Tucked in the fringes of Trafalgar Square is a fantastic bar and restaurant with a hidden flare.
Away from the hustle and bustle of central London, Rockwell offers the perfect escape and wine down for those late-night drinks.
Taking inspiration from locality and heritage, the bar celebrates identity in its vivacity and uniqueness.
With low, cosy lighting and the soft sounds of jazz music, the chic bar seems to transport its patrons back in time. Mixing modern styles with vintage attributes, Rockwell likens a fancy 1920s jazz bar.
The smooth sounds of the cocktail shaker contribute to the ambience. This is the destination for flavour and simplicity.
What to drink?
The newly curated cocktail menu is not one to miss. Featuring 11 superb signature cocktails with drinks tailored to all tastebuds, there is a drink for everyone.
Try The Rose Ann. The sweet yet subtle drink is perfect to start of the night and the perfect ode to the area (Rose Ann of Charing Cross by The Four Vagabonds, anyone?). Tall, bright and tasty the mix of red berry leaf infused Ciroc and Belsazar Rosé carry your tastebuds away. It is also their best seller. Who knew wine foam could taste so good?
The Miranda is playful and packs a punch. It is an adult drink created from elevated childhood dreams. With Ketel One, green chartreuse, calvados, pressed Bramley apple juice, candy floss, bittersweet apple & cardamom Shrub the drink is subtle in its sweetness. Staff tip: Eat the Floss! You can have candy with your dinner. It’s the best kind of reward.
Non-alcoholic patrons are not left behind. The flavourful Rosebay rivals the other cocktails. A blend of pink grapefruit shrub, violet bitters, rosebud syrup and alcohol-free sparkling wine, it is floral, fruity and worthy of a try.
How’s the food?
Walking into Rockwell, your eyes are immediately drawn to the bar and its wide selection of drinks on offer. But don’t let that stop you from tasting the outstanding food. The menu is a celebration of sustainability. While using the simplest of ingredients, they do not skip out on flavour. Littered with vegan options, the menu is inclusive as it is extensive.
Standouts from the small plates include the pulled beef sliders: Rockwell gives the American classic a European touch with its use of Gorgonzola cheese. The kick of lime brings it all together, pushing you to take another and another bite. The star small plate, however, is the avocado fries. Fresh. Flavourful. Guilt free. They are out of this world.
The mains on offer feature old favourites and new and exciting dishes to try. Do not be put off by the fancy ingredients, the flavours will transport you to another world. From roasted quail with creamed porcini to a west country take on a beef burger and fries, the ethos of flavour is evident in each dish.
For dessert, why not try the crispy crème brûlée doughnut. Sweet, warm and simply amazing. What more do you need to finish off the night?
Will it bankrupt me?
The food at Rockwell isn't cheap with many of the mains sitting at £20. The small plates cost £12 each but you can get three for £32. Bring friends and try more dishes.
The cocktail menu offers average London prices with their drinks all under £20. What’s going to break the bank may be the extensive wine list – the prices range from £9.50 for a glass to £295 for a bottle of 2004 Château Leoville-Las Cases.
Anything else to note?
The location really is second to none. With a great central location, the West End is at your footstep. Dinner and a show anyone?
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Trafalgar Square, 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS; Rockwell
