Bar and restaurant with art space Bantof opens in Soho

Bantof has opened its doors on Great Windmill Street, in the heart of Soho. The restaurant-bar sets the scene for a creative and artistic space that celebrates the eclectic experience of one of the most exciting areas in London. 

Asimakis Chaniotis (also executive chef at Michelin-starred Pied à Terre) has curated the food menu based on a sharing concept of small and medium plates. With a strong focus on seasonal ingredients, the beautifully presented dishes feature traditional recipes with a twist of comfort and playfulness. Among the starters, the fun Rainbow Mini Burgers include meat and vegan versions, and a must is the Sea Bream Tartare, zesty and refreshing. Generous portions go for the mains, which include Beef Cheek and Ribeye on dollops of sweet potato puree, and the Halibut Fricasse, completed with a creamy butter emulsion.

The proposal for the cocktail menu is intriguing. Cyan Wong, in consultation with SuperNacular, heads up the bar offerings with a selection of recognisable drinks with a vibrant and energising spin, from Bamboo Blossom (a white cherry wine-based cocktail delicately sprayed with bergamot) to a crisp Bantof Vodka Martini. And a captivating list is gradually being released in the next few months: Soho Stories aims to tell tales and anecdotes of the neighbourhood via concoctions that pay homage to its people and landmarks. Examples of these are Damien Hirst and Evo, the latter prepared with extra virgin olive oil in commemoration of the Italian community’s contribution to the hospitality sector in Soho.

The interior envelops the guest in an elegant and sleek atmosphere with a space designed by Camille Saad from ALN.CMY architects, which makes its focus the recreation of a lively night out in Soho. The use of arches, sloping ceilings, curved floors and bowed walls guides circulation through the consecutive areas. One continuous ceiling leads from the flamboyant main room through a narrow, padded transition space to a social wine bar. And the walls turn into an exhibition space for upcoming artists: the venue is available for creators to exhibit their work, free of charge, for three months at a time on a rotating basis.

First up is a selection of art curated by figurist and activist artist PitCa. Through oils and acrylic on canvas, PitCa shines a light on often overlooked issues facing society, raising awareness and inspiring a call to action. Among the works currently on display, there are Love Is Love and The Hope Seller.

Bantof is open for evening service and will soon become an all-day operation for private dining, workspace and enjoyable evenings accompanied by a delicious food and drink menu and live music.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Virginie Viche

To book a table at Bantof, 31 Great Windmill Street London W1D 7LW, call 077 0333 2611 or visit their website here.