Tucked under the shadow of the glistening Shard and in the bustle of London Bridge you will find Vivat Bacchus. This restaurant delivers an incredibly friendly welcome and something far more immersive than your typical steakhouse. This is not simply dinner – it’s a celebration of South African food culture where ritual, fire and meat take centre stage. Nowhere is this more evident than in two standout experiences: the Biltong Trolley and the Heritage Braai Selection.
The Biltong Trolley: Dining as Performance
After ordering our wine from the beautiful and extensive wine menu, the evening truly begins when the Biltong Trolley rolls up to the table: a theatrical flourish that feels both nostalgic and novel. Laden with whole cuts of cured meat, it’s carved tableside by a knowledgeable “Biltong Curator,” turning a humble snack into a storytelling experience.
What makes this special isn’t just presentation – it’s variety and craft. Expect everything from classic beef biltong to more adventurous options like zebra droëwors or wagyu stokkies, each with distinct spice blends and textures. Truly a unique experience, so authentic and literal slices of culinary history.
The flavours are bold but nuanced: vinegary tang, peppery heat, and a rich, savoury depth that lingers. Some cuts are soft and fatty, others lean and chewy, but all feel deeply considered. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation – part tasting session, part cultural education. As someone who has never tried Biltong previously, I was admittedly sceptical, but it is something that I would highly recommend.
Heritage Braai Selection: Fire, Feast and Generosity
If the biltong whets the appetite, the Heritage Braai Selection is the main event – a sprawling, flame-grilled feast designed for sharing. Rooted in the South African braai tradition, this is food that prioritises abundance, smoke and sociability.
Expect a generous spread of meats – typically including steak, boerewors and ostrich. Each kissed by open flame and seasoned simply to let the natural flavours shine. Whilst I have had my fair share of carnivorous steak boards before, the meats on offer here were different, succulent and cooked to perfection. It made me realise that we should all be trying Ostrich more often!
There’s a primal satisfaction to it: charred edges, juicy fillets, and that unmistakable smokiness that only proper grilling delivers. The experience is intentionally communal, encouraging diners to share, pick, and graze – mirroring the relaxed, social spirit of a traditional braai.
At its best, the braai is indulgent without being fussy – unapologetically bold in flavour and designed to bring people together. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every cut of meat and every species on the board.
Final Verdict
Vivat Bacchus excels in its welcome and a special nod to the friendly and warm service. The Biltong Trolley is playful, interactive, and genuinely distinctive in London’s dining scene. The Heritage Braai Selection follows through with hearty, flame-driven cooking that captures the essence of South African cuisine.
It’s not a place for delicate plates or minimalist dining. Instead, it’s loud in flavour, generous in spirit, but always memorable.
Come for the theatre of the trolley. Stay for the smoke, the meat, and the shared feast (and the extensive wine list)
