Rotunda Bar & Restaurant review

Kings Cross is in the middle of its ‘regeneration’ phase. Previously a decidedly unfashionable part of town, some of it now looks like – and is – a building site, other bits have been completed and provide a glimpse of what the future holds. You can tell it’s going to be uber chic; the streets are already filling up with corporate offices like The Guardian and cutting edge architects Aukett, Fitzroy & Robinson, not to mention a plethora of glass fronted modern apartment blocks popping up by the canal. King’s Place is one of the key new developments in the area.

The building itself won VisitLondon’s Business Venue of the Year last year and it is described as “a hub for music, art, dialogue and food” which also provides conferencing, events and office space and, of course, Rotunda. The restaurant is at the back of the development, but as you walk in, the floor to ceiling glass windows open out onto the canal-side providing a delightful surprise for visitors and chance to dine al fresco, weather permitting.

The private dining room is at the far end of the semicircular restaurant. It has its own floor to ceiling windows making the room feel bright and spacious and oversized glass doors which open onto the terrace meaning it is ideal for drinks, canapés, buffets and receptions. Although it was stunningly sunny during my visit, the outside could also be used in not such ideal weather conditions, being partially sheltered by an overhanging roof. The room itself seats 18 in a boardroom style but it’s a versatile space with a variety of room layouts available to suit a wide range of events including weddings and dinner parties. The dark wooden flooring and bare tables throughout the restaurant continue through to the Private Dining Room.

There are subtle quirky touches too; a colourful cow sculpture surrounded by images of Rotunda’s own farm on the wall, showcasing their ethos of honest, seasonal food. As well as beautiful artwork, enjoy the use of a built in 48” plasma with Apple TV and full AV connections, perfect for meetings and presentations and smoothly tucked away for dinners and parties.

And so it is with the Private Dining Room, a relaxed ambience is combined with a corporate-friendly fit out which would suit a business meeting, corporate dinner or afternoon tea before a show equally well.

Private dining menus from caterers Green & Fortune, who cater the whole venue, range from £35 to £55 per person for four course set menus. Beef and lamb come from their own farm in Northumberland which is then hung and butchered on site, giving the venue a big fat tick in the ‘provenance’ box.

For dining, there is no room hire, and the restaurant’s usual flower decorations are included, but there is a minimum spend which varies depending on the day you book.