Review of 'Circus'

First thing I have to admit is that I visited having a free (yes, free) brunch offer that I came across as a subscriber to the local Covent Garden mailing list. The offer (believe it or not) was for a free Bloody Mary (on the menu for £8.50) and any item from the brunch menu (which they offer on the weekends).

We had some problems finding the restaurant as all that is visible from the street is two big black metal doors with a small sign inside the door frame. It is easy enough to miss. Inside is a completely different ball game with a delightfully modern take on things with a long table seating about 30 central in the room beside the open window into the kitchen with a number of smaller tables scattered throughout. Even though it was the weekend, because of the special offer, things were quite busy indeed (but they were not, it has to be said, full). The staff were dressed informally and it was often difficult to get anyone to serve us but they did eventually take our order and deliver the food (about 30 minutes between the two). The brunch menu had a good selection of items including various omlettes as well as a hamburger, pancakes (savoury and sweet – these are the American style), soft tacos (both seafood tempura and rib beef) and a number of other, oddly eclectic items. I had the seafood soft taco (on the menu for £8.95) which was very good indeed (sadly, missing the guacamole that was promised on the menu) with the batter, though looking heavy, surprisingly light and a generous portion of seafood as well. My companion had a omlette that was quite large and perfectly made (fluffy and very light).

The Bloody Mary's, by the way, were very good indeed, if a bit spicy. Admittedly, we had the “virgin” version but if you do drink they offer this drink with different alcohols – Vodka, rum or tequila.

We have both agreed that we will have to return to sample the evening menu to explore the other delights we spotted on the menu despite the fact that the food is not exactly cheap.

Circus bills itself as a “combination of West End cocktail bar and London cabaret restaurant” and this is very much in evidence even during brunch with the circus rings above the main long table and the circus mirrors in and around the toilets. Evidently they have performers walking around the restaurant in the evenings (we only saw a mime working at the door and a card magician).

A good lot of fun if you are interested in very good food and a bit of light entertainment on the side.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2010-06-09


Cuisine: American/British

Address: 27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London ENGLAND WC2H 9BA

Public Transport: TUBE Covent Garden

Location: London (England) - Covent Garden

Map:

 

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Telephone: +44 (0)20 7420 9300

URL: http://www.circus-london.co.uk/