An Interview with BOB’s Lobster
Published on 10th April 2018
In 2013 Owner and Founder of BOB’s Lobster, Rob Dann (pictured centre) set out on a mission to blur the boundaries of fine dining and street food; serving exquisite seafood and wines curb-side from a VW Campervan. Five years on, the business has gone from strength to strength and now BOB’s are preparing to park up permanently for the first time in the arches of London Bridge. Here’s the low down on what’s to come. Tell us about the journey of BOB’s Lobster so far… Wow, what a journey its been. I guess it started in 2012 in Indiana, USA, which is where our 1957 VW camper came from. We figured since Indiana was in-land that rust would be minimal (we were wrong). We imported her to the UK and over 9 months transformed her into a the most unique food and wine outlet London has seen and we haven’t stopped since. After almost 5 years of touring, pop-ups and collaborations, our little food truck has given us so much more than we ever envisaged or bargained for. Countless meals in countless neighbourhoods, running late in to the night, a hangout for culinary tourists from all over the world, a front row seat at fashion shows and concerts and more lobster than you can imagine… all from possibly the smallest kitchen in the world! Of course there were also countless van breakdowns, many midnight trips to market, a distinct lack of sleep and the odd downpour, but we wouldn’t change a thing! We are excited to announce that it is time to hang up the keys and park ourselves in our first permanent site this year, right where it all began at London Bridge, delivering our signature seafood extravagance and stellar wines in a casual setting. What are you looking forward to about opening a restaurant in London Bridge/ why did you choose London Bridge as a location? It’s so exciting to open our first BOB’s Lobster down the road from our sister wine bar Bedales of Borough, not to mention where it all started and we hosted our first ever pop up, right at the intersection of London’s iconic Borough Market and the buzz of Bermondsey Street. How would you describe BOB’s philosophy? We have a philosophy of good food, good wine and great hospitality. We wanted to challenge convention and formal dining rooms, stripping away white linen table cloths and serving up seafood extravagance curb-side with a street food twist. We’re excited to hear that the new restaurant will also be home to a wine bar – can you tell us your ideal dish and wine pairing? Our Dorset crab tortellini, with shaved bottarga in smoked tomato broth works so well with a glass of Viognier, Roussanne Granit Blanc 2017, Vin de Pays de L’Ardeche, Vincent Paris, Rhone, France. The Viognier, which is aromatic, rich and creamy is a perfect match with the sweet meat of the crab and the weight of the wine ideal for the silky texture of the pasta. Can you summarise the BOB’s Lobster experience in 3 words? Extravagant. London. Fun If we have to try one thing on the menu what would it be? The smoked river Exe mussels & braised ox cheek toast is amazing, it will change your life. BOB’s Lobster Wine Bar & Kitchen is set to open at Unit 59, St Thomas Street on May 18th 2018.
