insideKENT Magazine Issue 27 - June 2014 | Page 67

FOOD+DRINK

Pradas

Mediterranean Bar & Grill

BY GEMMA DUNN

Since opening its doors a little over three months ago, Pradas Mediterranean Bar & Grill has since
made a name for itself, and a reputable name at that. Located on Bexleyheath's Broadway, this
North Kent newbie has proved an uplifting addition to the local restaurant scene, not least for its
exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, but for its vibrant interior and wholly passionate team.

Eager to try this popular haunt out for myself,
it's fair to say I was more than happy to oblige
when invited along to Pradas in May. What's
more, having opted to visit on a weekday evening,
it was particularly refreshing to see a thriving
customer base and hoard of happy customers
enjoying the same encounter.
Greeted by the friendly team, I took up my seat
beside the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and
set about picking my drink of choice from Pradas'
rather impressive wine list. Having already decided
that red meat would feature highly in my menu
pickings, I voted for a bottle of Michel Torino
Coleccion Malbec 2013; an Argentinean wine,
famed for its deep colour, and lovely plum-like
flavours.
And what goes with good wine? Good food.
Therefore, it wasn't long before our first course
was en route. Perfect for the indecisive diners
amongst us (it sounds better than greedy, doesn't
it?), my guest and I plumped for one of the
restaurant's fabulous sharers, the Greek mini
meze board. From the staple houmous dip, to
a serving of moreish meatballs, this meze medley
certainly didn't disappoint in our bid to try a wide
selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes all in
one sitting.
Jam-packed with flavoursome cuisine, warm
pitta bread accompanied a board overflowing
with tasty grilled halloumi, stuffed meat and rice
vine leaves, calamari, keftedes (lamb meatballs),

olives, braised aubergine and a trio of dips. A
delicious entrée, and a sure-fire sign of what was
to come at Pradas.

furnishings and atmospheric, modern light fittings,
with freshly cut flowers and a penchant for bright,
eclectic artwork.

In keeping with the Greek-style fare, I picked the
popular lamb souvlaki for my main course. Served
with cracked wheat pilaf, the marinated lamb
chunks were tender and moist, accented
beautifully with a pairing of authentic Greek
yoghurt and fresh mixed leaf salad.

Meanwhile, the 'bar & grill' tag does exactly what
it says on the tin and provides a refuge for those
seeking anything from a romantic meal or family
event, to a round of cocktails and drinks amongst
friends. This flexibility is reflected in the restaurant's
decision to provide an array of menus, including
an extensive drinks list, and Sunday, set and
party fare, amongst others. One of its most
popular promotions is Pradas' Monday deal,
which sees the eatery offering 50% off all steak
orders. Go on then. Any excuse!

A 28-day matured fillet steak was my dining
companion's choice, expertly cooked and
elegantly teamed with cherry tomatoes on the
vine, chips, a rocket salad, and a classic, creamy
peppercorn sauce. Commended as the best
steak my guest had consumed in a long time, I
of course tried it too, and I can concur, it was
exceptional.
“What a great meal – I'm stuffed! Dessert? Of
course." Sound familiar? Well it rang true at
Pradas after I caught sight of the homemade
Baileys crème brûlée. When a dish combines
your favourite sweet treat, with your beloved
drink of choice, what hope do you have? A
delectable twist on the French classic, this
crunchy-and-custardy delight proved a fantastic
finale to what had been a seamless evening.
This success is undoubtedly down to the fact
that nothing – from décor to menu choices – is
overlooked. When it comes to dining in style
(quite literally), Pradas' interior blends dark wood

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Aside from the attentive and professional team,
when Pradas started out this year, it had a clear
and attainable goal, and that was to serve simple,
quality food at a reasonable price, that is both
cooked to perfection and presented beautifully.
Just months on, the future certainly looks bright
for this Kent newcomer, as it has not only
achieved its aim, but also surpassed it.

Pradas
198-200 Broadway
Bexleyheath
DA6 7BD
020 8303 6290
www.pradasbarandgrill.com