Jazz & Blues
Arabica Bar and Kitchen
London-South East London
May 11, 2018
Tucked away from the bustle of Borough Market, where it began life as a stall, Arabica is a colourful and welcoming space based under the railway arches, with pretty turquoise leather banquettes and a glorious Moroccan style design on the back wall bringing warmth to the space. Kick things off with a Levantine Martini from the drinks list, blending Kamm & Sons with gin, vermouth and preserved lemon brine – a lovely zingy thing. Rania’s Spritz, which blends Aperol, ginger, rosewater, chilli, sea salt, and Prosecco, sounds right up our street. The Arabica Coffee Cocktail – a mix of Cognac, tahini orgeat, coffee, cardamom, and egg white – also has us intrigued. The food menu consists of Middle Eastern small plates, various rich dips and meaty things. Try the Lahmacun, a kind of Armenian flat bread topped with spiced lamb, tomato, and peppers, and the Moutabel, a scrummy smoked aubergine and garlic dip. Traditional kibbeh are well worth sampling and they make an excellent fattoush. Portions are not over-generous and as is often the case with small plate dining the cost can mount up. Booking is advised though walk-in guests can usually find a perch at the bar.
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/arabicabarandkitchen/photos/
