Excellency Restaurant and Bar is a little treasure hidden off the beaten path and has a menu that will satisfy all tastes and most cultural backgrounds.

The Venue
The interior of Excellency is small and has a cafe feel, with an attractive glass-blocked bar area and funky mirrors lining the walls. There are two TV screens that show African soap operas which are funny, cheesy and completely gripping. The lighting is dim and simple floral decorations adorn the small tables. There is also African music in the background for that traditional cultural feel.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant is often extremely quiet and so it’s not a place to go if you like a lively atmosphere. This is an understated, down to earth place to visit for a peaceful meal. The lack of customers however is not a reflection on the quality of food but rather the unfortunate location. The service is friendly, welcoming, helpful and warm.

The Food
The menu offers a wide variety of cultural foods, but specialises in African cuisine. Try the oxtail or goat meat pepper soup for starters, which is made to your liking depending on how spicy you like your food. The flavours are deliciously aromatic, intense and surprisingly addictive. The oxtail is soft and the goat meat is tender. If you have a small appetite, this dish could actually be good as a main meal as it is both filling and satisfying. If you’re feeling particularly daring, go for the snail, garnished with onions, tomatoes and pepper rings. The snail is relatively large and has a rubbery texture. On its own it has little taste but the garnish adds a much needed flavour.

For mains, go for the fried plantain, which is a Caribbean favourite and is extremely versatile. The banana-like fruit is sweet and acts as a kind of staple, excellent with meat or beans. It usually is offered with Jollof rice which is cooked in spices and a traditional tomato sauce, along with a choice of meats. There are also several meat stews to try; meat stew with okra and pounded yam is a good option. It is traditionally eaten with the hands - dip the yam into the stew and scoop. The okra has a slimy consistency which will take some getting used to if you are new to the food but it makes for a tasty main meal. The yam is not unlike potato and on its own has little taste but goes well with the stews on offer. The fish stew is appetizing with a very healthy portion of fleshy tilapia, which melts in the mouth and is perfectly cooked. Prices are from £7 for a main meal and are reasonable for the quality of food you receive.

The Drink
The drinks list is brief but authentic, with lagers, wines, sprits and soft drinks. The Nigerian brewed Guinness is especially smooth and has a rich taste and the Malta Guinness is a soft drink that is fizzy, sweet and also pleasingly nutritious.

The Last Word
Due to the location, Excellency will probably not be a popular choice for many but it is one of the best and most underrated African restaurants around.

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