Tasting the magic

18th July 2011, 2:51pm

The renowned Michel Roux Jnr is continuing to expand his fine dining portfolio with the launch of his latest new bar, Roux at the Pembury, in the heart of London's Westminster. Maria Bracken visited the new venture.

Named after Pembury in Kent, where Michel Roux Jnr was born, the new establishment offers a "homely and comfortable" setting for its guests.

Bar manager Abdulai Kpekawa, who has seven years of experience in the world of cocktail blending, says he wants anybody to come in, have a drink and feel at ease. "We have a lot of MP's who come in for meetings, however we are looking at broadening the spectrum.

"With the new design we want our guests to be able to come in and sit for a chat, come in to have a meeting or even come in for a family occasion."

He believes the new décor complements this "warm cosy" feel. Unique features include soft leather Chesterfield seats and a solid hardwood bar top.

He describes the restaurant on the ground floor, Roux at Parliament Square, as "top of the range" and says it's this kind of experience and service that he wants to provide.

In addition, Kpekawa and Roux Jnr have put their heads together to develop a three course cocktail menu which Kpekawa describes as "energetic and delightful".

Favourites include the 'Three Citrus Ricky' which consists of Ketel One Citreon, Fino Sherry, Yuzu, Lemon, Pineapple, Soda (£8) , followed by the signature 'Pembury Cup' – a blend of Pimm's No.1, Tanqueray Gin, watermelon, coriander, Champagne  (£9.25).

Kpekawa has also put his own twist on the Colonial Flip which features Wray & nephew, Guinness and Demerara syrup, cream, egg (£8.50).

Meanwhile the wine list, specially selected by Roux Jnr and his father Albert Roux, features white wines such as Chablis Saint Martin Dom Laroche 2009 (£7 glass) (£37 bottle), Domaine Gavoty, Cuvée Clarendon, Cotes de Provence, 2009 (£7 glass) (£35 bottle) rose wine and Château la Croix des Moines Lalande de Pomerol Bordeaux 2007 (£7 glass) (£44 bottle) red wine.

Kpekawa gives us a snapshot of what he has planned for the rest of the year: "Our drink menus are seasonal, therefore I'm going to look at introducing and experimenting with some chestnut flavours to coincide with Autumn. We will also be looking at changing our bar snacks."

Snacks on the menu include house cured Gravadlax and crème fraiche served on toasted multiseed bread, British and French artisan cheeseboard and pork scratchings blended with smoked paprika.

Michel Roux Jnr is very excited about the new concept: "With the launch of the bar we were keen to introduce a new drinks menu concept that reflects the influences of the main restaurant menu. Hence the three course cocktail menu and use of seasonal ingredients which we look forward to introducing to our guests, whether they are visiting for dinner, drinks or both."

Roux at the Pembury is part of Roux at Parliament Square operated by Michel Roux Jnr as well as Restaurant Associates. It is located in the surrounds of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is open from 12 noon to 11pm Monday to Friday.

Related Articles:

• 07 Apr 2011 - New bar manager at Roux at Parliament Square
• 04 Jun 2009 - Michel Roux wins legal battle
• 29 Apr 2009 - Michel Roux Jnr opens new venture in London