London Restaurant Bambi Gets Review

- The new head chef is Jamie Thorneycroft, previously of Lagom, a well-regarded residency at Hackney Church Brewing Co known for its burgers and Sunday roasts. His menu at Bambi is influenced by his upbringing in Botswana and South Africa, featuring "bright, bold and globally inspired" dishes with a focus on a new charcoal grill. - Bambi is the creation of James Dye, a co-founder of the popular Peckham rooftop bar Frank's Café and The Camberwell Arms. The restaurant, which opened in October 2023, is named after Dye's great-grandmother. - The venue recently underwent a significant expansion in January and February 2026, doubling its capacity to 70 covers by knocking through into an adjacent space. The redesign included adding a mezzanine, expanding the kitchen, and increasing outdoor seating. - A key feature of Bambi is its music program, curated by DJ Charlie Dark MBE, founder of Run Dem Crew. The restaurant boasts a high-spec vintage sound system and a wall of records, with DJs playing vinyl-only sets every night it's open. - On weekends, the space transforms into a party venue as tables are cleared away after 11 p.m. to create a dancefloor, with the party continuing until 1 a.m. - The restaurant is located in Netil House in London Fields, taking over a site formerly occupied by the Michelin-starred restaurant Bright. - The recent refurbishment also introduced a new charcoal grill and a dry ager, allowing the kitchen to expand its menu with dry-aged fish and meat. New menu items include peri peri Atlantic prawns with black garlic aioli and butterflied whole bream with coconut saffron sauce. - Bambi is part of a growing trend in London of "listening bars" or hybrid venues that combine a restaurant, bar, and music venue to offer an all-in-one night out.