(I was invited to try the menu at Kudu Grill but all thoughts and words my own)
Kudu Grill has made it’s home in the old Truman’s Pub in Peckham, the signage is quite subtle (although the building is black) that we almost missed it and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we stepped through the velvet curtains.
But inside it’s a cool atmosphere of bare brick, large windows dressed in light seeping venetian blinds, forest green tiles and teal booths - all very inviting and cosy.
It’s the latest site from husband and wife time Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin, like it’s sister restaurant Kudu, the menu is South African inspired but here the emphasis is on the South African way of cooking with wood and charcoal called braai.
The ‘snacks’ were full of flavour my particular favourite was the ‘grilled potato flatbread, lardo, wild garlic’ such an unassuming collection of words but just bursting with flavour, I could have eaten a pizza size version of this, alone. The labneh that accompanied the padron peppers was divine and you can’t go wrong with a marinated olive or two.
The cured salmon starter with the lightly seasoned creme fraiche was delightful and the ‘coal roasted squash with cheddar pap and dandelion’, was an interesting combination. From the braai section we tried the ‘pork chop, monkey gland sauce’ after confirming no monkeys were used in the making of! It’s actually a 10+ ingredient, smoky-sweet bbq sauce that could definitely become a home regular if they ever decide to sell it. The ‘braai black bream’ was light and subtle in smoky wood flavours and a good contrast to the heavy pork chop and the side of ‘beef fat crispy fingerlings’ - chunky, crispy potato shards that were ever so moreish.
My friend finished on the signature cocktail - The Smokey Kudu, a whisky based drink smoked first with wood chips, bottled and poured at the table over a cherry. I had the macchiato (naturally).
A fabulous way to step back into the world of dining out again, enjoying a welcoming curated atmosphere, attentive friendly staff and great food.
Thank you Kudu Grill for having us & my lovely friend Fong for joining me.
padron peppers
grilled potato flatbread
pork chop, monkey gland sauce