If the soul of South Africa had a soundtrack, it would crackle like firewood and smell richly of grilled meat. Now, that spirit has found a home in the capital. Vivat Bacchus, the much-loved South African steakhouse with locations in London Bridge and Farringdon, has unveiled a bold new chapter: VB Moments, a series of immersive, theatrical dining experiences that bring the warmth and ritual of South African hospitality to Londoners in search of something more.

Far from a typical steakhouse, Vivat Bacchus curates a series of sensory moments designed to surprise, delight and tell a story. The VB Braai Board invites diners to gather around a table heaped with flame-grilled cuts like ostrich, steak and boerewors, turning dinner into a shared ritual. It arrives with the Smoking Braai Candle, a show-stopping centrepiece of slow-melting beef dripping that scents the air with heady spices. It is both a visual and aromatic highlight that nods to the smoky heart of South African cooking.

That spirit of performance continues throughout the meal. The Rolling Biltong Bar soon wheels up, a roving trolley laden with whole slabs of house-cured biltong, carved tableside by a leather-aproned Biltong Curator who explains the craft behind each cut, from the lean and spicy to the richly marbled. In a brief interlude, guests are invited into the walk-in Cheese Room to select pairings, a longstanding Vivat Bacchus signature that adds an element of surprise and intimacy to the evening. And to finish, the Peppermint Crisp Tart, a treat of nostalgic indulgence theatrically shared at the table, brings a joyful close to the meal.

At its core is Ubuntu, the Southern African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” It is a belief that community is central to the human experience, and it runs through every part of the Vivat Bacchus journey. From the open-flame cooking to the shared platters and even the playful language moments with your server, guests are welcomed not just to dine, but to connect — with each other, with the culture, and with the stories behind each dish.

More than just a method of cooking, the braai in South Africa is a cultural cornerstone, part social ritual, part soulful gathering. It is where families bond, friends celebrate, and strangers become kin. At Vivat Bacchus, this tradition is reimagined for the London food scene, offering guests a chance to slow down and savour something deeply human.

Everything at Vivat Bacchus is crafted to spark conversation and curiosity. Whether you are learning to say “baie lekker” (that is “very nice” in Afrikaans), admiring the tableside smoke of the Braai Candle, or dipping into the bubbling peri-peri butter of the Golden Maize Bread — served hot in a skillet with a sweet-and-spicy kick — this is food that brings people together. Not just to eat, but to experience.

In a city with over 24,000 restaurants, Vivat Bacchus is carving a space where theatre meets tradition, and where Ubuntu — that essential, generous spirit of togetherness — is served with every course.

Locations:

Vivat Bacchus London Bridge
4 Hay’s Ln, London SE1 2HB

Vivat Bacchus Farringdon
47 Farringdon St, London EC4A 4LL

W: Vivat Bacchus