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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Bambi
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
music-focusedparty-latelocal-crowd
About the Vibe
Bambi is Hackney’s latest playground where Mediterranean flavors meet vinyl spins. This isn’t your typical neighborhood bar—it’s a three-in-one beast that transforms from a cozy restaurant with charcoal-grilled perfection to a packed dancefloor by midnight. Skip the tourist traps and head here for the peri-peri prawns with black garlic aioli, then stay for the DJ sets that turn the dining room into a party zone on weekends. The space itself is a revelation after its recent expansion, featuring a mezzanine, a dedicated DJ booth with counter seating, and an outdoor terrace perfect for pre-dinner drinks. It’s the kind of place where locals actually gather, not just tourists chasing Instagram moments. Go for the food first, stay for the music, and you’ll understand why this spot has become the heartbeat of London Fields.
Known For
- •peri-peri prawns with black garlic aioli
- •charcoal grill menu
- •vinyl DJ sets nightly
- •DJ booth counter seating
Best For
group dinnersweekend partiespost-bar drinks
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 30, 2026
Mediterranean flavors meet vinyl beats
Bambi has successfully carved out its own lane in Hackney’s crowded hospitality scene. The recent expansion has given it room to breathe, and the new kitchen under chef Jamie Thorneycroft delivers some genuinely exciting Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The peri-peri prawns are a standout—crisp, spicy, and served with that addictive black garlic aioli that’ll have you licking your fingers. The charcoal grill adds a nice smokiness to the picanha and other mains, and the whipped ricotta with hot honey makes for a perfect starter to share.
What really sets Bambi apart is its ability to morph throughout the evening. Start with dinner at the DJ booth counter where you can watch the vinyl spinners work their magic, then when the tables get cleared on Friday and Saturday nights, it transforms into a proper party venue that runs until 1am. The music selection is consistently strong, and the crowd is a mix of locals who know the drill and visitors who’ve heard the buzz. It’s not perfect—the noise can get intense once the party kicks in, and reservations are essential if you want a table—but that’s part of the charm. This is where Hackney goes when it wants to eat well and dance harder.