The Rookery — Restaurant in London

I visited the Rookery on Friday with my friends for a few drinks, having had a great experience there the week before. Unfortunately, this week was polar opposite.

It started off when I ordered a pint of Estrella, which tastes off (whether it was bottom barrel or something else, I don’t know). I calmly and quietly let the bar staff know, as to not cause a scene. I was then interrupted by the Manager/Owner who downright refused there was anything wrong with the pint. Instead, he told me it was probably something i’ve eaten which is conflicting my pallet.

Begrudgingly he poured another pint of Estrella which tasted the same. I was accused of making the whole thing up, yet he refused to try the drink for himself to prove otherwise; stating he’s too busy and doesn’t have time to talk to me. A pint of Peroni was poured for me in the end, not before the Peroni was poured in a shot glass, because incase “I didn’t like it”. I have never faced so much disrespect from such an arrogant and rude individual.

Fast forward 1-2 hours, and he kicked off at my friend because he kindly helped bring some empty pint glasses inside, stating he has no right to help him, and that his help is futile because he did not wash the glasses.

I can honestly say, we will not be visiting this establishment again whilst this individual is still there, and I will be sharing this experience with my wider circle. Absolutely disgusted...

The Rookery is Clapham Common’s newest jewel; a bar that knows exactly what it wants to be and pulls it off in grand style.

Situated on the leafy south side, its diminutive looks from the outside betray a large, long expanse once through the door. Owner Mark Angell, one of the nicest, most genuine blokes I’ve ever met, speaks of wanting to create a ‘Lower East Side New York’ feel; a fairly specific ambition, but one which, through subtly exposed cabling, hanging lightbulbs and stripped floorboards, works an absolute treat.

This is the sort of hangout you’d expect to see Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman planning a heist with Goodfellas’ Jimmy The Gent. With a Lalo Schifrin soundtrack.Yes, it’s THAT cool. But somehow nothing about it feels false or contrived. The Rookery is not somewhere you pay through the nose to ‘be seen’ in; it is a place of opulence and class where detail, passion and quality are the critical ingredients.

Staff are friendly and knowledgeable without being overbearing, drinks are superbly judged (Anchor Steam on draught! In the UK! Woohoo!), and from the moment I saw a couple at the bar sharing a gigantic pie in a lovely orange bowl, I knew exactly what we’d be eating. And by heavens, did it deliver. In short, I can’t wait to go back to The Rookery. And I’d strongly advise all you lovely GLPers to do the same, as a matter of urgency....

Yukky food and poor service. Went there for Sunday lunch just gone and ordered one each of the roasts. The yorkshire on my plate was completely burnt so I asked for a new one, the waiter told me they all come out looking like that but I insisted. He then WITH HIS HAND, took the burnt one off my plate and brought back a new not burnt one. The beef was tough, the chicken looked disgusting, anaemic and greasy and there were just 2 scrawny legs and no white meat. The pork belly was a bit burnt but tasted the best of the three. The vegetables consisted of an unidentifiable watery orange mash and a single spoon of cabbage. Really poor, not worth the £15-17 price range. However, we persevered to dessert (after taking a long time to get a waiters attention) and ordered the cheese and icecream. We received this, with no cutlery so we had to call the waiter over to ask for some. The cheese board was ok not the best (not worth £9) but passable. The icecream...oh dear, sorbet was of a consistency as if it had been thawed and re-frozen, the 'scoops' were tiny, more like a dessertspoon, the chocolate had already melted by the time it got to the table. It was served in a small water glass and I was given a serving spoon to eat it with. Honestly if this pub doesn't go out of business soon it will be a miracle, they have no idea what they are doing and we will not...