Rock Garden Restaurant (Covent Garden) Overview
Nestling between Covent Garden tube and its busy market, the Rock Garden is the kind of place I’ve passed many times but never been inside… unsure of what it did, and for who? Part restaurant, part bar terrace, part nightclub? This time my curiosity got the better of me.
Squeezing past a handful of confused Dutch tourists, we were cheerfully greeted at the gate. The terrace beyond was packed with diners, basking under the gas heaters despite the chilly December weather. The décor inside is inoffensively theatrical; Persian boudoir meets enchanted glade. Glitzy chandeliers reflect in the huge gilded mirrors give an illusion of space but the nimble waitresses really do have to squeeze between the tables. Despite this, they are attentive, friendly and eager to please the crowds.
Drinks arrived quickly as we perused the menu, which seemed to have something for everyone from Asian comfort food to traditional European dishes. The rare peppered tuna with sweet potato puree was fantastic; a huge medallion of fresh fish expertly seared with smoky sweet mash and an Asian dressing. Our waitress’s recommendation for the baked banana and caramel cheese cake also hit the spot. Our bill at £90 for two including three courses, wine and 15% service was reasonable giving the location of Rock Garden in Covent Garden.
After dinner we ventured downstairs to the attached Gardening Club with the intention of burning off a few calories on the dance floor. Like the restaurant upstairs, it’s opulent in an approachable way. Tonight though, it’s full of lively students wiggling provocatively on the dance floor. The queue for the bar is seven people deep and my determination to reach it is fading fast. Maybe another night.
Was I glad I popped into the Rock Garden? I certainly wasn’t disappointed. It’s a fun, bustling venue, perfectly located for foot-sore shoppers, tourists, a pre-club/theatre dinner or anyone who’s passing by and ready to get their feet off the hard cobblestones. The tables are tightly packed, so don’t try this for a first date. But do try it! (Updated 13/07/2005)
Additional Info: Cocktails, Security, Late License, DJ, Food Recommended, Private Rooms, Non-Smoking Area, Children Allowed, Hire Available, Outside Drinking, Cocktails Recommended, Food
Nearby Venues:
- Maxwells (Covent Garden), American (0.05km)
- Fuel Bar and Restaurant, Eclectic (0.05km)
- Roadhouse (The), American (0.05km)
- Chez Gerard (Opera Terrace), French (0.05km)
- Covent Garden Kitchen, Eclectic (0.05km)
- Palm Court Brasserie, Mediterranean (0.06km)
- Calabash, African (0.07km)
- Carthage, North African (0.10km)
- Navajo Joe, Mexican (0.11km)
- Clos Maggiore, French (0.11km)
|