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Just underneath Waterloo but a million miles away in style
If the thought of slipping away from the heaving summer crowds at Waterloo station for a bit of enchanted escapism makes you mop your brow with anticipation, then we have just the thing. The Rosarium is a restaurant that has recently opened at The Sidings (just below train platforms 20–24).
The Labyrinth
Quite the subterranean fantasy land, The Rosarium is a dining destination that offers a rather playful twist on British classics, so it could also be a solid conversation-starter for visiting international guests. You’ll see what we mean when we get into the menu.
Inside the central glasshouse
Escape the everyday
Putting aside the smug feeling that you’ve sidestepped the commuter hustle and bustle that’s going on above you, The Rosarium is not just a relaxing haven but there’s a choice of (dog-friendly) dining spaces too.
At the 100-cover restaurant, you could start with a cocktail on the indoor terrace while dissecting the dramas of your day or in the central glasshouse that has a central feasting table for up to 20 guests. For a particularly special occasion or intimate gathering, tiptoe into The Rosarium’s secret garden (seating up to 32), a private space designed by Faber, to emulate a quintessential English garden from the Victorian era.
The Rosarium menu
The man behind the menu that spans lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts is Executive Chef Harvey Ayliffe, who was most recently Head Chef at 34 Mayfair and, before that, at Made in Chelsea favourite Bluebird Chelsea as well as garnering experience at other notable London restaurants.
Roast Scottish hake with butterbean, chorizo, piquillo pepper and aioli
At The Rosarium, Ayliffe’s doing cheeky riffs on British classics, so you could find yourself ordering a ‘Fish in a Chip’ – no typos, bear with us – served with tartare hollandaise and peas in a different take on your usual Friday night supper.
There are fun sharing platter ideas on the all-day menu - Angus Cote De Boeuf with chips and peppercorn sauce; Roast Scottish hake with butterbean, chorizo, piquillo pepper and aioli; Ale-braised beef mac with Montgomery Cheddar; and Potato dumplings with asparagus and summer girolles. And we like the sound of a great big bowl of Champagne trifle with raspberry and elderflower being planted in front of us, with a couple of spoons, assuming you need a friend to help you out with that.
Food is served until 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday, so it’s definitely one to remember when your next train out of Waterloo is cancelled or a strike throws your plans off course. Sharing a giant Sussex strawberry and cream sundae with two of your mates is a considerably more appealing prospect than throwing death stares at the delayed-train noticeboards.
All in all, this fantastical playground under the streets of London sounds like a welcome addition to this part of town.
Champagne trifle with raspberry and elderflower
More about The Rosarium at The Sidings
Where is it? Unit G8, The Sidings, Waterloo Station, London SE1 7BH
How to book: Book online.
Find out more: On their website or follow them on Instagram @rosariumlondon
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