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. 70 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 thebanklocksbottom thebank_locksbottom