Circus (Bar/Restaurant)
27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA (Map)
Cuisine: [Other/Unclassified]
Tel: 020 7420 9300
Email to Circus
Transport: Covent Garden
Circus London Review
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Roll up, roll up! The Circus has arrived in Covent Garden. But you can forget any preconceived notions of gaudy costumes, dancing elephants and large men in top hats - this is out-and-out glamour all the way.
Arriving at Circus, I immediately had that nice, smug sensation of ‘invite-only’ – in fact, the whole place is very much like a private members’ club. The entrance is very discreet. So discreet, in fact, that we walked straight past the dark, unmarked doors. Walking down the long, mirrored corridor to be greeted by the über-glam hostesses, I got the impression the venue is going for a more East-London feel. It’s rather out of place in tourist-central Covent Garden (no bad thing – it’s about time ‘midtown’ developed some elegance).
The restaurant itself, a surreal Dali-esque oasis, is something else. That’s the beauty of London – just when you think every design concept has been exhausted, you find somewhere with hoops swinging mere feet above dining tables, a bespoke dancer’s pole, and giant silver goose feet on your table. And that’s why you come to Circus – if nothing else, come for the scenery.
It’s a real see and be seen venue. We obviously weren’t the only ones who thought so, as certain younger members of the royal family were dining that night at the spectacular feature table running right down the centre of the restaurant. This isn’t a place for wall-flowers, evidently.
It’s hard to concentrate on the food when there are fire-eating ballerinas and scantily clad beauties whose antics on the suspended hoop would’ve made Houdini blush, but the allure of former Gaucho chef Nik Biok’s dishes means I was torn between admiring what is on the plate and admiring who was on the dancer’s pole. It’s a close run thing, because although the US-inspired food is bursting with flavour and the presentation is fabulous – exactly what you would expect from a venue that is all about appearances – it’s not faultless.
The pulled pork starter with potato latkes was especially tasty, although a little sparse, while the tuna and salmon tartare, although fresh-tasting, did not really have much to say for itself. However, the jambalaya more than made up for its weak predecessors – it was punchy, zingy and had a very healthy amount and variety of fish in it. It also had the bizarre addition of pumpkin seeds and tinned sweet-corn. Overall though it was spicy and full-bodied, and rather overshadowed my companion’s steak which had been heavily doused in garlic. Good for your heart, not so much for your date.
The brownie and ice-cream dessert wasn’t as sticky or as indulgent as I would’ve liked, but the 3 milk ice-cream that accompanied it was light, refreshing and just creamy enough to feel like you were doing something sinful.
All in all, with jaw-dropping entertainment, harlequin finery, and a fantastical cocktail list, the glamour set are fast sinking their claws into this venue. Circus has all the makings of a hot west-end classic.
Anastasia Hancock (10 02 2010)
Circus London Description
The surrealist interior of Circus has been devised by the award winning Tom Dixon, and the bespoke cocktails and punches by Worldwide Cocktail Club. Dick Bradsell is behind the bar and has amazing team.
There's music, there's entertainment, there's great food and drink....
If you are looking for an event space, Circus consists of three unique areas which can be booked separately for smaller groups or combined for one large party with a total capacity of 300 with a license until 2am.
Customer Reviews for Circus
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Circus.
“My friend and I went along pre theatre for drinks, the venue is fantastic and the staff divine. Having been to many restuarants/bar's all over London, it was definatley one of the best. I will be trying it again on an evening and for dinner next time.”
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Kirat, Highgate ( ago)
“Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Cannot wait to go back. Fantastic venue. Fantastic atmosphere!!!”
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Mick, London (1 months 1 days ago)
“Went to Circus last weekend to check out all the Hype... And have decided it is definitely worthy of it. Not only did I have a great meal but we got dancers and trapeze acts the lot it was fantastic. We tried a number of the cocktails which were amazing to start and the food was truly melt in your mouth. I went for the Steak but would have happily engulfed the whole menu. The staff are lovely the atmosphere was alive and we ended up spending the whole evening there. On top of it all I thought it was all very reasonably priced. I will of course be returning to Circus as soon as I can get me and all my friends booked in next. I would definitely recommend it.”
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Jess Johensen, London (1 months 1 days ago)
“Went to Circus at the weekend. Loved the attentive staff right from the moment of stepping over the threshold. Loved the venue. Thought the menu was a nice refreshing change. I had the langoustine which were delicious, and the schnitzl for main which was really disappointing. Burnt in some places and soggy in others it just wasn't cooked very well.
The floor show, which is obviously the main attraction for people to go here was also a bit lack lustre. Good when it happened but 3 short 5 minutes performances in nearly 3 hours in being there is scant to say the least. Felt a bit like we were being encouraged to stay longer and spend more money in the hope that there would be more entertainment. Wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend it. Sorry.”
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sally, london (1 months 1 days ago)
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