Clapham Common South Side has just got itself a New York style Lower East Side makeover in the shape of The Rookery Bar and Restaurant complete with exposed brick work, cables, ceramic tiles, mismatched wooden furniture and suspended light bulbs.
The new venue from Mark Angell and business partner, Ben Burston promises well-sourced, sustainable and seasonal food at reasonable prices courtesy of head chef, Stephen Gadd, formerly of Hibiscus and Pied a Terre.
Steve’s admiration for famed cookery writer and former Bibendum chef, Simon Hopkinson is reflected in his cooking and he marries a back-to-basics style with contemporary touches and unconventional cuts and combos such as Cornish coley with cauliflower purée & roasted onion, Grilled ox tongue with sauce ravigote and Rare onglet on roasted beetroots – many of which are simply presented on enamel kitchenware, enhancing The Rookery’s down to earth vibe.
The drinks list includes well sourced, often natural, wine from old-world smaller producers, classic cocktails such as Negronis, Aperol Spritzes and New York Sours and craft beers like Anchor Steam from San Francisco, Little Creatures Pale Ale from Australia and, closer to home brews from Meantime and Truman’s.
Atop a spiral staircase lies a separate private dining room with seating for up to 35 making it ideal for private parties and supper clubs while on ground level, hip and knowledgeable front of house staff hailing from venues such as The Canton Arms and Peckham pop-up Frank’s Campari Bar, are eager to talk customers through the menu, and to make personalised recommendations from the wine and cocktail lists. Cheers!
69 Clapham Common South Side, SW4
