Rotunda

Long before Coal Drops Yard upped King’s Cross’s cool factor, Rotunda was drawing in the crowds with its farm-to-table ethos and charming canal-side terrace. The restaurant underwent refurbishment in the summer of 2018 and while most of the cosmetic changes are subtle (splashes of orange in the colour scheme, a new hanging cabinet on display near the entrance), the biggest difference is the introduction of a buzzy chef’s counter. With much of the kitchen moved from downstairs into the restaurant, diners can now watch the chefs at work, while asking for their cooking tips of course.

Rotunda makes full use of its owner’s farm in Northumberland, while all beef and lamb on the menu is dry-aged, hung and butchered on site. Seasonally changing specials are also a fixture: on our visit, we devoured a tremendously decadent baked camembert, drizzled with honey and truffle oil and served with St John bread.

The kitchen’s commitment to process is evidenced in triumphs such as the 8oz beef burger. So often an uninspiring choice on restaurant menus, this perfectly cooked burger is gratifyingly greasy without overdoing it and is complemented by toppings of smoked bacon and Ogleshield cheese. If you’d rather eat fish, try the likes of fleshy, citrusy grilled Cornish scallops slathered in seaweed butter and topped with crispy samphire.

Things get a little odd come dessert, with some rather random combinations on offer (blueberry Eccles cake with espresso coffee choc pot anyone?). Nonetheless, our more conventional chocolate and almond lava cake with cherry compote was a warm, comforting end to a delicious meal.

Friendly staff and a fairly-priced wine list are further reasons to take a trip to King’s Place – it might have more competition now, but Rotunda’s still got it.

Rotunda brings all-round great British food and drinks to the streets of Kings Cross. The restaurant's ethos claims that London's dining scene often overcomplicates food whereas the Rotunda offering is simple but sophisticated. Sourced from a remote farm in the heart of Northumberland, their meat supplies are fresh and organic with the animals free to roam over acres of farmland. Only quality meat and the most interesting cuts go on the menu, so with its farm-to-plate concept, you'll be treated to a succulent array of meat dishes.

The actual restaurant is bright and modern with accents of gold around the restaurant elevating it to a luxurious ambience. Out on the terrace, you'll find a garden alongside Regent's Canal, providing a calming setting that is a real hidden gem on a summer's day. Sip on a fruity cocktail like the pineapple and custard cream milk punch, or stay with the trend and try a glass of orange wine; both are perfect accompaniments to nibbles of olives and grilled sourdough while you wait.

Dine al fresco or in the main restaurant and start off with a creamy burrata, balanced out by pickled tomatoes and basil crisps. For the mains, the obvious choice is one of the special Corneyside Farm steaks, traditionally hand-reared and sustainably sourced to harness the best flavours from the meat. If you're not a red meat fan, other mains include grilled chicken, torched salmon or the vegetarian option of lemon, thyme and hazlenut gnocchi. 

For dessert, the menu combines tradition with excitement, offering up the likes of chocolate brownie or a tart alongside the intriguing orange and cardamom creme brulee with a rosemary shortbread.

Rotunda ensures your experience is full of British classics and a touch of excitement and decadence. This continues with the Sunday menu where fresh, organic meat joins beef fat roast potatoes, roasted root vegetables, seasonal greens and a Yorkshire pudding; all lovingly topped off with lashings of rich gravy.