This May, Rockwell will open its doors in the heart of London within The Trafalgar St. James, Trafalgar Square, taking inspiration from the 17th-18th century, an era which brought exotic fauna and travelling menageries to the streets of London.
The bar will evoke a sensory dream world, with herbaceous plants and vivid artwork capturing the strange and unfamiliar, inherent of that time.
Heading up the bar is Marco Ercolano (pictured), previously at The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz and Mr Fogg’s. His cocktail list draws influence from the arrival of exotic imports retrieved through culinary exploration alongside traditional English spirits.
A more classic British Boxwood will include London distilled gin and elderflower, whilst Fish in Flight will feature strawberry-infused whisky with citrus, apple and rhubarb. Fern’s Elixir will spotlight on English sparkling wine, whilst the Winged Fawn will include white port, Champagne and watermelon.
In addition to his alcoholic serves, Ercolano’s menu will feature mocktails and low ABV cocktails, each using produce sourced from 33 metres below the streets of Clapham, from Growing Underground.
To eat, the bar menu will draw on spices and ingredients from around the world, with dishes including marinated chicken skewers with lemon and herbs; and ceviche tacos with tuna & soy sauce, and salmon, ginger & avocado. Other highlights include a Welsh lamb, courgette & mint yoghurt flatbread; a mushroom, parmesan & rocket flatbread; and an array of brioche sliders.
Ercolano said, “Rockwell will indulge the escapist in all of us, transporting guests from the mayhem of central London to a sanctuary of surreal tropical flora and designs. The hotel and its surrounding area are so rich in history that we couldn’t help but be inspired to draw on British heritage when devising the menu too. The bar will be a plant-filled hideaway where guests can come to sip on botanical cocktails and escape reality with fantasy.”
