I’ve been very fortunate to never have had to queue for too long wherever I’ve been, whether it’s been the newest popup or the trendiest café.  I feel anxiety when I hear people waiting for an hour or even two, to try Bubblewrap waffle in China Town or Matcha Latte at Palm Vaults.  Especially if these are the places on my list of things to try, but one good thing that comes from these stories is to then mentally prepare yourself.

Yet for some reason I didn’t apply this to Pergola on the Roof and went in completely oblivious for what would be a long night of waiting.  It was our anniversary and I didn’t want a posh meal in an overpriced restaurant or a cliché date with a view from the Shards.  I just wanted to be outdoors, enjoying the summer’s eve and watching the sunset whilst eating some good old comfort food.  My husband was ecstatic at the prospect, he wouldn’t have to wear a tie and he could eat chips, with his hands.

So we set off to West London, on a Friday night, to try out this new pop up, rooftop terrace…In hindsight, all the clues were there.  It was set in Multi Story Car Park of the Television Centre. What felt like an obscure location and difficult to find without any obvious signs until we came across the bright neon lights of ‘Pergola on the Roof.’ Having been lost and walking around for 30mins in heels I was excited, yet this excitement diminished instantly as I noticed a very, very long line of people waiting. 

Usually at this point, I turn back however, we’d been walking forever and we were ravenous.  Remind me next time not to go to a restaurant hungry because ‘I don’t want to ruin my appetite!’  We then waited and waited and waited.  We watched as groups of people left the queue and wondered if we should consider ourselves lucky or stupid for still waiting.  Whilst pretending to remain in high spirits so to not dampen the mood of the evening, I searched furiously on Google for some other place we could resort to, alas everything was starting to close.

Eventually just an hour before closing they noticed the place was full and wouldn’t allow any more groups in, they then noticed us, famished, losing the will to live and more importantly a couple, just two people, so they squeezed us in.

We arrived at the top and the place did not disappoint.  The opening was beautifully lit up with fairy lights on branches and led to a walkway to the dining area.  It was 170ft high, with pergola’s across the whole rooftop covered in ivy and open air seating, it was enchanting.  There were four pop up restaurants, Patty & Bun, Le Bab, Saltyard and Rabbit.  Unfortunately, each restaurant offered a limited menu and was not halal. 

The smell of the freshly cooked chips reminded us to what we really wanted on this beautiful summer’s eve so we ordered from Patty and Bun.  Now unless you’re a vegetarian ordering a veggie burger sounds like a poor substitute.  On the contrary, this was by far the best veggie burger I’ve ever had.  A succulent field mushroom fritter, with coleslaw and lettuce, sounds simple enough but the tarragon mayo and garlic butter, cheese sauce was to die for!  Coupled with rosemary salted hand cut chips and we were very happy indeed. 

If you missed the Pop Up last year Pergola are back again for summer and this time in two locations.  Check out their website for more information: Pergola on the Roof