An imaginative and inspiring dining experience lies amid the hustle and bustle of Stratford at Circus Eats. The restaurant offers something different in every meal it presents, mixing Caribbean, Thai, Mediterranean, Eastern European and British food with modern twists.

The Venue
Located within one of the liveliest areas of up-and-coming Stratford, Circus Eats is within Theatre Square, where the old Theatre Royal, the new Odeon cinema and several new restaurant ventures make up a popular destination for locals and the working crowd.

The decor is modern through and through with floor to ceiling glass walls encasing a room splashed with whites, reds and oranges, and television sets hanging from the ceiling depicting soundless images of future theatre productions. On one side of the restaurant sits a striking corner bar and the remainder of the room is taken up by cafeteria-like long, shiny wood-effect tables with benches and some two- and four-seat tables by the window.

The Atmosphere
The fusion of old and new in the location is reflected in the atmosphere of the restaurant, with ultra-modern decor and an old-fashioned, sophisticated approach to service. Both informative and smiley staff and the smooth soul music playing create a comfortable, laid back environment. This venue can easily cater for a quiet meal for two, as well as a group of friends.

The Food
The menu changes every month at Circus Eats, ensuring both its ideas and food remain seasonal and fresh. Drawing on a wealth of different influences and representing the surrounding demographic in Stratford, it is possible for a couple to sit together while one has a Caribbean meal, and the other enjoys Polish fare. The quality of food and cooking are both consistent, whatever the origin of meal, as an abundance of colour on the plate. Three courses, with drinks, at Circus Eats costs around £20 per person.

The chicken suya starter is a very spicy chicken kebab, with a cold jollof salsa and fried plantain, and a treat for those who like their food hot, as the spice is provided by the Scotch Bonnet chilli pepper. The heat is cut with the tomato-based salsa and the pleasantly soft and absorbent sliced plantain – both making a colourful display. Also available on this menu is grilled sardines, which provide a startling contrast with its simplicity. On a bed of raw tomato and onions, with black lumpfish roe, the sardines are grilled to perfection, leaving the flesh soft and the skin crispy. The smoked duck pancakes are a pleasant surprise compared to what could be expected. The smoked duck breast is sliced and presented on two dry American-style cakes and surrounded by really fresh segments of tart orange and grapefruit that nicely complements the smokiness of the duck.

Making use of the local industry at its fingertips, Circus Eats offers a Billingsgate fish of the day from the East London wholesale fish market within its mains and several vegetarian options. Even the classic 6oz sirloin steak comes out with a flair; the steak – good quality meat and cooked perfectly – sits on rocket leaves and parmesan shavings and a fruity caramelised onion chutney, with flamboyant swirls of balsamic vinegar.

Desserts get the same Circus Eats treatment and there are four available, including a cheese platter. The White Chocolate Tower is circular thin white chocolate stacked between fresh and soft raspberries and strawberries and a thick Greek yoghurt mixed with small pieces of sweet milk chocolate. Pools of fresh raspberry and strawberry puree surround the creation.

The Drink
The drink menu is full to the brim, with bottled beers (Kronenbourg, Corona and Tiger from £3) and Stella on tap, spirits – including eight different types of rum – liqueurs and wine (from £13) on offer. The Argentinean red is not up to much, but the Rioja is as full bodied and fruity as it should be. Coffee and teas are also available.

The Last Word
Some may be overpowered by that raw enthusiasm comes through the interesting and sometimes baffling mixes of food on the plate, but Circus Eats is definitely a place to try. The restaurant offers the full package: good quality, value for money food, a great atmosphere and seamless service.

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