I’ve been walking past Rocket Bishopsgate and its…conspicuous Space Invaders mural for many a year now – and have wanted to drop in for drinks and a proper meal. Having recently had the chance to, I am glad that I did! Rocket is a very slick, very ‘city’ feeling lounge bar and pizza restaurant which likes to describe itself as ‘casual city dining’. I sense I am going to be using this word, ‘city’, quite a few times in this description – please forgive my transgressions.

So yeah, Rocket is full of suited ‘city types’ (we presume finance and/or law from neighbouring Bishopsgate?) and looks like what I’d imagine people in the early 80s thought bars in 2015 would look like. Wine bottles built into the wall, mmmhmmm. Situated on Bishopsgate adjacent to The Broadgate Tower, it’s within easy walking distance of Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street. What about food? They’re maybe best known for their stone fired pizza. On this subject, Rocket have taught me the that pulled pork topped pizzas should be a thing more often. See also their ‘famous Rare Beef & Chip Salad’ – which isn’t really famous (sorry) or a salad (BEEF) but tastes great all the same.

A little more about the Rocket chain then (oh, did I forget to mention that it’s a chain? Soz). There are 5 venues in total, others to be found in Canary Wharf, Bank, Holborn and one outside of London in Nottingham (at The Cornerhouse on Folman Street). Anyway, check out those (officially licensed legit) Space Invaders decals. I am not entirely sure what the tie in is, maybe ‘rocket’ and ‘space’? Despite the ‘city’ vibe – Rocket’s prices are quite reasonable. Most especially when it comes to their daily cocktail happy hour (between 5-7pm). They also have a smaller, occasionally private bar on the first floor (that’s the empty room with the sunglasses wearing dog FYI). It’s a very friendly place and I shall probably drop in again.

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