If the soul of South Africa had a flavour, it would be smoky, spiced and unapologetically bold. At Vivat Bacchus, that spirit dances through every course of the new VB Moments experience – a sensory, story-driven celebration of heritage and hospitality that feels both theatrical and deeply personal.
The evening begins with bubbles – crisp, effervescent and celebratory – setting the tone for what follows: a journey through taste, texture and storytelling.
The Biltong Trolley arrives like a scene from a culinary play, a gleaming cart bearing five varieties of hand-cured meat sliced to order.
The wagyu, deeply marbled and tender, offers a buttery savour that lingers luxuriously. Zebra brings a subtle gamey note, delicate yet distinctive. Stokkies – thin, chewy strands of spiced beef – deliver pure nostalgia for anyone who’s known true South African snacking.
The classic beef biltong is richly cured and deeply savoury, rounding off a masterclass in texture and intensity. Each bite tells its own tale of craftsmanship and patience.
Then comes the Mealie Bread, golden and rustic, arriving warm from the oven. Served with peri-peri honey butter, it offers a delightful interplay of sweetness and heat – sticky, spicy, and utterly moreish. This is comfort food with charisma.
The Heritage Braai Board is the showstopper, a feast that feels primal yet polished. Ostrich fillet, lean and dark, delivers a satisfying minerality – a fine, meaty chew that’s beautifully offset by its gentle smokiness. The sirloin, juicy and flame-kissed, speaks the universal language of great steak, each bite redolent of oak and fire.
The brannas-and-coke pork belly nods playfully to a South African classic, its caramelised crust and soft interior singing with sweet heat and boozy charm. Boerewors, the coiled sausage beloved across the nation, bursts with coriander and clove – hearty, rustic, and steeped in memory. Served with the meat, the Beef Dripping Candle melts slowly, perfuming the air with rich, animal warmth – a clever sensory anchor that turns dinner into theatre.
Braai culture in South Africa is far more than a method of cooking – it’s an emblem of connection, celebration and storytelling. Families and friends gather around open flames not merely to eat, but to share laughter, exchange tales and honour togetherness. At VB Moments, that very essence has been lovingly translated for London diners. The communal platters, live flame, and shared experience echo the heart of the South African braai, transforming a simple meal into an act of unity and joy.
Of the sides, the Braaied Heritage Carrots are a quiet triumph – caramelised, buttery and lifted by tangy feta. The Creamed Spinach is lush and velvety, the perfect foil to the grilled meats. Sauces deserve applause too: the peppercorn is unapologetically bold, while the chakalaka, a Johannesburg staple of beans, peppers and spice, brings vibrancy and verve.
Dessert arrives with a wink. The Peppermint Crisp Tart is a riot of texture – creamy, crunchy, and sweet with minty freshness combining into a nostalgic crescendo.
Finally, the Koeksister – a syrup-drenched plait of fried dough – offers a golden, sticky finale that’s pure joy and perfect with an after dinner coffee.
At the heart of the new VB Moments experience lies Ubuntu, the South African philosophy that means “I am because we are.” It’s a concept that celebrates the interconnectedness of people and the importance of shared humanity. At Vivat Bacchus, Ubuntu is served with every plate – in the storytelling, the shared dishes, the laughter between courses. It’s a reminder that food, at its most powerful, is not just sustenance, but a bridge between souls.
VB Moments is not just dinner, but storytelling through flavour. Each course whispers of home, of laughter, of firelit gatherings under vast skies. Vivat Bacchus has managed something rare – a dining experience that’s as heartfelt as it is hedonistic, where the spirit of Ubuntu isn’t just served, but shared.
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
47 Farringdon St, London EC4A 4LL
0207 353 2648
Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
4 Hays Lane, London Bridge, London, SE1 2HB
020 7234 0891
www.vivatbacchus.co.uk
