Bantof – one of the most unique dining spaces in Soho

The food…

London’s youngest Michelin chef, Asimakis Chaniotis (also Executive Chef at Pied à Terre) has curated the food menu on offer at Bantof. It’s designed for sharing and is made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, with dishes from around the world such as: Spinach and Lemon Risotto with Mediterranean herbs; Rainbow Mini Burgers (a must try – we love the veggie one); Sea Bream Tartare with avocado, smoked almonds and yuzu dressing; Black Truffle Pizza (yum!) and many more sweet and savoury delights. 

The Beef Cheek Ribeye is also to die for, while the Halibut Fricasse is exceptional.

The drinks…

Bantof’s innovative cocktail menu has been created by SuperNacular, who, headed up by Cyan Wong, have created an exciting mix of new and classic cocktails with a twist. 

On the menu are thirst quenching serves such as:

• Fair Mary: Pretty pink fruity non bloody Mary, tomato juice free, fruit forward with hints of strawberry and peach. Lengthened with cold press Pink Lady Apples and red pepper. Pink Pepper vodka, clarified tomato liqueur and umami bitters gives this the savory and signature Mary character.

• Coffee House Cocktail: Sophisticated stirred down chilled coffee with Venezuelan aged rum, coffee liqueur by FAIR (leading fair trade liquor brand), and sweetened, brightened and enriched with clementine whey.

• Pina Quintas: Pineapple White Port Melon spritz spiked with a hint of Mezcal. The name is the composition of the cocktail- ‘Pina’ – meaning pineapple and ‘Quintas’ the name of ‘The estates which produce the grapes to make Port wine as known in Portugal’. This Spritz uses fresh pineapple and spice infused white port, white vermouth, melon and a splash of Mezcal. Finished with hint of orange blossom.

Complementing the creative cocktail list is a comprehensive list of Champagne Castelnau, wines from a variety of regions, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

The vibe and art…

A regular roster of DJs will hit the decks at Bantof every Friday and Saturday night. Party-goers are invited to enjoy the evening’s music with cocktails and small plates for an evening to remember. 

Bantof is a house of curiosity that supports the artistic community. The venue’s walls are available to new and rising artists, as a unique opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. Artists will be able to exhibit their work free of charge for three months at a time on a rotating basis. 

The space…

Bantof’s space is designed by Camille Saad from ALN.CMY Architects.  The design is focused on creating a social space that celebrates the eclectic experience of Soho. The use of arches, bent ceilings, curved floors, and bowed walls guide circulation through the consecutive spaces. One continuous ceiling will take you from the main flamboyant room through a narrow padded transition space to the next social wine bar; this recreates the experience of pub-crawling on a night out in Soho.

Less is More and More is Gold. The golden festive rooms hint at the glitter drag show stages, core of the Soho culture. The extravagance of gold and textures invite you to celebrate life and resilience in Soho.

In contrast, the spatial layout stays sober to maintain a soothing, comfortable, and cosy space where social interactions and dining are at the front scene of the design.

This contradiction of space vs. materials is emblematic of the rich mix of cultures, functions, and scenes we see in Soho. It all blends out in a symbolic and distinctive way.