The Culpeper

I visited The Culpeper several years ago and had a great experience, so I was looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, this visit didn't live up to my expectations. The positives first: the service was excellent, as always. The rooftop terrace is a fantastic setting, our table was perfect, and the cocktails were genuinely excellent. My main disappointment was the food and its pricing. I don't mind paying premium prices for quality food, but the value simply wasn't there. Paying £7 for what was essentially five cherry tomatoes cut in half with a drizzle of olive oil felt excessive. Likewise, £10 for hummus served with just two small slices of bread was difficult to justify. The half chicken, although nicely cooked, was quite small and priced at £30. I understand the concept is based on sharing plates and tapas-style dining, but the portion sizes need to reflect the prices being charged. Between three of us, we had to order several dishes just to feel satisfied. In the end, we spent around £100 per person, yet left feeling that the food was poor value for money. One final point that seemed inconsistent: we were allowed to bring cocktails from the downstairs bar up to the terrace, but when we wanted coffee after the meal, we were told coffee couldn't be brought upstairs. That policy didn't really make sense. Overall, the staff deserve full credit—they were friendly, attentive, and professional throughout. Unfortunately, excellent service alone isn't enough to justify the food prices. There are many rooftop venues in London charging similar prices while offering much better value in terms of both quality and portion size. Sadly, I won't be returning.

a month ago · via Google

Some things could run smoother, but individual staff members make all the difference. Great rooftop restaurant (why only until 10 pm?) with beautiful food and enchanting service. Even though it is 'just' a pub hotel far from any standard hotel service, the hotel operation is truly unique. Location is very good, close to Aldgate East."

a month ago · via Google

Absolutely superb meal!! What a great restaurant! We weren't staying in the rooms. Three levels for food and drink: lower level (ground floor) pub - hugely popular; first floor (2nd floor for North Americans) lovely restaurant; and rooftop terrace - book in advance in good weather - hard to get in. Apparently also available for weddings and special events - would be a nice venue. OK - now to the meal: Panisse and the cheese croquettes were a delightful start to the meal. Monkfish a la Normande was wonderful. Have the bread with it to soak up the sauce and the remaining lentils. Creme brulee with rhubarb was lovely, as was the chocolate fondant! What a fantastic meal for our last night in London. Service and recommendations were spot on impeccable. Restaurant is nice, with tables well spaced. Short walk from Aldgate East tube stop. Worth the trip! Found it by accident, as it did not, unfortunately, come up in our Google searches for restaurants. Fine dining without the pretention. Beautifully prepared, wonderful food with interesting wine list.

2 months ago · via Google

Perfect place for lunch! Handy for Spitalfields and Shoreditch. We booked the rooftop and had a wonderful time. How lovely to look at the London skyline AND trees at the same time. Food (sharing plates) is delicious and tastes fresh and home-made (not to mention home-grown). We started with the home-made pickles and hummus, then ordered the half chicken, roasted leeks and pink fir potatoes. Which was plenty for two, but we couldn't resist sharing the Basque cheesecake with rhubarb and added a side of miso-caramel ice cream, both of which were memorably good. We drank an orange skin-contact wine by the carafe. Pick a decent day and book the rooftop at the Culpeper, I would highly recommend.

3 months ago · via Google