If you know The Roxy, you probably think of it first as a live music venue and late night party spot. But look a little closer and it’s also a surprisingly solid place to eat, especially if your plans involve cocktails, dancing and staying out far later than intended. Writing it off as just a bar would be missing half the story.
Early evening, The Roxy plays the role of relaxed cocktail bar, warming up Marylebone with one of the most generous happy hours in London. Then, after 10pm, the lights dim, the music turns up and it morphs into a full blown nightclub. The clever bit is that the kitchen keeps going throughout. Yes, this is one of those rare London spots serving food all night long, which immediately makes it worth knowing about.
The menu is in collaboration with Tampopo, a chain of UK-based East Asian restaurants, and leans into bold, crowd pleasing flavours that make sense with a drink in hand. There’s Balinese pork belly coated in star anise, cinnamon and ginger, glazed sticky wings with sesame and sweet chilli, and pork gyoza served with soy and chilli dip. Corn fritters arrive with a sweet and sour peanut, pineapple and cucumber glaze, ticking the box for something lighter but still comforting. It’s food designed to share, graze and order again when someone inevitably wants 'just one more'.
Then, there are the toasties. Simple, unapologetic and served all night long, they’re exactly what you want once the dancing starts. Ham and cheese, chicken and cheese, or a veggie version with cheddar and sweet chilli, all pressed between thick slices of bread and toasted properly. No frills, no nonsense, maximum satisfaction.
Cocktails are another strong point. It's a big ol' menu with everything from Tommy’s Margaritas, Dark and Stormys and a Californication that mixes tequila with limoncello and passion fruit. There’s also a thoughtful mocktail list, which feels refreshingly inclusive for a late night venue.
As a restaurant, The Roxy isn’t about linen tablecloths or lingering three course dinners. It’s about eating well in the middle of a night out, fuelled by music, cocktails and good energy. Come for the drinks, stay for the food, and thank yourself later when you’re still dancing at 1am with a toastie in hand.