Review: Aviary’s oyster hour and new summer terrace serve glamour with a side of kick
“The only negative I have is that it isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet”
Perched high above Finsbury Square, Aviary rooftop bar and restaurant is celebrating National Oyster Day with a new Champagne partnership and midweek Oyster Hour — and it’s worth showing up early for.
From Monday to Wednesday, between 5 and 6 pm, guests are treated to two complimentary oysters with every glass of Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut NV.
The oysters are fresh, well-shucked, and beautifully presented, and complement the champagne, making this golden hour aperitif as great for the Instagram as it is for your appetite.
For my starter, I opted for the soft-shelled crab, which nailed the tricky combo of soft interior and crispy shell and made me second-guess my spice tolerance with a kick of finely cut chilli shavings on top.
However, it was the Native Lobster Linguini that solidified itself as the best pasta dish I’ve had in my entire life.
The lobster is generously portioned, which is rare for a fine-dining eatery, the chilli-prawn bisque and vegetables ties it all together making me genuinely consider ordering seconds out of sheer disbelief.
The Solero-inspired parfait brings nostalgia with finesse.
The coconut sorbet adds crunch, while the passion fruit and mango flavours make you feel like you’re on holiday, if only for a moment.
Cocktail-wise, I went for the Clover Club, made with Renais gin, raspberry syrup, and fresh raspberries which again might possibly be the best cocktail I’ve had in a bar.
I can only describe it as drinking a raspberry flavoured cloud, something which makes it perfect to scratch that sweet tooth the desserts trigger.
Moreover, Aviary delivers in its hospitality as much as it does its food; from the moment I arrived to the moment I left, if I wasn’t the one on the receiving end of great customer service, I could see and hear those who were.
I also noticed that service was slower when I ordered as I went rather than times where I just listed what I wanted, so I suggest thinking about which style of ordering best suits you, as it undeniably influences the experience.
The only “negative” I have is that it isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet because I was somehow content with the portion of what I’d eaten, but I loved it so much I wanted more.
My 3-course meal totalled at just under £70, which is while is definitely on the pricier side, but I think it makes more sense when you consider the quality of the produce and what I thought was a perfect date night for older couples who would be happy to spend a bit more on dinner.
With a Champagne cart, skyline views, and dishes that impress beyond the aesthetics, Aviary’s rooftop bar and restaurant is a place for indulgence, sunsets, socialising, and your next day out.