New Bar Spy -

Balls Brothers' new Canary Wharf venue offers an unpretentious bar and seasonal British food

What they say:

Those purveyors of British food Balls Brothers have added a tenth string to their bow: Rocket at Canary Wharf. Despite the very, very business surroundings, they promise not to be overly pretentious, instead offering a space that’s relaxed and professional. The venue is split between a lower floor bar, where cocktails reign supreme, and a restaurant upstairs, that boasts impressive views of the O2 Arena and West India Quay docks. Once those summer months come along, they’ve got an alfresco area to enjoy in both areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows if you want to enjoy the view without freezing in winter.

What we say:

Staying true to Balls Brothers style, Rocket offers a predominately British menu with a few European classics, created using seasonal, British ingredients. You can expect to find things like ham hock fritters, with mustard piccalilli and piquillo peppers or devilled chicken livers with toasted sour dough for starters, or beef short rib slow cooked in London Pride onion liquor, with skinny fries and celeriac remoulade for mains. There’s also salads and sandwiches for the busier and/or healthier worker. Meanwhile, the bar offers a diverse cocktail list, with the option for the bartenders to mix you up something that’s not on the menu, and an extensive wine list too.