Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar: 5 must-try dishes at Trafalgar Square’s 5-star dining spot
A beautiful dining space is the perfect spot for creative small plates
With the tourist-horde hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square just moments away, the Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar on the ground floor of The Trafalgar St. James hotel feels as if it’s on another planet entirely.
Calm, inviting and literally on the corner of London’s landmark square, it’s an oasis away from the sea of gallery crowds, M&M shop gift bags and the non-stop traffic careening down Whitehall.
The Trafalgar St. James has always been a great destination in Central thanks to its rooftop bar overlooking the square, but a big-budget refurb of its lobby bar and restaurant has brought the pizazz to its stunning entry space, too. Rockwell sits just off it, and with a refreshed menu, revamped decor, and expertly-curated wine list, it’s a must-visit stop to wind down in style away from the crowds.
We were delightfully-stuffed and carefully cared for during a recent night at Rockwell, soaking in its laid-back atmosphere and tasting its signature small plates and wine pairings. Read on for a run down of the great bites we tried, and details on how to visit.
Where is it?
Inside The Trafalgar St James Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2TS. It’s so close to Trafalgar Square, the lions could pop in for a bite.
What’s special?
Delicious, creative small plates, a great wine menu, just-re-opened freshness to the decor, and a very welcoming and knowledgeable waiting team.
What’s new?
A £6 million pound refurbishment makes for a luxurious day-to-night setting, with a menu refresh focussing on Mediterranean cuisine and paired wines.
Who should you bring?
Friends and family — great big tables and the bright airy space make it perfect for friendly gatherings and client meetings. It might be a bit too exposed to get smoochy on a date though.
What should you wear?
Smart, but not uppity — it’s part of a 5-star hotel which brings with it some affluent residents, but tourist footfall from the nearby landmarks makes the clientele a welcomingly varied bunch.
How much to pay?
Small plates from £9 (a lunchtime offer is great value at three plates for £22), wine by the glass from £7, cocktails from £15.
5 must-have Rockwell dishes — and the drinks to pair them with
1. Rockwell’s Sharing Board
Serrano ham, Islington saucisson, Mortadella with pistachio, Gorgonzola with Mascarpone, Comté, stuffed peppers, chutney, sundried tomatoes, olives, pickles, sourdough
A truly luxurious sharing platter that in itself would be enough to fill a hungry traveller. The rich gorgonzola topped with creamy mascarpone is the highlight, with a great cumin-rich chutney for the Comté. A top dish to graze on if you’re not staying long.
Pair with: Marsigny Crémant de Bourgogne Réserve Brut, full of orchard fruit flavours and quince.
2. Iberico ham croquetas, saffron sauce, Pecorino, sorrel
Creamily centred with a crispy coating, and topped with mountains of grated Pecorino cheese, you’ll wish each croqueta was twice as big.
Pair with: Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, a Sussex sparkling wine with lemon and apricot flavours. A good pairing for fish, too.
3. White crab, cucumber, coconut, lime, Aleppo chilli, coriander, crostini
Fresh-flavoured and seasoned for the summer, this crab dish has a tang and spice that makes for a great palate cleanser after carb-heavy plates.
Pair with: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, fruity, dry, with peach, lime and passionfruit.
4. Cavatelli, pesto of cavolo nero, chilli, vegan Stracciatella
A surprise favourite from the night, this earthy pasta dish has deep, slowly unfurling flavours, with the bitterness of the Italian kale offset by the sweet and creamy vegan Stracciatella. The standout dish from our visit.
Pair with: De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay, a zesty South African wine with lemon and melon flavours.
5. Rosemary grilled bavette steak, served with oyster sauce, rocket and garlic
Trenchmore Farm’s Sussex-raised wagyu makes for a delightful bavette, serrated and quickly seared for a generous, flavour-packed bite.
Pair With: Joel Gott Zinfandel, a fruity, dry red, with blackberry and blackcurrant, and a touch of spice.
Bonus: Yasmina cocktail
London’s best espresso martini? It is for our money. A luxuriously smooth and creamy cocktail, it’s finished off with rich chocolate shavings. If you haven’t got room for dessert, don’t leave without having one of these pick-me-ups instead.
For more information and reservations, visit the Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar website.