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Pivot Bar & Bistro

Bistro, British·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Pivot Bar & Bistro

Bronze Award

Unless someone has specifically told you in hushed tones to head to the first floor of 3 Henrietta Street, Pivot is likely to go under most people’s radar. But, then again, maybe that’s a good thing. The cosy, terracotta-walled restaurant probably couldn’t seat more than 30 people per sitting and overlooks Covent Garden’s piazza – we recommend requesting a window seat when booking. It’s Scottish chef Mark Greenaway’s debut London venture and, if you ask us, is all the more intriguing for being kept a secret for as long as it can.  

The menu options are two-fold, four or six-courses, both of which pivot (get it?) every month in line with what’s in season, so don’t get too attached to anything you eat here. This is fine dining, yes, but stifled and restrained it most certainly is not. Greenaway successfully injects every course with frivolity and theatre so that mushrooms on toast is, of course, not simply mushrooms on toast.  

We watched with apprehension as our waiters carried a whole mushroom ‘tree’ to the table, complete with scissors and tweezers to trim the mushroom 'branches’ from the forest-like growth. Paired with truffle butter and crisp sourdough, the starter was a build-your-own situation and a jolly good time. 

Of our remaining courses, lobster and halibut with seaweed and a creamy lobster bisque stood out, combining succulently soft textures and subtle flavours to create an understated (in a good way) main.  

Greenaway’s skill with desserts was emblematised in the sweet course titled ‘Chocolate’, of which various carefully-placed splodges of mousse, kumquat jam and, yes, chocolate sit beneath a sesame brittle halo. It was a marvel to look at and not too sweet, although we could be really pedantic and say there were a few too many flavours competing on one plate. 

We do regret not trying the Waffle Sandwich, a wistful dessert filled with bramble ice cream and rice crispies, but there’ll be a whole new menu again next month. We’ll just have to come back. 

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Bistro, British
Ambience
Cosy, Traditional
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Dates, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Pivot is a British bar and bistro from chef Mark Greenaway spanning two floors of 3 Henrietta Street, a refurbished five-floor townhouse in Covent Garden which also houses casual all-day cafe Lilly’s and basement Tiki bar El Ta’koy. Greenaway has already established himself as one of Scotland’s most highly-regarded chefs with his restaurant Grazing in Edinburgh, but this is his first London venture, with his menus here honing in on high-quality and seasonal produce.

On the first floor, Pivot Bistro serves homely gourmet dishes from an all-day a la carte menu. Guests can expect to dine on staunchly British classics, from pork crackling crisps and a Scotch egg to start, to Cumberland sausages with bubble and squeak and caramelised onion gravy, and roasted ham with eggs, potatoes and mustard. There's also a dedicated section of the menu devoted to 'warm stottie bread' which can be ordered alongside a range of dips, such as English pea hummus and beef fat gravy. On Sunday, Pivot also serves up a cracking roast dinner of between one and three courses, with the main event featuring the likes of roast beef, chicken or wild mushrooms on toast with Yorkshires and all the trimmings.

The ground floor houses Pivot bar, a relaxed café and bar serving tasty food with award-winning coffee from The Gentlemen Baristas, as well as a quality range of beer, wine and cocktails. The food menu also features traditional breakfast and brunch options, like bubble and squeak with a fried egg, as well as sandwiches, salads, pies and bar snacks for more casual dining throughout the day. While later on the cafe transitions into a cosy bar area where guests can enjoy a drink along with a few British sharing plates. Don't miss its 2-4-1 happy hour deal from Monday to Thursday, 12-5pm. 

 

 


FAQs

Can you book?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended, but the restaurant does leave some space for walk-ins.

Helpful? 0

What is the menu like?

The a la carte menu offers a range of traditional British classics, from sausages and mash to fish and chips.

Helpful? 0

Who is the chef?

Scottish chef Mark Greenaway heads up the kitchen here and Pivot is his first London venture.

Helpful? 0
Meet the team
Pivot Bar & Bistro

Mark Greenaway

Head chef

Chef Mark Greenaway is an award-winning chef with multiple restaurants across the UK. Originally hailing from Scotland, Mark finds his inspiration from seasonal Scottish ingredients which he elevates using modern techniques. In 2013, he opened his first eponymous restaurant in Edinburgh, Restaurant Mark Greenaway, before going on to launch Grazing by Mark Greenaway later in 2019, which focuses on relaxed dining using local Scottish produce. 

Pivot is Mark's first London venture which can be found in the charming townhouse 3 Henrietta Street in the heart of Covent Garden. Here, Mark offers a contemporary take on classic British dishes via his all-day menu. The Scottish chef has also made appearances on Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen Live and Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, and is the author of cookbook 'Perceptions: Recipes from Restaurant Mark Greenaway.’ 


This venue also offers

El Ta'koy
Restaurant

El Ta'koy

3 Henrietta Street
Private Group Dining

3 Henrietta Street

Doughnation Pizza
Restaurant

Doughnation Pizza

3 Henrietta Street
Christmas Parties

3 Henrietta Street

Location

3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8LU

020 3325 5275 020 3325 5275

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 08:00-11:30
Tue 08:00-11:30
Wed 08:00-11:30
Thu 08:00-11:30
Fri 08:00-11:30
Sat 08:00-11:30
Sun 08:00-11:30
All day
Mon 08:00-23:00
Tue 08:00-23:00
Wed 08:00-23:00
Thu 08:00-23:00
Fri 08:00-23:00
Sat 08:00-23:00
Sun 08:00-23:00

Reviews

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7 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Christine M

01 February 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Simple and Classic

I liked it immediately.  I chose it based on the restaurants I had been to a number of years ago in Covent Garden for the decor and the fact that it is clearly a quieter place to eat.  It was very easy to find.  I enjoyed the presentation of the food and the Pre-theatre menu was simple and well presented.  My friend said his chicken dish was dry, but the fish and the sauce were good.  The Portugeuse white wine was very reasonably priced and went well with the food.  

I will  certainly be returning to this classic spot which had a an excellent view of the Actors Church 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anon

20 May 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

Paul D

08 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 5

jessica H

02 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Great location and scrummy gourmet classics.  

Anon

31 December 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
One of the most exciting menus I’ve ever experienced

By far the most exciting menu I’ve come across - I’m so glad I got to try their December menu just in time! The ‘mushroom on toast’ was absolutely wonderful but every course was cooked perfectly, with a great wine selection. The restaurant itself had a fun and intimate yet understated ambience and it was a pleasant surprise to watch the chef himself in action from our table. We were sat in a perfect spot with a view across Covent Garden dressed in all its Christmas lights. I look forward to seeing what they create next at Pivot. I must also add that the service by everyone was incredible throughout our experience - a special thank you to Abbie and the chef for being so accommodating.

Anon

27 November 2021  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
LOVED IT

Wow is all I can say. Each course and wine were amazing. Mushrooms and Haggis were favourites and have left us excited for the next menu!

Anon

26 November 2021  
Food & Drink 1.5
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 0.5
Value 1
Way to expensive for a pretentious mondern pub

As you think you have found a London hidden gem you get dazzled by too much light; cheap chairs and a radio rock music in the background. After realising there is no way out of this place for less than £100 per head, you hope the food would lift you mood up. But then at the end of the 4th meal, it's time to admit, let's go to Shake Shake across the street to save the night ! 

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