Barang London: The Best Cambodian Restaurant Above Bridget Jones’ Famous Flat

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different in London, especially around Borough Market, Barang is one of those places that quietly surprises you. Tucked away above The Globe Tavern on Bedale Street, this Cambodian restaurant has a menu packed with bold flavours, comforting dishes, and plenty of reasons to come back for another visit.

I recently stopped by for a Friday lunch and, luckily for us, managed to get a table as a walk-in. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt welcoming and relaxed. The staff were friendly, happy to offer recommendations, and genuinely seemed passionate about the food they were serving.

What started as a casual lunch quickly turned into one of those meals where every dish arriving at the table made us more excited for the next. By the end, there wasn’t a single dish we regretted ordering, and honestly, I’d happily order everything again.

About Barang

Barang is located at 8 Bedale Street, right in the heart of Borough Market, just a short walk from London Bridge Station. The restaurant sits above The Globe Tavern, a historic pub that film fans might recognise immediately.

Interestingly, The Globe Tavern served as the exterior of Bridget Jones’ iconic flat in the Bridget Jones’s Diary films. Bridget’s famous front door can be found right next to the pub at 8 Bedale Street and features throughout the first film. Even if you’re visiting primarily for the food, it’s a fun little piece of London film history to appreciate while you’re there.

The restaurant itself feels intimate and welcoming. Being positioned above the pub gives it a slightly hidden-away feel despite being located in one of London’s busiest food destinations. It feels like you’ve discovered somewhere special without having to venture far from central London.

Barang focuses on Cambodian cuisine while incorporating regional influences and traditional flavours. The menu showcases ingredients and techniques that aren’t commonly found across London’s dining scene, making it a refreshing alternative if you’re looking to try something beyond the usual options.

What is Barang Known For?

Barang has built a reputation around Cambodian-inspired cooking that combines bold flavours, fresh herbs, smoky elements, and rich sauces. Rather than overwhelming diners with spice, the dishes focus on balance, allowing ingredients to shine while still bringing plenty of flavour.

One of the things that stood out to me was how well each dish felt thought out. Every plate had different textures, contrasting flavours, and enough complexity to keep things interesting without becoming overly complicated.

The menu includes grilled meats, seafood, curries, vegetables, and sharing plates, making it ideal for groups wanting to order several dishes and try a little bit of everything.

After our visit, it’s easy to understand why people speak so highly of Barang. The quality of the cooking was consistent across every dish we ordered, and there wasn’t a weak point anywhere throughout the meal.

What is the Experience Like at Barang?

The atmosphere at Barang strikes a nice balance between casual and special occasion dining. It feels relaxed enough for a spontaneous lunch while still being somewhere you’d happily recommend for a date night, dinner with friends, or celebrating a special occasion.

We visited on a Friday lunchtime and were fortunate enough to secure a table without a reservation. Given the restaurant’s growing popularity and relatively intimate size, I would still recommend booking ahead if you’re planning a visit, particularly during peak dining times.

One detail that immediately caught my attention was how the drinks were served. We ordered Coke Zero and lime drink, and instead of standard glasses, the drinks arrived in chilled beer jugs paired with frozen glasses. It was actually the first time I’d experienced this for soft drinks, and it kept everything refreshingly cold throughout the meal. It’s a small touch, but one that made the experience feel memorable.

The service also deserves a mention. The staff were approachable, knowledgeable, and happy to provide recommendations when we were deciding what to order. Those recommendations definitely paid off because every dish we tried ended up being a highlight.

The overall atmosphere encourages sharing food and taking your time rather than rushing through a meal. It’s the sort of place where conversation flows naturally while dishes arrive gradually for everyone to enjoy together.

What is the Food Like at Barang?

The food was undoubtedly the star of the visit. We ordered a variety of dishes across the menu, and every single one impressed us in different ways.

We started with the Kwa Ko (£8), a smoked and grilled beef sausage served with chilli and galangal relish, peanuts, and sawtooth coriander.

