The increased cost of oven cooking may have resulted in fewer people cooking Sunday roasts, but it’s still a popular choice on the menu when dining out. It’s one of the reasons why Rockwell in Trafalgar Square has launched the traditional Sunday Roast menu. Luxurious Magazine’s Sabi Phagura went along to sample it.
Braving the crowds of Trafalgar Square might be a relishing challenge for the intrepid explorer, but for many, it’s too much of a feat. But after a visit to Rockwell’s in the heart of the tourist hotspot, it’s a trip I urge everyone to take. Indulging in the new Sunday Roast menu in this oasis of a setting is well worth a visit.
The décor
Located on the ground floor of St James Hotel, Rockwell has long been a plant-filled hideaway for fans of cocktail lovers and European cuisine. The décor is characterised by vegetation festoons and cabana trees paying tribute to the Victorian gardens that once bloomed throughout the capital. From the moment I walked through the doors, the surroundings indulged the escapist inside me.
The botanical theme is complimented by an art deco feel, with fringed low-hanging lamps and petrol-blue stools lining the fabulous bar. Elsewhere in the split-level dining space, guests can lounge on bright orange sinuous sofas, making themselves feel completely at home. The large windows look onto Trafalgar Square, a spot of people-watching without being amidst the mayhem.
The food
The beautiful eye-catching foliage may be fake, but the food and drinks are very much real. Perusing the menu while ogling the orders of other diners being brought out by the waiting staff certainly ignited our curiosity while delighting our senses.
But as Mandy and I were here for the Sunday Roast menu, what we were going to order was a pretty much-forgone conclusion. Our only task was to choose the starter we wanted to proceed with the roast and protein of choice for the main show.
The Sunday Roast starter menu ranges from classic meat dishes and wholesome soups to elegant seafood and vegetable-based dishes. Short and simple but one that covers all bases. The Scallop Ceviche, with julienne vegetable medley, passion fruit, and lime for me and the Smoked Aubergine and Confit Peppers, paprika, spring onions, and truffle sauce for my Mandy.
The dishes were small and beautifully presented, and just enough to get the appetite into gear for the main feast. Mandy had no complaints with hers while I decided I didn’t like ceviche so much after all but indulged in the thinly sliced vegetables with delight.
The Rockwell Sunday Roast menu features four classic main courses – beef, pork, chicken and a special vegan Wellington. Roasts are served with all the trimmings from a platter to share; roast potatoes, maple glazed heritage carrots, charred Hispi cabbage, gravy, and a Yorkshire pudding.
Now this was a mini feast, and we took our time eating it at a leisurely pace. It was Sunday, after all. The chicken was cooked just right, with vegetables cooked al dente to match. Simple food, when cooked well, is so satisfying, and the roast won us hands down.
If you have room for pudding, you can choose from the vegan Golden Delicious Apple Crumble with Tonka bean custard and a Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Dulce de leche ice cream. As I ate slowly and mindfully, I didn’t feel the need to have a dessert, but Mandy happily satisfied her sweet cravings with the chocolate cake.
I can’t lie, I gave into the temptation to sample a spoonful of the stuff, and it was delicious and went down well with my coffee to round off the meal.
Cocktails remain at the heart of the offering at Rockwell, and in between conversations, we paused a few times to watch bar staff expertly wizz up cocktails for guests. The whole place is theatrical, from its décor to its food and drinks.
Rockwell is a great venue for birthdays, weddings, engagements and office parties, with the capacity to host up to 120 people. It ticked several boxes for me, including the central location, warmth of the place, comfy seating and good food and drinks. It’s nice to know that even in one of the busiest spots in London, there’s a chic, sleek calm place to head to when you just want to get away from the crowds.
Rockwell – Where and How?
Rockwell is located at 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1A 2TS. Sunday Roasts are served from noon through to 10.00 pm every Sunday. For bookings and to view the full menu, visit www.rockwellcocktailbar.co.uk.
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