The Voodoo Rooms

The 2012/13 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2013 edition.

When the Voodoo Rooms opened above the Café Royal in 2007, the lavish fin-de-siècle interior was given a full-throttle and sexy makeover, befitting its purpose as live entertainment venue and edgy cocktail bar. The black leather booths, even blacker walls and gold-painted ornate cornicing may not appeal to the more architecturally conservative, but they work well with the original interior in creating a decidedly decadent ambience. The restaurant itself occupies a smaller and more intimate space adjoining the bar and serves up a mix of contemporary and classic pub staples. Sharing platters, haggis spring rolls and chorizo and prawn skewers are all solid enough starters. Likewise the mains, which feature burgers, steaks and fish and chips, are similarly hearty and of a decent standard. If being picky, you might point out that the food is a little out of sync with the more aspirational drinks offerings (stylish cocktails and long lists of speciality rums and tequilas), but it will certainly satisfy many and set you up for a night on the tiles.

• High point: Stunning building, crafty cocktails and entertainment galore
• Low point: The environs might excite more than the menu

5. king-salami – 8 Jan 2010, 4:14pm The Voodoo Rooms Report

We popped in for Friday lunch and had the duck stir fry (very tasty) and the breakfast fry-up (which was a huge plateful, and tasty) in the bar. It wasn't very busy (it is January) but service and atmosphere were good. The food was great value. I'd recommend it and intend to return at some point for an evening visit to check it out at night.

Shame about the scaffolding - it ruins the view...

4. Rulou – 16 Jun 2009, 10:09pm The Voodoo Rooms Report

Fabulous setting, but unfortunately the distinctly mediocre food does not live up to the splendid decor.

3. Rulou – 16 Jun 2009, 10:07pm The Voodoo Rooms Report

Fabulous setting, but, unfortunately the distinctly mediocre food does not live up to the splendid decor.

2. frank_s – 18 May 2009, 2:08pm The Voodoo Rooms Report

Had a great meal here on Friday night... it was busy but not too busy. The food was surprisingly good (especially the surf n turf), the staff helpful and the drinks excellent.

A very pleasant night - try the "Purple Rose of Tokyo" or "Choco Pops" if you like cocktails..

1. Shawn – 18 Feb 2009, 2:46pm The Voodoo Rooms Report

I've been to the Voodoo Rooms a few times for nights out and so was looking forward to finally eating here too. The place really lived up to my expectations, the great decor and atmosphere, good service, all be it on a quiet tuesday night, lovely cocktails and good food, my burger being cooked just right. When i was struggling to make my mind up on the choice of dessert, the friendly waitress recommended the sticky toffee pudding, which was a great tip, as it turned out to be one of the best i'd ever had.