Restaurateurs Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams – the duo behind the acclaimed Kudu restaurant in Marylebone – have opened Smokey Kudu, a chic cocktail lounge inspired by the flavours and spirit of Southern Africa.
Located above their South African-themed restaurant Kudu, the new bar brings a taste of home to the heart of London.
Visitors can expect vibrant flavours, creative cocktails, and African nostalgia – all wrapped in the sophisticated charm of Marylebone.
Kudu is a family-run restaurant founded by husband and wife duo Amy and Patrick in 2017.
“Our South African roots inspire our food and the menus are shaped by the seasons,” the couple said.
“Our goal is to foster a culture of genuine hospitality, culinary excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and core family values.”
Smokey Kudu
Head bartender at Smokey Kudu, Brian Tapera, leads the mixology magic with a menu of 15 inventive drinks.
Highlights include the Kalahari Sunset – a pisco-based blend with apricot brandy and passionfruit – and the Cape Old Fashioned, made with brandy, frangelico, cherry heering, fernet branca and chocolate bitters.
Fancy a Bloody Mary? Try Smokey Kudu’s Wild Mary, featuring mushroom-infused mezcal with a tomato, lime and pineapple premix
Fans of the original Smokey Kudu in Peckham will recognise returning favourites like the Saffa-Rita, (a Margarita with chilli tequila and a chakalaka salt rim), Braai Negroni and South London Paloma.
There’s also a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, such as the Virgin Paloma and Kudu Thai.
Not to mention South African wines…
True to its roots, Smokey Kudu’s wine list proudly champions South African producers. Drinks at the bar are complemented by an innovative small-plates and snacks menu.
These bites include Kalahari spiced biltong, oysters with tomato dashi and wakame, smoked prawn cruller with miso and pickled cucumber, and grilled artichoke with gremolata.
The décor, much like the design of the restaurant below, was done in collaboration with London’s Fabled Studio. It includes artwork by Zimbabwean fine-art photographer Tamary Kudita.
Tucked behind an ochre curtain, a private dining room seats up to 12 guests and is available for hire throughout the week.
