Vivat Bacchus' Club Carnivore Returns to London
- James Massoud
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
There are plenty of wine dinners in London, but very few that unapologetically put meat at the heart of the experience. Fewer still are rooted in a centuries-old food culture where cooking over fire is less about technique and more about bringing people together.
That's precisely why Club Carnivore has become one of Vivat Bacchus' most enduring traditions.
The much-loved dining event is built around three simple principles: red meat, red wine and wines poured exclusively from magnums or larger bottles. It's an evening that celebrates generosity in every sense, from the size of the pours to the scale of the flavours, while shining a spotlight on the South African food culture that has defined Vivat Bacchus since it first opened its doors.
A celebration of South African braai culture
While Club Carnivore may be billed as a wine dinner, it's really an invitation into the world of South African braai.
Far removed from the quick-fire barbecues many associate with summer, braai is a cultural ritual centred on patience, conversation and cooking over open flames. It's a tradition where friends and family gather around the fire for hours, allowing smoke, heat and time to transform exceptional ingredients while stories are shared between courses.
That philosophy runs through everything Vivat Bacchus does. With restaurants in Farringdon and London Bridge, the restaurant has carved out a unique position as London's spiritual home of braai, championing fire-led cooking, communal dining and the rich culinary traditions of South Africa.
Five courses, five wines and plenty of theatre
Club Carnivore brings that ethos to life across an indulgent five-course menu, paired with five standout wines (nearly all of them South African) carefully selected by the restaurant's wine experts.
Guests can expect a menu showcasing some of South Africa's most distinctive flavours, including Springbok Croquette and Wagyu Carpaccio – a series of expertly sourced premium cuts that celebrate the country's rich meat heritage. Every course is designed to complement the wines, all served from magnums or larger formats – a long-standing Club Carnivore tradition that adds an extra sense of occasion to the evening.
For those who discover a new favourite bottle, the experience doesn't have to end at dessert either, with guests able to purchase wines from the evening to enjoy at home.
More than dinner
What makes Club Carnivore stand apart isn't simply the menu. Across Vivat Bacchus, dining has always been about creating moments rather than simply serving meals. The restaurant's signature 'VB Moments' – immersive tableside rituals including a smoking beef fat candle that releases rich savoury aromas across the table – are designed to slow diners down and encourage conversation, echoing the communal spirit that defines braai itself.
It's an approach that feels increasingly refreshing in a dining scene often dominated by speed and spectacle. Here, the focus is firmly on sharing exceptional food, discovering remarkable wines and lingering around the table long after the final course has been cleared.
A flagship event in a summer of fire-led dining
Club Carnivore also forms part of a wider celebration of South African cuisine taking place across Vivat Bacchus this summer.
Alongside the return of its renowned Braai Boards – generous sharing feasts built around expertly grilled meats and traditional accompaniments – the restaurant is hosting a programme of fire-focused experiences, including exclusive chef collaborations and immersive 'Passport to South Africa' events. Together, they reinforce what Vivat Bacchus has quietly become over the years: one of London's most authentic ambassadors for South African food and wine.
For lovers of perfectly cooked meat, exceptional South African wines and the kind of hospitality that encourages strangers to leave as friends, Club Carnivore remains one of the capital's most distinctive dining experiences.