insideKENT Magazine Issue 96 - March 2020 | Page 70
FOOD+DRINK
PRESENTING TRADITIONAL TURKISH FOOD, CULTURE AND A REAL
SENSE OF FAMILY; ALL IN A CLASSY, MODERN ATMOSPHERIC DINING
ROOM, ANNA LOCKYER SETTLES IN AT
THE BANK
THE BANK IS LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF LOCKSBOTTOM, IN THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BROMLEY.
THE NEW, CONTEMPORARY TURKISH RESTAURANT AND BAR, WHICH OFFERS FAMILIES, DATE NIGHTERS, AND
LOCALS THE PERFECT EATERY AND SOCIAL SPOT, IS THE RESULT OF SHEER HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION
BY PASSIONATE OWNER IHSAN ‘ISSY’ POTOKUGOLU. POURING HIS HEART AND SOUL INTO THE RENOVATION OF
THE FORMER BARCLAYS BANK, THE INITIAL 12-WEEK PROJECT ENDED UP BEING A 30-WEEK LABOUR OF LOVE FOR
ISSY AND HIS SUPPORTIVE FAMILY, WHO WORKED AROUND THE CLOCK TO BRING THIS LITTLE PIECE OF TURKEY
TO LIFE. AND HE HAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!
PHOTOS © KATE DARKINS
Issy completely wowed on
opening night, which saw Rio
Ferdinand and Mayor of
Bromley, Nicholas Bennett cut
the ribbon. The classic lounge-
style restaurant is full of class with
traditional black and gold
furnishings, wines on display,
gorgeous mirrors, dazzling
chandeliers and an authentic
open kitchen. Up the red carpet
stairs the private dining room can
be found, with a large window
overlooking the village. From
customised cutlery, tables and
mirrors, The Bank has done everything to stand out and showcases the attention
to detail that has been put into every aspect of the restaurant.
Starting out with a drink from the extensive cocktail menu, my team and I
struggled to choose, with so many delicious options! Aperol spritz (my favourite!),
a white chocolate martini and an espresso martini started us off nicely. With an
open bar we could see the cocktails being crafted, nothing was too much trouble
for Issy and his team, and you could see the passion clearly from all the staff
throughout the service. To get us going after our cocktails we started with pitta
bread and flatbreads served with hummus, cacik, taramasalata and soslu patlican
- an aubergine and tomato salad. A classic sharing starter that really set our
expectations for the rest of the meal.
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As a main we were lucky enough to
sample ‘The Bank Sharing Platter.’
This really gave us a taste for the menu
as we could try a bit of everything and
honestly left me wanting more, it was
delicious. The sharing platter included,
lamb shish, chicken shish, lamb
Adana, chicken wings, lamb ribs and
lamb chops. Served with salad, white
rice and Turkey’s famous bulgur rice.
If you’re after a taste of Turkey, this
is the perfect combination. The
amazing seared meat, served straight
from the open-flame barbecue grill,
brought all the flavours to life and was
exactly as I had hoped for and more!
I couldn’t end the evening without
losing my Turkish coffee virginity!
Being a huge coffee drinker, (and a
very picky one!), I was so excited! I
opted for a ‘sweet’ version, which was
completely bizarre to me as I wouldn’t
normally have sugar, however I was
warned! And I am so glad I did as it
was absolutely divine, an espresso-
sized, strong, freshly made cup of
heaven. Served in a traditional
silverware cup and saucer on a
matching beautiful tray, with a side
of pistachio turkish delight. Utterly
amazing!
The dining style that has been brought
together with family, through passion,
dedication and class has not gone
unnoticed for The Bank. We felt the
love from the minute we stepped in,
feeling like part of the family as we
were served. Issy has really made his
mark in Locksbottom, with many
more exciting times ahead!
The Bank
354 Crofton Road
Locksbottom
Orpington
BR6 8NN
[email protected]
www.thebankrestaurant.com
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