Kudu to open two new London sites

South African-inspired small plates restaurant Kudu in Peckham is to open two new sites close to the original south London venue in January – a tapas bar and a cocktail bar.

Owners Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams are expanding their Kudu brand with “chic” cocktail bar Smokey Kudu under the arches by Queen’s Road station, and tapas restaurant Little Kudu next to the original site on Queen’s Road.

The action at Smokey Kudu will revolve around a central horseshoe-shaped bar set against a large antique mirror. The 37-seater drinking den will feature green velvet booths and marble-topped tables.

Opening on 15 January, the cocktails are inspired by Williams’ South African roots, and will be served alongside South African snacks like biltong.

The 32-cover Little Kudu meanwhile, will serve Modern European tapas with South African influences.

With an open kitchen and high marble-topped tables, the venue will offer a rotating menu of a dozen tapas dishes, including potato flatbreads with smoked mackerel mousse; whole braaifish with homemade roti and market greens; lamb belly with panko crumbs and glazed onions; and braaibroodjies (cheese toasties).

Williams will oversee all three venues as executive chef, with fellow South African, Mike Shier, taking on the head chef role at Kudu, and Eloise Dawes set to head up the kitchen at Little Kudu.

The original Kudu opened in Peckham in January 2018 and soon won a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its high quality good value dishes, including its signature Kudu bread with melted seafood butter and baby shrimps (pictured); and braai onion squash with goat’s curd, dandelion and cavolo nero.