Reviews The Brigade

For a catch up dinner with my school friends, I actually ventured outside of Soho for a change and went out in London Bridge this week. It's been a while since I've been in the area and upon exiting the station I got immediately lost amongst all the engineering works that definitely weren't there last time.. Luckily my friend Emma had arranged the evening as I had no clue where to go and after a few drinks in Balls Brothers we headed to Brigade in Tooley Street.  Right by More London and Hays Galleria, Brigade occupies the site of an old fire station. This fire station was a founding part of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade which was established in 1865 after a fire broke out in Tooley Street and devastated the London Bridge area for two weeks before it could be put out. I love somewhere with a story behind it, something a bit original, and not only does Brigade have an interesting history but is also part of the Beyond Food Foundation , working with them to offer catering apprenticeships

The food - which is, ultimately, what it's all about - is very good, and certainly well above the standard one might expect from a brigade of mostly chefs-in-training.

We in the West are privileged. Very much so. In global terms, it's almost obscene how privileged many of us are. We have employment opportunities galore, good quality housing, sanitation, water and praise be, we have plenty of food. Or at least most of us do. There is of course a percentage of people who at some point in their lives will struggle to break even, and may reach as far down as rock bottom. No job, possibly no home to live in, and little prospect of finding housing or work. It's a frightening thought, and one I've personally faced; however I was fortunate enough to have family who helped me to pick up the pieces. Not everybody is so fortunate. So what on earth does this have to do with a restaurant review? To put it simply, Brigade bar and bistro is a social enterprise which trains and supports jobless and homeless people, equipping them with kitchen skills, life skills and jobs in the exciting world of catering. So much more than just a place to eat; Brigade is an eaterie where one can take satisfaction in the knowledge that the proceeds from your dining experience are helping to drive social change and improve the lives of individuals less fortunate than ourselves, it's a shining beacon in a sea of gratuitously self-satisfied gluttons who make it their business to simply gorge and waffle (I'm blushing by this point, being both gorger and waffler).

Want to know what the crazy part is? The food is outstanding too. Don't be fooled into thinking that the skills these apprentices are taught are somehow sub-standard, or that the food is processed to cut costs or that you're eating here out of charity. No, no and thrice no. As bistros go, Brigade is what you might call high end but with a relaxed and casual feel, and a buzz that you won't find in a formal restaurant, owed in part to the fact of the open plan theatre kitchen and the bar section that runs directly alongside the main space. I couldn't find fault in any single aspect of the decor, the service, the menu, the food and drink or the prices. The group of fellow writers I dined with had similarly positive experiences with their dishes and were also enamoured by the venue and principles that underpin it.

I piled into South Coast seafood cocktail topped with Cromer crab and Chase vodka sauce which was nothing short of excellent. The seafood was exquisitely fresh and lightly shredded, layered on a base of smooth and light dressing with a subtle edge of creaminess. For the main I chose the 10 oz ribeye with watercress salad, baked tomato, meat glaze and Hermitage sauce. Not the most adventurous of dishes to choose, considering what else was on offer, but I had a craving and boy was I glad for that craving. This was the juiciest slab of medium rare ribeye I've every had the extreme pleasure to sink my carnivorous gnashers into. I shamelessly piled whole roasted "dirty carrots" with caraway on my now heaving plate, alongside a mountain of salted King Edward crisp and fluffy chips (I don't even like chips!) and washed it all down with a stunning Argentinian Malbec. This was food heaven. My toes curled. My hair bristled. Conversation and wine flowed and at one point I believe somebody asked me a question and I totally ignored them because, food. Sorry, whoever that was, but, food. Gloriously good food. Last but not least was the sweetener: dandelion & burdock jelly, sherbet meringue, lime and star anise sorbet. This was a great idea, to resurrect a childhood drink (dandelion and burdock) as a jelly in this fashion. The flavours were divine and presentation excellent. If I had one tiny criticism of the entire meal and experience it was simply that this dish was a little too sweet for my tooth and the jelly could have been more concentrated. Wow, one miniscule flaw in an otherwise faultless experience. Only Allah is perfect. Oh and Monica Bellucci a very close second.

NB: Event bookers and organisers and freelance chefs take note, there are open plan demo kitchens available for hire at Brigade, as well as private dining rooms and event spaces. Enquire with Brigade for further details. Please mention Culinary World Tour when calling.

Very nice restaurant. The food was great, the service was amazing and the restaurant is really well decorated. The social work of the restaurant is incredible. Really happy we visited this restaurant. Ordered the fish and chips and the piccana which was the day special and the flavors were really good. Recommended!

Pleasantly surprised by this place in a busy and touristic L.Bridge area; the food was great (we had a picanha steak for 2 to share), some sides, wine and espresso martini but what really stands out is the social work of the restaurant and the great customer service. It's so rare nowadays to ask customer which table they would prefer, do not rush them with the order and don't interupt every few minutes etc. So really thank you guys for that. Decor is nice, a bit loud/busy on Thu evening but still was possible to have conversation without shouting at each other😉The only thing that Id change is the pudding menu - only cheeseboard, icecreams/sorbets/fruits combination... can we please have some cake back on menu?🙏

Two of us shared the Sirloin Steak with potatoes, broccoli, and salad as sides. Plenty for 2 people and we both agreed the steak was tender, flavorful, and together with the sides an incredible meal. The restaurant is decorated beautifully. Completely enjoyable!

Truly an incredible experience. To say that I am in the debt of the hospitality professionals in this amazing space is an understatement. I was traveling abroad and found myself in a rather difficult position regarding work. They kindly opened themselves and their space to suit exactly what I needed. Their are no shortage of eateries in the amazing London Bridge area but Brigade Bar and Kitchen should be top of the list for any business traveler. Thank you again!

Walked in off the street not knowing what this place was about, and I’m so glad we did. Thomas the manager here explained how this kitchen/business supports the homeless community and people in need by providing the training/experience/opportunities to become successful chefs and on to great careers in the service industry. Hands down one of the best service experiences and a feel good experience overall, knowing that a portion of your meal supports the people who really need it.