Mango Landin’ - London
40 St Matthew's Road, London, SW2 1NL
+44 (0)20 7737 3044
www.mangolandin.net
Review by Katy Taylor
 Travel down the banks of Guyana’s longest, the Essquibo, and you’ll chance upon the lush jungle pontoon crossing at Mango Landing. Travel through the densely urban backs streets of Brixton, south London, and you might be surprise to discover an equally tropical oasis of the same name, (only spelt with the Guyana’s accent).
From walking in the door it was easy to see that Mango Landin’ is a gasto pub like no other. On a Tuesday night the staff were welcoming. My friend and I nibbled on tomato and chilli bread with oil while we perused on the invitingly inventive menu. The waitress recommended wine- we opted for a delicate, dry house white (£13.50)- and provided friendly advice about the specials.
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We shared a generous portion of squid and chorizo to start which I followed with a duck breast and mango salad, cooked to just slightly pink perfection. My friend enjoyed a melt-in-the-mouth marinated mozzarella and roasted pepper salad with slow roast tomatoes and 8 year old balsamic which was as good as it sounded.
By the time we had finished eating the quiz was starting. Not a general knowledge fan I was concerned my dinner would be ruined by loud trivia questions but not so. We moved around to the other side of the bar and flopped on comfortably battered leather couches where the quiz was practically inaudible. Despite being full neither of us could resist the chocolate fondant calling from the specials board and after a small wait whilst there were individually created we were presented with a pudding to die for. A warm, sinful chocolate goo encased in a firm exterior served with white chocolate ice-cream.
 For pub grub, Mango Landin is exceptional. The menu is full of unusual dishes as well as more traditional offerings of burger and wedges. The meat is organic and free-range, everything is homemade apart from the ice-cream and bread. There are real options for vegetarians and pescetarians alike.
The whole place from the colourful artwork to the garden with hammock and twinkly parasols gives the impression that a lot of thought and love have been put into it.
The warm interior complete with candles, fairy lights and laid back tunes provide the perfect setting for a mid week meal or weekend party when djs play and there’s dancing til 3am. Combining original cocktails, an inspired menu, great service and a thoroughly tropical feel it is a bar worth heading off the beaten track for.
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