If you’ve heard of Pergola before then you’ll probably know how much they love a photogenic rooftop venue. And to take a carpark and turn it into a beautiful venue takes some skill and determination . It’s sister site Pergola Paddington has been around for over a year – A rooftop venue with four restaurants, set over two floors and seasonally decorated. Now Pergola Olympia has joined the family in a rooftop carpark in , you guessed it, Olympia.
Having opened on 27th September, boasting beautiful botanical decorations and 3 restaurants ;
- Claw – Selling crab and lobster rolls, a fish finger ‘sando’ and Cajun fries etc.
- Passo– Offering Italian pizza and ‘fried things’ including ‘Nutella filled gnocchi’
- Patty & Bun – The burger maestro’s
None of which are particularly vegan friendly unfortunately. This seems like a missed opportunity as I know that Pergola in Paddington has at-least one vegan option and lots of veggie options that seem like they could easily be made vegan. There are plenty of veggie options at-least and I love the multi-restaurant ‘formula’ so that if you’re in a group, people can choose what they want without compromises. Usually anyway!
But lets get into the Pergola Olympia ‘review’ ;
So Rhys and I decided to pop over on Sunday 30th, just after opening time , to avoid crowds. – Mission successful!
BUT – and that’s a big but – You know how there are some places that just make more sense at certain times of the day/week ? Well this definitely felt like that- let me explain though;
When we got to the carpark there was a fancy red rope lined queue section. We walked up to a security person who asked us if we’d made a reservation ( we hadn’t). After being let through we could hear him radioing up to someone ‘ one male, one female – coming up the stairs’ …. very FBI!
When we got up to the rooftop a second security person at the door asked us if we had a reservation. He then asked us if we’d walked through the front door because we didn’t have wristbands … Now I’m not sure if there IS a back door or something, because the front door seemed like the only option to us. He let us in though where the reception asked us , again, if we had a reservation…
I mean, who was that first guy talking to when he warned them of our arrival?!
Now I didn’t mind this – just being thorough and all – but it felt a tad OTT for a Sunday early afternoon, where 90% of the people there were families with children. Especially as there were multiple security personnel standing around and patrolling the area. Now I’m not sure if this is just a ‘me’ thing but there’s something quite unsettling about a burly, arms-crossed security personnel watching over you from the corner of the room.
We had someone come around later on with our wristbands. Unfortunately this was about ten minutes before we were leaving though and when we ran into security on the staircase on our way out, they took them off us again.
Pergola Olympia is decorated beautifully – A green botanical getaway that has a sense of calm to it. Which, along-with the skyline views, all instilled a sense of calm within. It’s various booths and table sizes seem like an invitation to invite a big ground of friends and while away some time together.
Side note* – I went onto their social media recently and saw that they are now advertising their Sundays as the family friendly days. Offering cocktails, newpapers and adult board games for adults. Sunday Scrabble anyone?
In terms of the food- We’d both looked at the menu for all three restaurants and wanted items from Passo. I mean I’d actually gotten the idea to visit the venue after seeing the Nutella gnocchi advertised online.
Guess what though – the Passo kitchen was EMPTY!
There was no mention of them being closed on Pergola’s social media or website but I overhead someone else ask a front of house staff member, who said they’d possibly be open the next day. Huge disappointment!
So Rhys and I both chose to get Burgers from patty & bun:
Rhys got the ‘ARI GOLD’, a cheeseburger with cheese, lettuce, Tomato, Pickled Onions, Ketchup, Smokey P&B Mayo, Brioche. for £8.75
And I got the veggie option the Portobello ‘Dig it’ mushroom burger with a mushroom fritter, Garlic Parsley Butter, Cheese Sauce, Coleslaw, Lettuce, Tarragon Mayo in a brioche bun for £8.50
Plus some Rosemary salted fries for £3
Now the prices are fairly typical for the area – ‘overpriced but not unexpected’ as I say. I’m not really an ‘eat a burger in public’ kinda gal because I find them SO messy but this was delicious! – The mushroom fritter was perfectly juicy and the butter, cheese and coleslaw all worked together for optimal ‘creamy-ness’.
Plus, I could eat those fries for breakfast, lunch and dinner they were so good! Perfectly seasoned and super more-ish!
Final thoughts;
Now I didn’t tell you our story to dissuade you from trying Pergola Olympia. Weird security power tripping stuff aside – I think we were just there at the wrong time, while the location was still going through some ‘teething’ issues. Be there on a Saturday night and I’m sure it’s a COMPLETELY different vibe. Plus all the security would make sense in a night-time venue. I’d like to think that with all the teething problems over and a large group of friends, this could be a super chilled way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Plus we all know I’m SO heading back there to try out those Nutella gnocchi! So I’ll keep you updated on the situation! … I’ll definitely be contacting them in advance next time to make sure it’s available too!
Side note: Venue’s should definitely make people aware on social media if certain things aren’t available though!
The resident grump Rhys’s Thoughts: –
- – Why the heck was getting in like trying to get a meeting with the president?!
- – I had a better burger yesterday that was cheaper and way closer to home.
- – Well, I only wish that Passo had been open so that we don’t have to come here again…
…I really think the security situation got him! For ten minutes after we left he ranted and raved about it and unfortunately, I couldn’t fully disagree. To be perfectly honest it was entirely odd and for someone with social anxiety like me – felt super uncomfortable!
Here’s hoping that they get all the ‘teething problems’ solved as soon as possible because no-one likes a seemingly pretentious venue when they just want to chill and enjoy some good food and drink.
To visit Pergola Olympia:
Level Five Rooftop Olympia Car Park, Olympia Way, London , W14 8UX
pergolalondon.com
So, If you’ve visited – How was it?! I’d love to hear your own experiences!
Till next time,
