The area around London Bridge is filled with exciting and ever-developing restaurants day by day. You can’t help but feel calm when walking around the back streets. Opposite the buzzing Vinegar Yard, Bob’s Lobster catches your eye with its vibrant interior and funky music.
Restaurant
Set in the historic railway arches, Bob’s Lobster is a haven for seafood lovers and American diner fans. Two worlds you didn’t think could join make a harmonious and truly exciting dining experience. The 1950s themed American diner delivered everything it said it would and more. With elements of the classic Route 66 diners, the unfussy yet glamourous décor is only just an amuse-bouche to the main course of tasty plates that arrive on your table.
Bob’s Lobster’s founder, Rob Dann started the business from humble beginnings, setting up first in 2013 from a converted caravan in Borough Market. It was a hit from the moments the lobster hit the grill and it serves the most decadent assortment of seafood deliciousness. Bob’s Lobster opened in the summer of 2019 with critics and the public falling at their feet just to fall in love with the fun and exciting take on classic seafood dishes and the American Diner.
The wine bar and kitchen had a relaunch or its new menu courtesy of their new head chef, Michele Menconi, who has worked for renowned restaurants like II Baretto and The Royal Exchange. Her expert knowledge of burgers is reflected in the main courses which form a central part of the dining experience. Alongside burgers and tacos, the carefully cultivated starters and sides allow for you to have a vibrant and filled table of impressive plates that you will want to dive straight into.
To Start
The long list of drinks was the first challenge we were faced with. The list felt felt never-ending, from wines, beers champagne to a flourishing assortment of cocktails. Choosing their Mescal Margarita and Passion Fruit Martini, we instantly knew was a good decision. Rimmed with chilli salt, the Mescal Margarita became my new favourite drink, with the sourness of the lime putting out the fire of the chilli that perfectly accompanied the food we later chose. The passion fruit martini was sweet and utterly delectable.
We ventured for the salt and pepper calamari which can be risky, but the chefs made no mistake in the preparation and cooking of the squid. It was delivered with a creamy garlic mayonnaise which only added to the taste of the calamari. The pan-seared scallops were served in a clam on a bed of well-seasoned cauliflower puree then topped with mushroom bacon crumbs. You could tell they had been cooked with love and attention. Oozing with butter and a nutty like taste, it took a lot of restrain to not ask for more and even lick the dish clean.
The Mains
When it came to the mains, it was difficult to know what to choose as everything looks so delicious. Using the tables next to us for inspiration, we opted for the ultimate surf and turf combination, Lobster cheeseburger, which didn’t disappoint. After one bite my mouth exploded with electrifying and alluring flavours. My beaming smile and the smell of the bewitching burger even enticed the vegetarian with me to contemplate her dietary choices.
The soft, Moorish lobster combined with Menconi’s pedigree knowledge of burgers made for a seamless and utterly heavenly main course. Then, the arrival of the crab tacos left me with food envy. Each taco was perfectly stuffed with gorgeous guacamole and hot sauce that didn’t take away from the luxurious crab meat all swaddled in warmed corn tortillas.
We did not stop there and decided to try their lobster crayfish mac’n’cheese. Cooked in a 3 cheese and lobster béchamel sauce, this mac’n’cheese is a must-try. It was topped with flawlessly cooked lobster knuckle and tail, crayfish meat, and crispy shallots which added texture and dimension to the classic pasta dish.
For Those With A Sweet Tooth
If you have a little room to spare, the classic American desserts allow you to finish your night feeling well-nourished and exceptionally happy. The choices consist of a New York cheesecake or an ice cream sundae that is served in the typical glass, loaded with ice cream (of course), chocolate sauce, caramel syrup, brownie pieces, banana slices topped with whipped cream, and an assortment of sprinkles.
The prices are reasonable with starters £8 to £12, main courses from £12 and Puddings £6. They even have £1 oysters every weekday when you buy a bottle of wine during their happy hour of 4-6pm. With every order of the tantalizing tacos, you can get a half-price margarita on Tuesdays. If that doesn’t make you want to try, I don’t know what will.
The intimate restaurant possesses such life and soul that it isn’t just the food that makes you smile but the atmosphere in the 50s style diner. Sitting in the booths along the side, and especially the corner booth, allows you to see the whole restaurant and you can engage with other diners yet still being enclosed in your little leathered covered cavern.
To discover more or to book a table visit: bobslobster.com
All imagery courtest of Bob’s Lobster.
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