Circus Review

Roll up, roll up! The Circus has arrived in Covent Garden. But you can forget any preconceived notions of gaudy costumes, dancing elephants and large men in top hats - this is out-and-out glamour all the way.

Arriving at Circus, I immediately had that nice, smug sensation of ‘invite-only’ – in fact, the whole place is very much like a private members’ club. The entrance is very discreet. So discreet, in fact, that we walked straight past the dark, unmarked doors. Walking down the long, mirrored corridor to be greeted by the über-glam hostesses, I got the impression the venue is going for a more East-London feel. It’s rather out of place in tourist-central Covent Garden (no bad thing – it’s about time ‘midtown’ developed some elegance).

The restaurant itself, a surreal Dali-esque oasis, is something else. That’s the beauty of London – just when you think every design concept has been exhausted, you find somewhere with hoops swinging mere feet above dining tables, a bespoke dancer’s pole, and giant silver goose feet on your table. And that’s why you come to Circus – if nothing else, come for the scenery.

It’s a real see and be seen venue. We obviously weren’t the only ones who thought so, as certain younger members of the royal family were dining that night at the spectacular feature table running right down the centre of the restaurant. This isn’t a place for wall-flowers, evidently.

It’s hard to concentrate on the food when there are fire-eating ballerinas and scantily clad beauties whose antics on the suspended hoop would’ve made Houdini blush, but the allure of former Gaucho chef Nik Biok’s dishes means I was torn between admiring what is on the plate and admiring who was on the dancer’s pole. It’s a close run thing, because although the US-inspired food is bursting with flavour and the presentation is fabulous – exactly what you would expect from a venue that is all about appearances – it’s not faultless.

The pulled pork starter with potato latkes was especially tasty, although a little sparse, while the tuna and salmon tartare, although fresh-tasting, did not really have much to say for itself. However, the jambalaya more than made up for its weak predecessors – it was punchy, zingy and had a very healthy amount and variety of fish in it. It also had the bizarre addition of pumpkin seeds and tinned sweet-corn. Overall though it was spicy and full-bodied, and rather overshadowed my companion’s steak which had been heavily doused in garlic. Good for your heart, not so much for your date.

The brownie and ice-cream dessert wasn’t as sticky or as indulgent as I would’ve liked, but the 3 milk ice-cream that accompanied it was light, refreshing and just creamy enough to feel like you were doing something sinful.

All in all, with jaw-dropping entertainment, harlequin finery, and a fantastical cocktail list, the glamour set are fast sinking their claws into this venue. Circus has all the makings of a hot west-end classic. ...read more

Circus Description

Set in Covent Garden at the heart of London's Theatreland, Circus is an innovative combination of a Pan Asian restaurant and a West End cocktail bar. Diners are also entertained by the added bonus of quirky yet glamourous bursts of cabaret performance. These perfectly complement the stylish and surreal interior, created by British designer Tom Dixon. Meanwhile in the kitchen, Circus have launched a brand new and much anticipated Pan Asian menu, created by the highly revered chef Andrew Lassetter. The menu at Circus includes gems such as 'Tempura Soft Shell Crab with Green Chilli Aioli', 'Baked Barramundi Parcel with Asparagus, Coriander, Lime Leaf and Lemongrass' and 'Red Pepper Lamb Chops with Chilli and Honey'. The established cocktail bar team, shake and stir an amazing selection of cocktails; a favourite is the Circus Princess, made with Hendrick’s Gin, mint, cucumber, jasmine tea & elderflower cordial! Circus is open for dinner, drinking and dancing until late. Please note that guests must be over 21 years old. Dress code is smart casual/dressy. If you are looking for an event space, Circus can cater for maximum capacity of 300 with a license until 2am....read more

Customer Reviews for Circus

Average (based on 4 votes): 4 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Circus.

“My friend and I went along pre theatre for drinks, the venue is fantastic and the staff divine. Having been to many restuarants/bar's all over London, it was definatley one of the best. I will be trying it again on an evening and for dinner next time.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Kirat, Highgate (2 years 2 months 9 days ago)

“Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Cannot wait to go back. Fantastic venue. Fantastic atmosphere!!!”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Mick, London (2 years 3 months 10 days ago)

“Went to Circus last weekend to check out all the Hype... And have decided it is definitely worthy of it. Not only did I have a great meal but we got dancers and trapeze acts the lot it was fantastic. We tried a number of the cocktails which were amazing to start and the food was truly melt in your mouth. I went for the Steak but would have happily engulfed the whole menu. The staff are lovely the atmosphere was alive and we ended up spending the whole evening there. On top of it all I thought it was all very reasonably priced. I will of course be returning to Circus as soon as I can get me and all my friends booked in next. I would definitely recommend it.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Jess Johensen, London (2 years 3 months 10 days ago)

Show all user reviews for Circus

Circus Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Pan Asian
• Average Price: £50.00
• Dress Code: Smart Casual / Dressy
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)