This was an immediate favourite. It reminded me a lot of the Lao sausages I absolutely love, with that same fragrant combination of herbs, smokiness, and richness. The sausage had plenty of flavour on its own, but the relish added freshness and brightness that tied everything together beautifully. If you enjoy Southeast Asian sausages, this is an easy recommendation.

For some vegetables, we chose the Stir-Fried Greens with Pork Fat and Smoked Jowl (£11). This ended up being the perfect addition to the meal. The greens retained freshness while absorbing all the savoury flavours from the pork fat, smoked jowl, chilli, garlic, and dried shrimp. The pork itself was juicy and added richness without making the dish feel too heavy. It provided a welcome balance alongside the larger meat and seafood dishes.

Next was the Kampot Curry with Smoked Beef Short Rib (£23). This was one of those dishes where the aroma alone tells you it’s going to be good. The smoked beef short rib was incredibly tender, falling apart with very little effort. The curry itself was rich and deeply flavoured without feeling heavy. Combined with the pickled white turmeric and charred guindilla pepper, there was plenty happening in each bite. The balance between richness and acidity worked particularly well.

We also ordered the Whole Deep Fried Sea Bream (£26), served with turmeric and garlic oil, tuk trey tum, and Khmer herbs. This dish was another standout. Despite being completely deep fried, the fish remained juicy and moist inside while developing a wonderfully crisp exterior. One of my favourite parts was actually the tail, which became incredibly crunchy and packed with flavour. The turmeric and garlic oil complemented the fish nicely without overpowering its natural sweetness. It’s a dish that showcases texture just as much as flavour.

Of course, we also ordered Steamed Jasmine Rice (£3), which was essential for soaking up every last bit of the Kampot curry.

Looking back at everything we ordered, it’s honestly difficult to choose a single favourite dish. Every plate brought something different to the table, and together they created a meal that felt balanced, satisfying, and memorable.

What is the Price Like at Barang?

Barang sits comfortably within the mid-range London dining category. The average spend is around £20-£30 per person, although ordering multiple sharing dishes like we did can increase that depending on the size of your group.

Considering the quality of ingredients, thoughtful preparation, central London location, and overall dining experience, the pricing feels fair. Portions are generous enough for sharing, which allows you to sample more dishes and experience a wider range of flavours.

For a restaurant located in Borough Market, the value feels reasonable, particularly when the food leaves such a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts about Barang

Barang manages to combine great food, welcoming service, and a memorable setting into a genuinely enjoyable dining experience.

Add in the friendly staff, unique location above The Globe Tavern, and the fun connection to Bridget Jones’s Diary, and there’s plenty to enjoy beyond just the food.

From the smoky Kwa Ko sausage to the rich Kampot curry and crispy deep-fried sea bream, every dish brought something enjoyable to the table. The staff recommendations were spot on, and even the simple details, like frozen glasses for drinks, added to the experience.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different from the usual Borough Market options, Barang is absolutely worth adding to your list.

Whether you’re exploring Borough Market for the first time or you’re a regular looking for a new restaurant to try, Barang offers a dining experience that’s both memorable and approachable. With flavour-packed Cambodian dishes, friendly service, and a location steeped in a bit of London film history, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back. If my meal is anything to go by, there’s a good chance you’ll leave already planning what to order on your next visit.

Highlights and Tips about Barang

• Cambodian restaurant located above The Globe Tavern in Borough Market
• Featured location next to Bridget Jones’ iconic flat from Bridget Jones’s Diary
• Relaxed atmosphere suitable for casual lunches and special occasions
• Great option for sharing plates with friends or family
• Favourite dishes: Kwa Ko (Sausage), Kampot Curry with Smoked Beef Short Rib, Whole Deep Fried Sea Bream, Stir-Fried Greens with Pork Fat & Smoked Jowl

Details for Barang

• Address: 8 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 17:00-21:30
  • Wednesday – Thursday: 12:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:30
  • Friday – Saturday: 12:00-15:00 / 17:00-22:00
  • Sunday: 12:00-16:00
• Average Price: £20-£30 per person
• Closest Station: London Bridge
• Cuisine: Cambodian

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