Brigade bar and Kitchen at London Bridge is an eatery that makes you feel good. And not just in a “this food is utterly divine” sort of way, but in a moral way too. For Brigade is a restaurant built with a social purpose in mind. Together with the Beyond Food Foundation, they offer training opportunities to vulnerable people or those who have fallen on hard times. As well as providing these unmissable opportunities, a £2 donation is added to each bill to go towards the charity. Pair this with an enviable location, fantastic interiors and a menu to match and you’re left with somewhere that ticks all the boxes.
We recently visited Brigade Bar and Kitchen, in search of an independent dining destination that offers fine food without pretentiousness. Built in an old fire station, the building still retains many original features that have been reworked to offer a contemporary yet cosy space. Large grid-style windows sit where the fire engines would have once been situated and exposed brickwork married with iron light fixtures lend an industrial feel.
Since opening in September 2011 by Chef Founder Simon Boyle, Brigade has evolved to become a warm and personal neighbourhood dining venue. The menu has a focus on wood-fired dishes made using modern techniques and recipes, with ingredients from some of the country’s best suppliers. The venue is large and welcoming with a well sized bar area offering an array of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits. There are a fair number of tables as well as standing space should you want something a bit more casual.
The restaurant itself is effortlessly stylish. Chairs in black and opulent blue are tucked beneath wood-topped tables complete with gold and black trims. There are booth-style seats ideal for groups or families and photos of key figures in their food heroes series adorn the wall. It’s inspiring and a reminder of just how they’ve helped so many people get off the streets and have a fresh start in life.
The food at Brigade Bar and Kitchen is cooked in an open-style kitchen meaning not only can you see it being prepared, but the air is filled with the heady scents of wood-fired steak, freshly chopped herbs and cracked black pepper. If you’re not hungry before you arrive, you soon are after sitting down! As well as the main restaurant area there’s also a private dining space that can be reserved for events or a more intimate dinner experience. With plush furnishings, exemplary service and floor-to-ceiling windows it’s an ideal spot to entertain or spend a special occasion. Service is fast without being rushed, giving you enough time to peruse the menu without feeling like you’ve been forgotten.
The menu is varied yet not overly complex, offering a good mix for all taste buds. It doesn’t try to be fussy and instead offers a hearty mix of flavours and options that they cook really, really well. Highlights on the starters menu include the hot smoked salmon accompanied by whipped horseradish and homemade slaw as well as the smoked chicken Caesar salad with baby gem lettuce, parmesan, croutons and anchovies. Other options include tempura cauliflower, soup of the day and chicken liver parfait.
Mains are divided into their staples and the grill menu, with sides offered as extra. We recommend their Brigade burger, a juicy 6 oz patty topped with aged cheddar, house relish and smoked brisket,served in a fluffy bun. Pair with their salt and rosemary chips and house slaw and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
For any steak fans out there, don’t miss their 220g Lake District aged sirloin steak with Truffle mayonnaise and chimichurri. Cooked on their wood fire grill it packs a punch with flavour and is tender and juicy. The steak includes one side and we’d recommend the fries or their Lemon, parsley and caper potatoes. For some extra greens, don’t forego the Tender stem broccoli with teriyaki and sesame seeds. Other items on the menu include fish and chips, venison, sumac spiced celeriac and woodfired cauliflower to name a few.
Desserts offer a twist on the classics. Tuck into a hot sticky toffee pudding accompanied by butterscotch and stem-ginger ice cream, or indulge in their apple and blackberry crumble. There’s also a cheeseboard and selection of ice creams and sorbets on offer. Round your meal off with a tea, coffee or cocktail and just sit back and take in the atmosphere.
Brigade bar and kitchen is somewhere that you won’t just visit once. It’s warm, welcoming and intimate with an atmosphere to match. You can head for a romantic date night for two or a celebratory meal with family. It’s somewhere to enjoy lingered looks over a bottle of red, or raucous laughter with friends. The menu is varied and each dish is cooked with refined precision. Portion sizes are plentiful and you’ll be surprised at the myriad of different flavours that present themselves as you eat. It’s a place that ticks all the boxes and you know is doing good for others along the way. The next time you’re looking for a delicious dining venue near Tower Bridge and the convenience of London Bridge Station look no further.
Brigade Bar and Kitchen
The Fire Station
139 Tooley Street
London Se1 2hz
