Abbie Schofield takes refuge from the city crowds and summer heat at a stylish bistro in the heart of London

Where is it?

It’s part of the Trafalgar St James, a luxurious hotel just off Trafalgar Square. It’s a bit of a sanctuary: once inside, you’d never know you were metres away from central London’s busiest attractions.

What is the place like?

Relaxed, plush and elegant with round red velvet booths, golden lighting and tropical foliage. It’s the sort of place you might nip in for a drink with a friend, get tempted by the menu and while away the evening trying every small plate and wine recommendation from the kind and knowledgeable staff.

What did you eat and drink?

I visit while the hotel has a limited edition menu in partnership with McLaren featuring dishes inspired by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's favourite food, plus speciality cocktails. I have to try the Podium Spritz, a refreshing combination of raspberry-infused Grey Goose, Italicus, limoncello and prosecco. While intrigued, for the rest of the evening we stick to Rockwell's classic all-day menu.

Like many restaurants these days, food at Rockwell is designed for sharing. Small plates range from high-quality classics like a caprese with buffalo mozzarella and heritage tomatoes, to a beautifully presented fried potato terrine with wafer-thin crispy golden layers and a slow-roasted shallot aioli.

What makes Rockwell’s menu unique is a whole section dedicated to Trenchmore wagyu beef: slow-grown, grass-fed beef from a family-run farm in Sussex. The mini wagyu smashed slider has a Spanish twist thanks to chorizo and melted Manchego, plus a surprising hit of sweet mango, while the tender marbled wagyu bavette steak is served with an oyster mushroom sauce, rocket and roasted garlic.

As a wine bar, Rockwell’s collection is unsurprisingly excellent. Our server creates thoughtful pairings with our food, and we try everything from a smooth chardonnay with our Mediterranean small plates to a syrupy moscato with dessert.

Rather than a traditional pudding, our waiter suggests trying the avocado, watermelon, pineapple and cucumber ceviche, drizzled with chilli and lime with a scattering of spring onions for extra punch. It's a refreshing palate cleanser, and shows how well the Rockwell menu can mix and match lots of different flavours while still working in delicious harmony.

That said, we’re still keen for a sweet treat: the tropical coconut and mango panna cotta rounds off the summer evening perfectly.

Your verdict?

A very handy establishment to have on your central London 'I know a place' roster. Go for the wine, stay for the nibbles and serene atmosphere.