Poised on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Sqaure is elegant rooftop bar and restaurant Aviary…
To get to Aviary you are whisked up in a lift where you are greeted by a sophisticated space with rolling views over the city. As we visit on a cool Autumnal evening thousands of light blink and move below, reminding us the city is very much alive and only adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant.
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The 6,000 square foot area is highlighted by a sleek central bar which divides the restaurant from the bar lounge. The decor is opulant and vibrant – a mix of plush seating, geometrically patterned furniture and hanging planters jutting from the ceiling. Glass doors lead to the large outdoor terrace complete with panoramic views and heaters and blankets for when the weather turns chilly. It’s cosy, intimate and interesting, a location which can cater as much for a date night as it can for the after work crowd.
The menu is priced at a more premium level, but it’s nice to see the dishes haven’t taken the same stance. Plates are generously portioned and the offerings aren’t overly fussy or complicated. Starters waver from pressed ham hock terrine to a delicious spring pea soup with goats cheese and mind and everything is elegantly presented with well balanced flavours. Mains are where Aviary really come to play and their flat iron steak with thrice cooked chips is a force to be reckoned with. Their roasted chicken supreme is accompanied by smoked ricotta gnocchi, their confit duck leg with pink fir potato and their grilled prawn linguini with rocket and pine nut pesto. Aviary marry together flavours and ingredients you might not have tried before and they do it really well. There are chances to be teased from your comfort zone, but not uncomfortably so.
Don’t miss: Festive igloos are heading to rooftop bar and restaurant Aviary“Festive igloos are heading to rooftop bar and restaurant Aviary” is locked
Their dessert menu, again, is impressive. We’d recommend the chocolate and caramel fondant with a milk chocolate ice cream (divine!) but thh strawberry cheesecake comes a very close second. If you’re not a sweet tooth they offer a British and European cheese board which does not disappoint and comes with crisp bread and fruit chutney.
After dinner, retire to the rooftop bar to curl in a blanket with a cocktail in hand. Their range of beautifully crafted cocktails are categorised into ‘floral and elegant’, ‘tricks and treats’, ‘coppers and sharing pineapples’ and ‘deep and dirty,’ each offering something for a different palette. They take ordinary tipples and turn them on their head – a splash of honey here and there, dashes of lavender bitters, limes and cucumber. Strong botanical influences are used in a fresh and innovative way and they are presented in stylish copper tankards. A comprehensive wine and beer list is also available if you fancy something a little less complex.
No matter the day of the week, head to Aviary for a night out you won’t regret. From the views, to the food, to the ambience, each aspect is thought of and the only thing you’ll ask yourself is how soon you can go back.
Aviary London
Montcalm Royal London House
22-25 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1DX
