Reviews of Vivat Bacchus

Vivat Bacchus seems to be a different place now - different menu, atmosphere and staff. Is it a change for the good? Based on our visit, not really.

On the positive side, the atmosphere was buzzy and the staff seemed to be trying hard. But they did a poor job on the most basic things - like pouring the wine, explaining the menu,clearing unused dishes from a crowded table. The food was adequate and the price was okay, given the high cost of the area. But we won't be rushing back.

Took a party of 8 here last week and it was awful. I've had so many great meals at the other branch I was very annoyed. Service was lame and several of the meals were badly cooked. Manager just did not care, when I tried to speak to her she said 'we were short staffed, someone had to get the trainee waitress'. Awful attitude.

I know I've reviewed this place already but after several further visits over the summer, it seemed time for an update. The service here is terrific - everyone is friendly and helpful. The food is usually pretty good too,and good value if you go when they offer half-price on food (on some Mondays?). We usually eat downstairs where it's less hectic but busy enough. The only criticism is that, on two occasions, the (main course) spinach and cheese tart was clearly reheated - overheated, in fact. But everything else was fine.

We went to Vivat Bacchus for the first time on a Saturday night, with some friends visiting from outside London. They had live jazz which was good (and not intrusive). The food and the service were both impressive, and the atmosphere was great. Only the upstairs was open but it was lively, without being overwhelming. We'd definitely return on a Saturday night when it's less hectic than during the week.

We tried Vivat Bachus again, to see if the noise levels were any better. The upstairs bar was very busy and noisy, but the staff were fantastic. They let us sit in the (calmer but still lively) downstairs restaurant and choose from the bar menu. The wine was good, the English shared platter nice and the service was amongst the best in London. Worth going there just to be treated so well!

I went to Vivat Bacchus on Friday the 26th, admnittedly a bit wary having read the previous review. The music was definately audible, but certainly not too loud, and (luckily) we did not have to shout. Impressive winelist and very nice sharing plates. Attentive service, but not too much in your face.

Certainly worth trying out.

We were looking forward to trying out the new wine bar Vivat Bacchus, which offers upmarket wine and bar snacks. But from the moment we sat down, we were blasted by loud, thumping music and we had to shout to hold a conversation. So we left without trying either food or wine - and we won't go back unless they turn down the noise!