One thing we love about London is that all you need to do is turn the corner and you’re in an different environment completely. We thus we find ourselves a world away from the leafy homes and estates of Walworth and deposited into the galaxy of African restaurants, kebabs, Caribbean butchers, Poundstrechers and wig shops in Walworth Road. And nestled appropriately between a jerk chicken joint and a Halal Ghanaian hangout we find ourselves in new Korean restaurant ‘Jeju’ because yes dear reader, Korea is still a thing.
Our Finance Director (and Karen’s boss) Alex joined your scribe after telling us that his daughter is crazy about NewJeans. When it dawned on us that daddy was probably not shopping for clothes, we deduced that NewJeans must be a K-Pop band and we proceeded to a surprisingly sprightly and packed Jeju. We assumed that Jeju didn’t take reservations but be aware that they do, but only over the phone. So Alex and your scribe booked and spent the unexpected half hour interregnum in the mysterious bar Feed the Yak, which kind of wants to be a global sports bar/restaurant/off licence all at once.
With the reassuring dulcet tones of Kpop in the background (possibly NewJeans themselves) we were seated and began to peruse. Hoping that Finance Director Alex would get the hint about the importance of sharing, we collectively ordered Cheolpan bulgogi, kimchi pancake and steamed rice. We were worried this might be scant food for two but in fact it was bountiful. Portion sizes are generous, to the extent that half of the pancake made found its way back to ever frugal Alex’s home., The bulgogi arrived as a sizzling plate, piled high with beef and vegetables in a strong gochujang sauce. This is a decent serving for two and thus well-priced at £16.50. It’s a spicy bulgogi here, and a good one at that. High praise also to the generously proportioned kimchi pancake, which was spicy and just the right kind of stodge to provide a satisfying meal in itself. At only £11.90 it has to be one of the bargain items of the menu.
Walworth Road has an undeserved reputation for being a bit sketchy but it’s anything but. A sashay down the road will reveal a host of bargains, plants, and a mind boggling assortment of butchers and fishmongers to provide you with cooking inspiration. And if you’re lucky you might just pick up a dress for £10 or an Iphone 17 that’s just been unlocked. But that’s London and that’s why we love it. And so do you.
