Moomba Kitchen & Bar Review

Book a table at Moomba Kitchen & Bar

Last week I had two very disparate experiences. The first was at Moomba (more on that in a moment); the second was at a bar in Highgate that has a reputation for being cool. I'm not the sort of person who can easily appreciate cool, but I’d have to agree, it did seem cool. Actually, I'd say it was more cold, walk-in meat freezer cold. And it stank; a florid olfactory potion of stale wee and weed. I could have overlooked all this if it wasn't for the all-pervasive stench that was the most off-putting of all: the whiff of the manager's attitude.

I was there as part of a birthday party. The celebration had kicked off with our group being screeched at and herded from corner to corner by the manager, punishing us, it seemed, for the crime of taking up too much room, and for quietly and respectfully, yet somehow offensively, having too good a time. We were putting too much money in the till, Godammit!

That evening did, however, help me to realise just how lovely Moomba was. The bar described above was the complete opposite of Moomba. It was the anti-Moomba.

You see, I'd been to Moomba for dinner earlier in the same week, but at the time I didn't fully appreciate how welcome my guest and I had been made to feel. Or how comfortable we were. Or how good the service, food and drink were. Or how generally pleasant our evening had turned out to be.

The personable and friendly owner had greeted us with a smile. She showed us the cocktail menu with such pride it was like she'd presented us with her firstborn child.

I took her recommendation and, having tasted the lychee Martini, I understood why. It was a decadent and delicious way to kick-off the meal. Nothing unfriendly here.

Colourful mosaics, comfy seats in bright stripes and a montage of black and white pictures of beaming regulars let us know that, here, fun is allowed. More than allowed, actively encouraged.

It was the same when I looked around me. We’d been warned that Wednesday wasn’t the busiest night, but tables around us filled up one by one with smiley couples and groups of mates. The effects of NOT being scowled at by the manager were all too clear. Everyone was having a good time, including the waiting staff, who seemed to be mingling, joining in with conversations as they served.

They were also keen to point out their personal favourite dishes. I'd already heard that the Beef Wellington was something rather special, so we checked to see if the rest of the menu was up to scratch. It was. It was good. It was very good. Their Heidi Pie is one of the best non-meat dishes I've tasted in any London restaurant, thick with goat's cheese and perfect puff pastry. I hated myself for not being able to finish it all.

The same look of self-loathing was evident in my companion's eyes as she struggled through her generous portion of salmon & prawn fishcakes.

This was after a plate of mezze that put the 'mmm' into massive. Still, I'm glad we found room for the creamy tower of banoffee pie.

So yes, the food at Moomba is of high quality, and the cocktails are impeccable, but the reason I reckon you should go there is for the Cheers effect. Moomba might not know your name just yet, but they certainly want to. Go, see for yourself.

They already know my name now, so excuse me if I'm taking my time at the bar, sipping lychee green heaven from a Martini glass and grinning.
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Kate Williams 18 May 2010

Moomba Kitchen & Bar Description

Moomba Kitchen and Bar offers an all-day British dining menu in the heart of Putney. Within an emphasis on quality and fresh ingredients, the menu delivers something for everyone throughout the day, starting with Moomba’s famous breakfasts – the Full English, Eggs Benedict, and Pancakes with maple syrup being particular favourites, washed down with superb quality coffees, and fabulous smoothies and fresh juices. The seasonally appropriate menu changes regularly, and features casual dining options like homemade soups, meat and vegetarian pies, meat, fish and vegetarian sharing boards, and handmade gourmet burgers, plus imaginative fish dishes, expertly cooked steaks and the house specialty, Beef Wellington. Moomba also offers good value set-lunch and pre-theatre menus, and a reasonably priced kids menu. The restaurant itself is glamorously decked out with lush fabrics, stylish wallpapers and lighting, and features colorful reproductions of photographs of old Richmond. The atmosphere is ideal for both casual dining and special occasions. Moomba is renowned for its friendly and warm welcome, as befits a classic neighbourhood restaurant. ...read more

Customer Reviews for Moomba Kitchen & Bar

Average (based on 10 votes): 10 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Moomba Kitchen & Bar.

“Lovely, lovely, lovely restaurant! 5 stars and would give more if i could. The best service and delicious food.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Becky, London (2 years 2 months 22 days ago)

“Can't recommend this restaurant enough. The food is excellent and the warm welcome and service made the experience even more memorable. We'll be back!”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Daisy, London (2 years 3 months 27 days ago)

“Great tip from Fluid. Was looking for somewhere reasonably priced but fabulous in Putney for me and my girlfriends on a Friday night. Used the booking function for the first time and it couldn't be more straight forward with the nice touch of being texted the booking reference. Food was top notch and a great night was had by all. Will definitely visit again.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Gemma, London (2 years 4 months 8 days ago)

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Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: British
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Website: Visit the Moomba Kitchen & Bar website
• Group: Moomba