysters - 12 for £12.95, what a snip. Quail cooked to perfection, splendid fish, marvelous wine list, impressive cheese selection, raised to near perfection. I'll be back, and soon.
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Christopher Imrie
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

OMG!! What a superb venue. The restaurant and bar on split levels, it seemed to stretch the length of Farringdon St! FOOD-FAB:10/10 (2 courses/2 choices but the choices were great) PRESENTATION:10/10 SERVICE:10/10 (impeccable from all members of staff. Owner is hands on and greets everyone) Perfect for any occasion group/presentation/business - wine cellar/cheese cellar you cant go wrong. Highly recommend.
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Fay Lewis
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Food - food was very good, great selection on the menu and the platters are available upstairs and downstairs and are great for sharing, the pata negra wasn't the best around but was a good selection. main courses and desserts were faultless and were great value.

Wine - massive selection in their downstairs cellar, mostly from S. Africa but they have excellent wines from all over the world. They even had Hamilton Russell pinot noir at a reasonable price, one of the best wines from S.A and not that easy to find in rests over here.

The atmosphere was busy and lively upstairs and downstairs was quiet although got busier later on, both floors had a relaxed atmosphere and are ideal to go with friends or for informal business dinners.

The service was faultless and was very attentive without being intrusive.

I cannot praise the staff enough for what happened at the end of the meal. Unfortunately a friend in the group wasn't feeling well and as we were going upstairs to get some fresh air he collapsed. Our waitress (i think katie was her name) immediately put him in the recovery position and while my friend was recovering, the manager and assistant manager came down to see if we needed any help, such as calling for an ambulance, getting water and moist cloths etc etc

From that moment on till the time we left they couldn't have been more helpful or caring, the restaurant was already good, but the care they showed during the incident made this restaurant truly special.

Thank you very much guys.
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Del
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, February 02, 2010