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Located on Streatham High Road within a couple of minutes walk from Streatham Hill Station, SW16 Bar & Kitchen is a workspace and deli by day, while transforming into a bistro and bar in the evening.
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This venue has had a few changes in recent memory and was previously called Exhibit and before then Mint. With it recently refurbishing and reopening as SW16 Bar & Grill it seemed like a good as time as any for a review.
Atmosphere
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Today the venue has been transformed into a lighter, airier and more open venue inside, making it more appealing during the day.
In fact their website states:
"For only £10 a day you can enjoy unlimited english breakfast tea or americano coffee & a deli sandwich or a portion of our famous lasagne for lunch. Lunch is served from 12pm to 3pm. This offer is exclusively for those spending the day working with us and is only served in our workspace."
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In the evening the lights are dimmed a little and the music gets a little louder as the venue adapts and changes into more of a Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. This all kicks of with a happy hour on all cocktails from 5 - 7pm everyday!
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Inside, SW16 Bar & Kitchen is open plan and benefits from some modern decor, great lighting and comfortable seats. This all helps make for a comfortable and relaxed environment what ever time of the day.
Service
Upon arrival we were warmly received and quickly seated. Their very friendly and helpful staff who quickly made us feel at ease. Although not overly busy when we arrived our orders were taken quickly and we did not have to wait long to be served our food.
Food
By day SW16 Bar & Kitchen is a workspace and deli and caters for lunch and offers 'deli' sandwiches.
In the evening they have a full dinner menu with a great selection of Snacks, Starters Fresh handcrafted pasta (made by Italian chefs), Mains, Sides and Desserts.
We visited in the evening andas you can see from the pictures below the food and presentation was simply outstanding.
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We ordered the following:
Snack:
Yellowfish tuna served on a tostada with an advocado puree base and topped with pickled onions and chilli - £7.50
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Starters:
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Flamed Salmon, oyster-lovage emulsion, baby corn and candied beetroot - £11
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Grilled prawns served with an giardiniera salad, pumpkin and chickpea mash with burrata cream - £12.50
Main:
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Black cod, served with as tarragon beurre Blanc, mussels, cabbage, crispy shallots and romanesco cauliflower- £23
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Grilled bavette steak, potato terrine, confit leeks and rosemary jus £22
Desserts
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Pistachio Tiramisu - savioado biscuits, coffee pistachio and mascarpone cream
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Affogato Coretto - Vanilla Ice cream, expresso and Brandy
Drinks
SW16 Bar & Kitchen have an extensive drinks menu and as a licensed venue serve both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Prices for wine start from £6/7 a glass and they also offer a range of both bottled beers and both draft lager and ales.
Happy (Aperitivo) Hour
SW16 Bar & Kitchen has a happy hour everyday from 5 - 7pm where all cocktails are 2 for the price of 1. They serve all the classic cocktails and include a few "sw16 classics" including a Rum Rookery.
Furthermore they also have a selection of Aperitivo Hour snacks such as Butternut hummus dip with music paper bread (£5), or Truffle & Polenta chips with miso mayo. (£6).
Events
SW16 Bar & Kitchen host various events of interest. Everything form Christmas Card making to Wine and Gin tasting to name just a few. Details of forthcoming events are posted on their website.
Promotions
As well as the regular events SW16 Bar & Kitchen are offering a free glass of Wine with all Sunday Roasts ordered this forthcoming January.
Summary
SW16 Bar & Kitchen's food is quite simply outstanding. Their food in my opinion is modern, creative and inspiring, It does seems to be heavy influenced by Italian cuisine and the results are executed perfectly. They certainly exceeded my expectations and will likely leave a delightful taste in your mouth.
Some people might be disappointed with the quantity of food served and somme dishes could be a little too progressive for some tastes. That said for me the food was presented to a high standard, tasted amazing and was overall an enjoyable educational gastronomical delight.
Their knowledgable and helpful staff, combined with the comfortable and airy decor, excellent service food and drink will have you you coming back to treat you and your friends, colleagues or family again and again.
Highly recommended.
Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday - 10am - 12pm
Sun - 10am - 6pm