Old Favourites, New Discoveries

Satay Bar
447 Coldharbour Lane
Brixton,
London
SW9 8LP
0844 474 6080

This week the schedule was jam packed with seminars attended by Candace and Contributing Editor at TheSubstanceHQ, sports enthusiast and all around creative, Michael. The dynamic duo took their hunger out of the City and into the rural crux of London, Brixton. 

Mangoes in the Bar

With hunger seriously striking and needing to find somewhere close by to dine, I (Candace) introduced Michael to one of my favourite south of the river spots...Satay Bar.

Hidden behind Brixton Station, Satay Bar hosts a warm, authentic, Pan Asian dining experience with décor reminiscent of Morocco/South Africa.

The charismatic vibe of the bar was contradictory to the attitude of the stone-faced bouncer who eyed Michael up and down before allowing him to enter. So much for first impressions hey? Although this did slightly sour the mood, all was quickly forgotten when we stepped inside.

Drinks

Pink Paradise

Seated at a slightly tight table for two, we were handed menus almost immediately. Familiar with the menu and the fact that we had arrived within happy hour (turn up), I went straight in for a personal favourite – Pink Paradise, a milkshake cocktail to die for! While Michael opted for a fruity sparkling cocktail, Mangoes in the Bar. 
The waiting staff were really busy but still remained friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere was relaxed yet upbeat, which the staff perpetuate very well. Similarly, the noise is at just the right level; the music and murmur of the other restaurant goers sets the right ambience for an enjoyable meal.

BBQ King Prawn Satay

Starters

I (Candace) opted for the BBQ King Prawn Satay accompanied by mango chutney. I was a little dubious about the chutney in terms of flavour marriage, but they married just like Jay and Bey. 

Fiery Lamb Satay

I (Michael) settled on the ‘Fiery Lamb Satay’. Lamb is a meat that is very hard to cook wrong but I was still happily surprised at how succulent the meat was and the accompanying sauce added a spicy kick that I loved.

Mains
Crispy Snapper please! I (Candace) was soon presented with a whole snapper, bones and all served with grilled peppers, with a side of coconut rice. Right so Satay Bar does this sauce that is serious! It has the same affect as TGI Jack Daniels but is not as sweet, and lighter. This, with the coconut rice and fresh and well seasoned snapper… I can literally taste it all over again!

Crispy Snapper

As the owner of an appetite that can only be described as ‘voracious’, I (Michael) was relieved to find that the low prices didn’t mean small portions. While checking the menu, I spotted a seafood weakness and decided to try the ‘Crispy Seabass China’. The fish is served whole and is nicely presented. The Seabass isn’t overly seasoned to allow for it’s natural flavour to take centre stage.

Crispy Seabass China

Dessert
Yep, I (Candace) went for it. And obviously I went for the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Ok ok, I promise I’ll get something different next time but subtly we are trying to find the best brownie in London, suggestions are welcome. The brownie was warm, and the ice cream, really really cold. This brownie had a much more overpowering sense of dark chocolate which I’m not really hot on so unfortunately I didn’t finish it; that’s definitely one for the books.

Chocolate Brownie
with Vanilla Ice Cream

Overall Experience

Overall, Satay Bar encapsulates the very area it's situated in.
It’s vibrant, friendly, and enjoyable, a perfect place for catch-ups. The menu isn’t expansive but varied enough to satisfy a wide range of pallets. Everything is well priced and the staff are knowledgeable without being over bearing. Mr stone-faced bouncer wished us a good evening (glad he changed his tune). 

As mentioned, it is a personal favourite and somewhere I’d recommend for girly dinners or birthdays. All in all, Satay Bar is definitely a place foodies should get themselves acquainted with.

Price: £25/£35 pp

Tastecard: Denied

WOM Spits and Chews

Spits:

• Seating arrangements

Chews:

• ·      Portion Size
• ·      Customer service
• ·      Happy Hour!
• ·      Authencity

Overall WOM Rating : 4 kisses out of 5

Verdict? CHEWS :)