Often it is the smallest and easily overlooked things that can generate the biggest impact. This is certainly the case when dining at the Great Guns Social's new permanent location on Southwark Bridge Road, London. Seated in the cosy corner, it was roasted chickpeas and spiced almond nibbles brought over to our table that set the flavourful Moroccan undertone for the evening.
Bringing his Moroccan heritage into the heart of Borough, resident chef Khalid Dhabi has played around with the traditional flavours to create a fun and colourful menu. Although the small footprint offers a relaxed and intimate setting for dinners with its low lighting and table cutlery, the food presented is of exceptional quality.
The tapas style menu is made for sharing, there are so many delicious dishes that it would be a real shame to not sample as many as possible. For two people we opted for a couple of snacks, two smaller mains and two larger portions. The Cornish squid is exceptional – crunchy and moorish – whilst the mackerel pâté is silky smooth and spreads perfectly over crisp toast. The aubergine and fig couscous provides as the ideal base for the beef and the lamb, packed with flavour, falls away at first touch.
Even though the main dishes are irresistible, the folks at Great Guns can certainly persuade you with one of their desserts. The chocolate option has sticky toffee beat any day. Light, delicate and complimented with cardamom anglaise, this pudding is one that won't leave you feeling sluggish and the rose water mohalabia, topped with pistachios, is not overpoweringly fragrant and is the perfect pallet cleanser.
Although this venue will certainly bring people closer through a joint love of good and honest food, the bar staff create each of their cocktails with the same attention to detail as each plate of food that is produced from the kitchen. With a very rum-focused menu, the drinks – designed by mixologist Ash Langford – help set the relaxed ambience and are very good indeed. The Rum Diary, in particular, is noteworthy alongside the Brazilian Consigliere and the Bardot’s Diaries which comes with its own floating passion fruit half – it’s always nice to have a garnish you can eat.
The Great Guns social – although the new kids on the block – are certainly the ones to watch. Showcasing up and coming talent, a host of guest chefs will be taking over and, with an already incredibly high standard set, the food and drinks on offer are sure to bowl you over with powerful flavour and style.
For more information and to book a table or event, visit Great Guns Social
Last modified: June 10, 2021
