Expertly crafted cocktails, a sizzling Asian grill and a decadent backdrop of music and modern art. Welcome to The Last Talisman! Nestled away on the mouth-watering Bermondsey Street with food at almost every turn you make, The Last Talisman is one of the streets latest residents and what a fantastic one it is. There’s delicious cocktails, tantalising small plates served straight from the Asian grill and what we discovered – a fabulous Brunch. Not to mention walls filled with modern art in collaboration with Wild Beasts Art Agency who represent ground-breaking UK and international artists on a mission to inspire humanity.
The venue is full of beautiful modern spaces which are perfect for just about any type of evening – but it’s also a great spot for events and parties. From a business lunch downstairs, to an intimate party in the hidden private dining room or even a birthday celebration in Mala Madre – the restaurants gorgeous cocktail bar tucked away up the staircase. Plus, the venue already has a list of calendar events & experiences on offer this year – more details of those HERE.
Did I mention the cocktails? Weather you’re perched at the main bar downstairs or settled comfortably into that sumptuous Mala Madre – the cocktails here are the star of the show and the latter is the best place to enjoy them. The passion project of The Last Talisman co-creator, Dre Masso, Mala Madre brings together Dre’s Colombian roots and his experience living in Bali to create a food and drink fusion like no other. Try their Saint’s Sazerac if you’re looking for a punchy hit or if you’re feeling more adventurous – then their famous Dynamite Daiquiri will certainly get you in the party mood.
One of our first dishes from the brunch menu to arrive were these absolutely delicious Grilled Cheese slices. To look at they didn’t really tempt me in, but don’t let that fool you because they are fantastic little pockets of cheesy gooey goodness. A mixture of crispy bean curd, mixed cheese, smokey tomato ketchup powder, cherry tomato and crunchy salad. These are so fantastically light, but still carry all that richness you hope for in a a cheesy toastie. Top tip – you’ll want to make sure you order two portions given how addictive these are.
One dish that will most certainly need a cocktail (or two) to wash it all down with is The Last Talisman’s Nasi Lemak. A hearty plate filled with extra crunchy fried chicken, coconut rice, sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, fried egg and cucumber. The chicken is delicious, the sambal is fiery (that’s where the cooling cocktail comes in) and if you’re looking for just a quick brunch dish, this is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s terrific value for money – in fact all of the dishes here are very well priced.
A classic, but given an Asian twist is this Egg and Bacon Bao. Thick slices of crispy bacon, fried egg, coriander, spring onion, pickles, gochujang hollandaise and a light & sweet golden mantou bun. The gochujang in the hollandaise gives this dish a nice bit of spice and quite frankly that bacon was so good I should have asked for a side to put in my bag and eat on the way home.
If I had to pick one dish I enjoyed, but didn’t quite simply fall in love with it would be this bowl of potato cakes. A big juicy pile of kimchi, crunchy salad and warm miso chive vinaigrette. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this dish but for me that vinaigrette was just a touch too sharp for me and my sensitive palate.
For those who love a good egg (I know I do), or a bowl of them in this case – then the eggs and soldiers here is rather epic. Thick, sweet, toasted slices of brioche bread, a bowl of slow-cooked eggs, kombu molasses soy sauce and what I think was a sambal which was again hot and fiery. If you’re a fan of runny eggs, this may well be your ultimate comfort food – because I know it’s mine.
We had a fantastic brunch here at The Last Talisman and for anyone in the area, it comes highly recommended. If brunch isn’t quite your thing, there’s a fantastic grill focused menu in the evening and all of the venues nooks and crannies are rather fun watering holes, especially if you’re visiting for their DJ nights or guest appearances. For the foodie – expect a limited time menu of dishes from the one and only Chef Ken Hom or boozy bottomless brunches to get you in the mood for the weekend. Would we come back? Absolutely!
