My Million Pound Menu winners and London street food stars formerly known as BBQ Dreamz have revealed that they are changing their name to Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen.
The Filipino food concept will operate for the first time with its new moniker at Roof Fest London, a summer terrace that launches on Good Friday (April 19) on the rooftop of the John Lewis and Partners Oxford Street store.
Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen was launched under its old name by Filipino-born Lee Johnson and his partner Sinead Campbell in 2014. The pair appeared on BBC series My Million Pound Menu earlier this year, and secured £350,000 of investment from Charlie McVeigh, the founder of pub group Draft House. During the course of the show, judges highlighted that the BBQ Dreamz's name wasn't a clear communication of its concept.
In the months since, the concept has run a nine-week pop-up takeover of MeatLiquor burger restaurant in King’s Cross, which was extended due to popular demand.
The stall sells dishes inspired by Johnson’s Filipino heritage, including sticky adobo chicken wings and lechon kawali – a dish of 24 hour cooked crispy pork belly with radish, coriander and celery. The concept also sells a selection of stews and curries served with jasmine rice and fragrant toppings.
Alongside Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen's food offering, Roof Fest London’s festival-themed terrace will feature live music and entertainment on its Caravan stage, bookable floral dens and cocktails from Background Bars.
Roof Fest London launches on April 19 at John Lewis & Partners, 300 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DX. For more information, visit johnlewis.com
