If you head down the leafy streets of East Dulwich, you’ll soon stumble across Kix Bar + Kitchen, an independently run late-night spot with live music, vibrant flavours and spicy cocktails.
Tucked among the independent shops and cafés of Lordship Lane, Kix offers something bolder than its village-like surroundings might suggest. Step inside and you are met with low lighting, sounds of live jazz, and a sharing menu diverse enough for everyone’s tastes. The space feels both intimate and sophisticated – equally suited to date night or a lively table of friends.
Founded by Matthew Preedy, who has lived in the area since 2009, Kix moved from North Cross Road to the larger site on Lordship Lane last year. Drawing on his wealth of hospitality experience, Matthew has refined the concept of Kix over the past three years into today’s offering.
The food is a confident fusion of bold Mexican and Asian influences, where tacos and bao buns sit alongside larger sharing plates of nachos and sticky ribs. From miso cod cheek and Peking-glazed duck to tempura shiso leaves, each dish has been carefully curated by the Kix team.
Standout dishes include Korean chicken tacos – fried gochujang chicken topped with celeriac slaw, kimchi, spring onions and lemon herb sour cream – delivering crunch, spice and sharpness in equal measure.
Then there are the beef short rib carnitas – served in two crusted tacos, slow braised short rib beef, wasabi napa slaw, pickled red onions and jalapeño sauce.
Vegetarian diners can also tuck into aubergine tempura bao or shiitake mushroom carnita tacos, complete with plenty of picante sauce and pico de gallo for a strong Mexican influence.
For a sweet finale, Kix delivers a standout pairing of coconut ice cream in a soft, sweet bao bun, topped with chopped pineapple steeped in a rum coulis. The flavours beautifully mirror a piña colada and one bun is more than enough to share between two, with its creamy sweetness perfectly balancing the sharpness of the mains.
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Matthew explains how Kix has evolved over recent years in a move to place the food firmly centre stage. “It’s a constant refining process and the food now mirrors the ambience of the venue. I think the move to Lordship Lane gave me the confidence to take a more hands-on approach to the menu and lean further into the fusion element, without losing the spirit of a night at Kix.”
Fiery cocktails bolster the food offering, with all drinks made by the experienced bar staff. Margaritas take centre stage with nine variations of the Mexican classic to choose from, with dashings of chilli for those brave enough. Alternatively, opt for one of their ‘Kix twists’, featuring citrus flavours, or a stirred (not shaken) drink for a stronger, old-fashioned option.
As you soak up the atmosphere and flavours, a roaming saxophonist weaves between tables on a Saturday night and friendly bar staff are on hand to answer any questions or to suggest complementary cocktail and food pairings.
The enthusiasm of the team is apparent – from founder Matthew to the two young chefs leading the kitchen, as well as the waiting and bar staff — everyone has fully bought into the Kix fusion vision.
After working in some of the capital’s most prestigious members’ clubs, Matthew began craving the intimacy and creative agency that comes with running an independent venue. He launched a mobile cocktail bar and catering pop-up during the pandemic, laying the groundwork for what Kix would become before opening his own restaurant in East Dulwich.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Kix is its sharing-plates concept, which gives diners complete control over both portion size and variety. Plus, despite its upmarket surroundings, the prices remain reasonable, with most cocktails priced at £13.50 and sharing dishes around £14.
If you’re in the area on a Sunday, Kix Bar + Kitchen offers their very own traditional Sunday roasts, with a roast beef sirloin cut and trimmings (£25), miso-glazed chicken supreme (£23) and a vegan option, changing weekly. Definitely one to try soon.
By the time the saxophonist finishes his set and the last margaritas are poured, it’s clear KIX bar + Kitchen has found its place on Lordship Lane, bringing a flash of bold flavour to one of South London’s most charming high streets.
Location: Kix Bar + Kitchen, 57 Lordship Ln, London SE22 8EP
Opening times:
Tuesday – Thursday: 6pm – 11pm
Friday: 5pm – 12am
Saturday: 1pm – 12am
Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
Live music: Saturday, 8pm – 10pm
