BBQ Dreamz team to open first permanent restaurant

Lee Johnson and Sinead Campbell will launch Filipino concept Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen in London’s Bethnal Green later this month.

It is the first bricks and mortar location for the pair, who secured a £350,000 investment from Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh on the BBC show - which aired earlier this year.

Bong Bong’s, which will be decorated with tropical flora and colourful lamps, is set to serve a similar Filipino menu to BBQ Dreamz, such as satay duck heart skewers topped with chicharron.

New menu items include La Paz Batchoi, a noodle broth with pork and liver garnished with peanuts and spring onion; and crumbed and fried Adobo chicken served with a banana ketchup.

On Sunday's the restaurant will host a Filipino-style family feast, with food served on banana leaves and eaten by hand.

“Opening Bong Bong's is huge for us; it feels like an evolution from BBQ Dreamz, with a more ambitious and adventurous menu,” says Johnson.

“I have such brilliant childhood memories from Manila, where we’d have riotous, celebratory dinners with the entire family. We’re looking forward to recreating them in Bethnal Green.”

Bong Bong’s opens for soft launch from 7 November at 460 Hackney Road.