LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Bambi
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Bambi is a wine bar and European-ish small plates restaurant in Hackney, serves a mean pickle martini, and has a DJ booth. It’s going to rub some people up the wrong way, gammon or not. Whereas anyone who’s ever dominated the aux cord is going to love it. You can perch on a stool, film a candlelit chicken parm sandwich, and dance until 1am. Is it special? Frankly, no. Is it the perfect restaurant for London Fields? Almost definitely, yes.
Taking the airy space once occupied by east London royalty, Bright, this a good time place. The music bumps and the choice of margaritas and martinis is generous. There’s pickle juice, there’s yuzu, there’s an agreeable £10 price. The room is a chiropractor’s Christmas—entirely high tables and stools—but most of the tote-hoarding crowd don’t care. They’re just sharing gooey cauliflower cheese arancini and Googling the symptoms of RSI.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
With its late licence and sound system, Bambi is best as a bar first and a restaurant second. The food satisfies rather than stuns. If roast chicken with green sauce is on it’s a fine choice, otherwise a slab of ricotta-topped toast is a great snack for the table. There are plenty of vegetables to pick at and the low-intervention wine list starts at around £7 a glass. Mind you, if you want thorough advice and guidance in the grape department, this isn’t the place to come to.
Rumour has it that east London likes DJs and small plates. So, in those terms, Bambi is on the money. Even if it feels a little post-zeitgeist. Rewind to 2017 and this would be the edgiest wine bar and restaurant in London. As it is, it’s a safe choice for some crudo, fries, and funky pét nat. Come for dinner, sure. Most importantly, swing by for a dance.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Ricotta Toast
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Scallop Crudo
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Octopus, Nduja, White Bean Puree
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Chicken Thigh, Lentils, Aioli
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Chocolate Cremaux