How does a sleek backdrop, fashionable crowd and one of London's most iconic locations sound, for anything from mid-week drinks to a Saturday evening date night? Even if you don't know Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar immediately by name, we think you'll recognise its setting, situated in The Trafalgar St James, one of central London's very best hotels with incredible views of that famous square.
Slink into the lobby, past on-trend furnishings and an atmospheric glow. Instead of heading to the lift, Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar gives the hotel's ground and lower level a fresh re-design, making this the coolest place to be in St James. The design is flawless: perfect for day or night, friends or colleagues, the space features classic parquet flooring, richly-hued ruby-red booths and touches of brass, giving the restaurant and bar a subtly glamorous feel.
Both food and drinks are the stars of the show here. But, starting with the food menu, think a varied yet curated menu with global influences and a special emphasis on wagyu beef from Trenchmore’s suckler Sussex Wagyu herd in Horsham. First up, some nibbles for the table might include baby red peppers stuffed with cheese or Nocellara del Belice olives, before moving onto a breadth of small plates with something for absolutely everyone.
Between bruschetta with confit Datterino tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers and basil, as well as Rockwell’s “Schnitzel” with crispy chicken breast, caper beurre noisette, anchovy and quail egg, and the likes of fried cod cheeks with fermented chilli butter sauce and blue cheese, there's plenty to make you hungry. And, onto that specialist wagyu beef, working with the family-run farm, the team have created a seelction of dishes that showcase the herd's unique flavour best. From wagyu beef tartare with black garlic purée, pickled shimeji, horseradish, quail egg and focaccia crisp, to rosemary grilled bavette steak with oyster mushroom sauce, rocket and roasted garlic, it's a somersault for the tastebuds.
As for the drinks menu, the team have put together a fantastic selection of wines, spirits and beers, but we love the sound of the signature cocktails the most, such as the Sofia with limoncello liqueur, Patrón Reposado Tequila, citrus cordial and Franklin & Sons tonic water.