1 Garrick Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 9BF
0872 148 4065
The ViewLondon Review
Consistently busy come rain or shine, The Roundhouse is one of Covent Garden’s best loved pubs.The VenueIf you want to visit a traditional English pub in the heart of Covent Garden then the Roundhouse is the place for you. Ideally situated on the corner of Garrick Street and New Row, The Roundhouse has a nicely roped off seating area for outside drinkers, or anyone wanting an illicit cigarette or two.
Inside, you’ll notice several old prints and sepia photographs of historical figures rubbing shoulders with a large state of the art plasma screen showing live sporting events. There are several high stools and tables with the usual seating at the bar but there isn’t much in the way of dining tables or individual booths.
The AtmosphereThe Roundhouse has a nice, friendly atmosphere, mainly frequented by office workers setting up meetings on their laptops over a swift half or two. This is not the place to go if you want privacy but it’s ideal for a social drink with workmates or friends after a busy day at the office or for chilling out at the weekend.
The FoodIf you’re feeling peckish there is the usual pub grub available including sandwiches, jacket potatoes and burgers. There’s a small selection of starters, some available as sharers. Vegetarians will be pleased to note the varied menu including several veggie starters and some interesting main courses, all reasonably priced. Also keep an eye on the tempting puddings, with a low fat option for a guilt free treat!
The DrinkThere’s an extensive wine and Champagne list, not quite what you might initially expect for a pub of this style. You can pick up a bottle of Lanson Black Label for £31.95 or a very nice Verve Cliquot for £45.00. The wines are also reasonably priced at £12.15 for a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio or £15.90 for a Chablis Ropiteau, Burgundy. If you’re a fan of the reds you might prefer an Argentinian Otra Vida Melbec for £13.10 a bottle or a Mirassou Pinot Noir from California for £15.75 a bottle.
There is also a varied choice of beers and, in particular, ales. Expect to see a choice of Kronenbourg Cold Premier, Becks Vier, John Smiths, Guinness, LondonPride, Spitfire and Greene King IPA all on draught. For bottled beers you have a selection of Peroni, Becks and Corona or a refreshing Bulmers Cider. At the weekend you can order a full English breakfast, including tea or coffee any time between 9am and 12 midday, all for £4.99.
The Last WordThe Roundhouse is a friendly, old fashioned London pub that isn’t at all flashy or pretentious. If you’re looking for a pleasant drink in a lovely part of London then you’ve come to the right place.