Seemor
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon RestaurantB+Worth Trying
47 Farringdon St, London EC4A 4LL
· South African restaurant, European restaurant, Lunch restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1080 reviews)
Reservations
Destination for South African braai, steaks, and serious wine with standout hospitality; excellent meats and biltong trolley, but pricing and occasional service delays can sting.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Vivat Bacchus Farringdon delivers exceptional food quality anchored by confident steaks and engaging South African specialties, supported by strong wine pairing expertise and attentive personal service. However, inconsistent steak execution and occasional service delays prevent grade A territory. The distinctive wine and cheese rooms elevate the experience, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants for meat and wine enthusiasts.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and buzzing with South African hospitality, from the biltong trolley theatrics to a cheese room that turns heads. Service is often called exceptional and personal, with staff guiding cuts and pours. One diner summed it up: "We felt looked after from the first slice of biltong to the last sip of wine." The cooking leans elevated traditional South African—braai platters, steaks, mealie bread, and nostalgic sweets like Peppermint Crisp Tart. Expect confidently grilled meats and rich sauces rather than culinary fireworks; the pleasure here is ingredient quality and wine-first curation, not molecular tricks. Most leave thrilled, though a few have met overdone steaks or slower pacing on busy nights. Families can do well if kids enjoy simple meats and chips, but there is no clear kids menu mentioned and sides are extra. Dessert options are friendly—Malva Pudding and ice cream always help. If your crew prefers plain, familiar fare, ask for simpler preparations and plan around the meat-forward focus.
At a Glance
- Standout braai and steaks with engaging biltong trolley
- Deep South African wine list with knowledgeable guidance
- Pricing adds up with sides and premium wines
- Occasional slow or patchy service at peak times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- biltong_trolley_experience
- south_african_wine_focus
- curated_cheese_room
- heritage_braai_centerpiece
What People Love
- Emotion of being transported back to SA
- Biltong trolley show-and-tell
- Thoughtful wine pairings and tasting sips
- Warm servers who learn your preferences
- Comforting, nostalgic desserts
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (mains £30-50, sides extra) which may surprise casual diners
- Service can slow when busy; a few reports of long waits and missed communication
- Steak doneness inconsistency reported by a minority; speak up early
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£48-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share the Heritage braai to control cost and variety
- Choose one dessert to share—Malva or Peppermint Crisp—for value
- Ask for mid-range SA wines; staff will steer you away from the priciest picks
Perfect For
- Celebrating a meat-loving birthday with wine pairings
- Business dinner where service guidance matters
- South African expats craving a taste of home
- Date night with a cheese-room finish
Location Insights
Area: Central London business district blend; after-work crowd and special-occasion diners, lively evenings.
Safety: Well-lit, busy main roads; generally safe with strong foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to City offices, Smithfield, and Farringdon/City Thameslink; strong wine-bar scene nearby.
FarringdonFarringdon is a vibrant neighborhood blending historic charm with a modern dining scene, featuring a variety of restaurants from casual eateries to upscale venues. It attracts a professional crowd during weekdays and a younger, trend-conscious demographic in the evenings, supported by good transport links and a lively social atmosphere.
ClerkenwellClerkenwell, overlapping with parts of Farringdon, is known for its creative industries and a strong food culture, hosting numerous acclaimed restaurants, bars, and cafes that emphasize quality and originality in a stylish, urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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