The Fat Bear, Upstairs at The Rising Sun

Having proved popular as a Soho pop-up, The Fat Bear are taking up a long residence upstairs at The Rising Sun near St Paul’s Cathedral. Serving regional food from the American South, favourite dishes on the menu include homemade gumbo, New England clam chowder, and a juicy Cajun meatloaf.

Though American dishes are ten a penny in London these days, The Fat Bear offers something a little different, with authentic recipes from the Deep South brought up to date.

We are particularly excited to try their Spicy Crawfish Mac ‘n’ cheese, with a side of Cajun pickled Succotash, a healthy mash made from beans and sweetcorn. Also on offer will be the iconic Southern favourite Shrimp and Grits, Roasted Quail with Cornbread Stuffing and Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese.

To wash all this down, they have also devised a drinks menu with an American emphasis: wines from the region, as well as a plentiful supple of rum and bourbon and their delicious alcoholic slushies. The desserts look similarly mouthwatering, with an ice cream sandwich made from peanut ice cream and chocolate cookies, and a homemade pecan pie.

For some, Southern cuisine is little other than comfort food, synonymous with hefty portions and simple flavours. The Fat Bear, however, and their New Orleans-trained chef, Bernie Rogers, are likely to prove otherwise, with their modern twist on traditional American fare sure to win over even the most steadfast detractors.