Mechi Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in England

A Flavourful Journey at Mechi – 5 Stars!

Summary: Mechi is a gem of an African restaurant that truly delivers on every front – from its vibrant atmosphere to its outstanding food. We opted for the collection service, which was seamless (we ordered via phone call), well packed and piping hot, but the experience inside the restaurant is equally inviting, making it a great spot for dining in as well.

Food (Soups): The food selection at Mechi is excellent, with a particular highlight being their soups. We tried the Banga soup with plantain, and it was an absolute revelation. This rich, hearty soup is packed with an array of ingredients – palm fruit, scotch bonnet, catfish, dry fish, and various meats, including beef intestines. The result is a complex, deeply satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavour. A word of caution, though: if you’re not accustomed to spicy food, the Banga soup (and likely the other soups) might catch you off guard with its heat. However, if you’re a spice enthusiast like me, you’ll find it utterly delightful. I’ve heard from others that Mechi is happy to adjust the spice level upon request, so whether you prefer it milder or even hotter, they’ll accommodate your taste. The spices don’t just bring heat – they elevate the dish with incredible depth and flavour, making every spoonful a joy.

(Rice & Chicken): The Jollof rice with chicken was another standout. The rice was perfectly cooked, infused with a superb blend of sauce and spices that made it some of the best I’ve ever had. The chicken was equally impressive, well-seasoned and succulent, complementing the rice beautifully. This dish alone is worth a visit, showcasing the care and skill that goes into Mechi’s cooking.

Interior Restaurant: Beyond the food, the restaurant itself has a fantastic vibe. The African aesthetic, complete with striking paintings, creates a warm and authentic atmosphere. The background tunes add to the lively feel, and the bar area is clean, which is always a reassuring sign of a well-run establishment. It's a bit of a risky first date, and might not work well as a romantic visit, but for a good night out Mechi makes for an exciting adventure.

Conclusion: Overall, Mechi is a 5-star experience through and through, with our only minor critisism being the interior, but after all, a restaurant should be, and is for me, about the food. It’s clear they take pride in their craft, and we'll be enthusiastically recommending this place to friends and family. Whether you’re collecting or dining in, Mechi is a must-visit for anyone craving bold, flavourful African cuisine. I can’t...

The overall experience was disappointing.

First, when we got to the restaurant, we had to wait for minutes before anyone came to the reception. There was no buzzer to press.

For my appetizer, I ordered catfish peppersoup. I wanted it extra peppery, which they did. The broth tasted good. However, the fish looked and tasted stale. It's probably because catfish is sold frozen in the UK.

I found my main meal really, really disappointing. I ordered Nsala and semo. The nsala is the reason I travelled all the way to the restaurant. I asked for extra pepper, which they delivered on. The Nsala tasted nothing like nsala. I didn't taste all the local igbo spices one would usually be able to taste in Nsala. There was no dried fish (or other types of fish) in it, save one tiny stockfish. The soup tasted so meaty, like all it had going for it was the meat broth they used for it.

The semo was something else. It was quite lumpy. Like I was shocked at how much lump the semo contained. That has never happened to me. I felt they probably mixed an old semo with a new one they made today. The lumps were just so unbelievable.

The portion size was good overall. I just wish the food...

I walk into the restaurant with hope to try it out for a group of friends next month. It was pretty quiet, I was greeted and given the table in the window with the menu. When the server didn't come back, I assumed he was busy with takeaways etc. Then a couple came in, they were greeted and sat next to me, he spoke to them at length and then disappeared before I could give my order, He then came back and took their order, I was trying to catch his eye to give him my order, but completely ignored me and went straight into the back again. When he reappeared with the couples drinks and starter and he still spoke to them for a while, I was still trying to catch his eye to give my order, I hadn't even given a drinks order at this point. Then when he finished speaking to the couple he turned straight to the bar and went to the kitchen in the back. I was absolutely gobsmacked. I left without eating, safe to say I won't be returning...