So London is slowly opening up more and more. And so is my mind as I tentatively adjust to the new normal. It’s still pretty quiet around Covent Garden, a reminder of how many people visit London from all over the world and just can’t be here. Well, I can’t travel abroad either under current restrictions so I’m making the most of my home town. Nothing wrong with that. And today I’m even going out at night…seriously haven’t done that for a long time and it did feel a little strange to be leaving the house. Strange how conditioned we’ve become to staying at home. Anyway, I did it and headed in for a night of live entertainment and dinner at Circus in Covent Garden. You heard right, live entertainment…oh the excitement.
Circus describes itself as a unique and quirky cabaret restaurant and cocktail bar. The room is dominated by a long white marble table (the stage table) in the centre which is where the astonishing circus acts appear. Aerialists, contortionists, hand balancers, fire breathers – all sorts of capers that will make you gasp. The Pan-Asian menu is designed for sharing and is served between performances – said white marble table is also home to diners, so staff have to clear everything off every time an act comes on. It’s all done like clockwork, so smoothly you hardly notice. Circus has a great feel to it, with its flashing lights and atmospheric smokiness and a great air of anticipation for what’s going to unfold through the night.
What’s on the menu
A glass of prosecco is delivered promptly to get you settled. Followed by tasty crackers and nori with sweet chilli sauce and a bowl of edamame beans with sea salt and soy mirin. The perfect start.
Dishes from the Small section arrive next. Starting with a delicious selection of dumplings. Corn-fed chicken and spring onion gyoza; duck, plum hoi sin gyoza and summer vegetable gyoza served with a lemon ponzu, chilli oil and pickled cucumber sauce. What dumplings! Beautifully soft and light with fabulous fillings. And that dipping sauce – so fresh and citrussy.
Also in this section some of the best squid I’ve ever eaten. Smoked salt, chilli pepper squid served with a coriander, yuzu and mirin dip. The squid was cut into bite-sized pieces and was so tender, tasty and crunchy. Squid heaven.
Time for some large dishes. A creamy sunflower seed and chicken yellow curry full of baby corn, cherry tomatoes, long aubergines and sweet basil. Served with jasmine rice and nori seasoning. Loving a bit of a taste of Thailand.
Sweet miso salmon came with charred lime and pickled radish. Perfectly cooked soft fish with a savoury miso glaze. A real winner for salmon lovers.
A second side of truffle and sesame green beans. What a tasty combination.
After a bit of a break for another mesmerising act, it’s time for pudding. Chilli chocolate fondant with caramel chilli and vegan raspberry gelato. Rich chocolate-ness and the refreshing bite of raspberry.
It’s hard to capture the excitement and wow factor of the performers in pictures but here’s an idea of what to expect. Balancing on the smallest of bases…
An impressive display of breathing fire…
Ballet on a glitterball.
What a great night out. There’s so much energy at Circus you leave feeling totally uplifted and bubbling over with happiness. And the food’s really good too. Bearing in mind Covid protocols there’s mask wearing by all the staff and social distancing, too. For all that it feels like some kind of normal night out – I’d forgotten how great live entertainment is.
Circus is open Tuesday to Sunday nights.
Today’s price point
The tasting menu to share is £65 per head – there is also a vegan option available.
There’s a £10 supplement per person if you want to dine at the stage table.
Both red and white wine start from £29 a bottle.
Circus is at 27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden WC2
