Rojo embodies a carefully constructed drinking hole, where hip music and an underground vibe go hand in hand. It’s here you’ll find an alliance that enraptures a miscellaneous crowd of partygoers and cocktail devotees alike – an entirely new concept to Jersey and one that allows punters to not only drink in the surroundings but the cocktails too.
There’s an air of New York to the eclectic décor downstairs – all artfully illustrated wallpaper and eccentric furniture, not forgetting the vintage lavatories. Across one wall is a neon-tinged bar, put to good use by an encyclopedic cocktail menu of extravagantly garnished creations, varying from smooth and sweet (such as the Smoked Apple Martini – a genius combination of Zubrowka, a dash of Talisker, freshly squeezed pink lady apples, fresh lemon juice, gomme and a dash of egg white for consistency) to zesty and fresh (Raspberry Cosmos – A berry twist on this classic, citrus vodka and Chambord French berry liqueur shaken with fresh raspberries, fresh lemon juice, cranberry and gomme), plus several ‘stronger types’ for the spirit enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a cocktail virgin or have the comprehension of a fully-fledged connoisseur, the fusion of people at the bar, weekdays through to the weekends, is diverse and packed with energy. The bartenders; both proficient and passionate about their craft are speedy, professional and only too happy to accept a challenge.In fact, you can even book in for a team-building cocktail event, whereby budding connoisseurs are judged on their flaring, mixing and naming skills.
And that’s not all, the venue’s transformation into the hippest corner of St Helier continues with the introduction of several new concepts. Moving up to the second floor, you’ll find a seductive London style club complete with private bar and the capacity for up to 300 socialites. Friday evenings are home to a more commercial vibe, whilst Saturday’s welcome into the folds some of the worlds most happening DJ’s, including the likes of Yousef, Ben Pearce, Harry Choo Choo Romero, Jeremy Healy, Ralph Lawson and most recently local long running old school event Reminisce.
The end of September sees the visit of the world’s most famous bar from Ibiza, Cafe Mambo, who will be hosting a chill-out session on the terrace followed by a more pumping affair in the club afterwards with one of their famous resident DJs. This will be followed by a BBQ on the Sunday and further chill-out sessions, with the odd Bloody Mary thrown in for good measure – the perfect remedy for those sore heads! All ably supported and matched by local acts such as Philosophy of House, Rocksteady, Hannah Jacques, Carl McConnell, Lucky Pierre, Tony Safe and Jobiwan to name just a few.
Asides from dancing until the early hours of the morning, the club bar can be hired out for a number of functions, corporate events and birthday parties, as can the rest of the venue, be it a single booth or an entire floor.
Perhaps the star of the show however, especially throughout the summer months, is the trendy roof top terrace – an alfresco dining scene with a feel-good vibe – not dissimilar to that of the many quirky roof top establishments found in Paris and Berlin. From the decked out dining area – home to a delightful menu of events and an assortment of snug sofas – to the dining terrace with its imitation grass, plants that have taken up residence in champagne buckets and a chalet-style bar. It’s here you can wet your tastebuds with the Mad Hatters Tea sharing cocktail – a smoking concoction of citron vodka Lanique rose petal vodka, cranberry, home made lychee puree, lemon and champagne – all served up in fine crockery!
On talking to founder JP, he informs me of an exciting winter project, soon to be announced whereby the terrace will take on an entirely different persona. Until then, you can expect to enjoy a number of must-try events in the shape of The Film Club and Acoustic Fridays and Salsa and Lindy Hop in the club. If this isn’t your cup of tea, the ground floor hosts a wide array of eclectic DJs every Friday and Saturday playing everything from 1920’s to French Pop to Rock n Roll to Soul nights. DJs include Livingstone and Carlo Zen, Paul Piggot, Giles du Val, Pip, Sonny Crockett, Carrie Cooper and Jay Roulsen to name a few. Rojo will soon be hosting an open mic night, which will be held on the ground floor– the winner’s will be granted a paid gig on the terrace! Information on all up-and-coming events can be found on their Facebook page:www.facebook.com/rojoboutiquebar
Of course, music and cocktails are just a few of establishment’s many lures, the venue also boast’s an all-encompassing Tapas menu, comprising a delightful selection of daily specials and famous favourites, including Baba Ganoush served with Warm Pitta Bread and Rustic Ciabatta with Mixed Olives. Other mouthwatering offerings incorporate Braised Pork Belly with Crab Salad and a Sweet Chilli Dressing, Mini Beef Espetadas with Chimichurri, Lightly Spiced Lamb Meat Balls and Chicken Fillet Tempura with a side of Asian Coleslaw, Coriander and Lime Mayo.
And it doesn’t stop there, there’s also a number of fine fish and daring vegetarian dishes to choose from, Red Mullet Fillets, doused in Tartar Sauce and served on a bed of Mushy Peas or Wild Mushroom Bruschetta with Poached Quails Egg are certain to tantalise the tastebuds of even the most discerning diner. Rojo recommend 2 to 3 plates per person, depending on how hungry you are and if you still have room for more, the venue’s Postres (sweet plates) are guaranteed to suffice. Choose from the likes of the timeless classic of Sticky Toffee Pudding, a variety of Ice Creams presented in a Brandy Snap Basket, the Rojo Deconstructed Black Forest Plate or Warm Scotch Pancakes immersed in Maple Syrup, accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream.
Tapas make for the perfect sharing dishes, especially when teamed with a cocktail or two on a balmy summer’s evening. And with prices starting from just £3.50 per plate, they won’t break the bank.
Roja have also recently launched a range of enticing sharing platters – choose from Plato Rojo (Charcuteria served with ciabatta bread and olive oil, Serrano ham, Lombo, Chorizo, Manchego, Quince, Roasted Red Peppers and hand cut truffle chunky chips. £16.50), the Grazing Platter (Baba Ganoush, Hot Roast Mini Chorizo, Beef Espetada, Crispy Fried Squid, Truffle Chips, Chicken Fillet Tempura, Mushroom Bruschetta, Trio of Med Veg. Regular £19.95, Large £29.95) or alternatively, the Build your own Platter (Select 5 menu items for£19.95 or 8 for £29.95). Those looking to quench their thirst at the same time can upgrade their platter with a jug of cocktail for just £15!
To celebrate this launch Rojo would like to offer a £10 voucher off any platter. To get your voucher simply go towww.rojo.co.je/galleryoffer and complete the online form.
To book a table, check out the venue’s calendar of events or to learn more about current offers, visitwww.rojo.co.je. Alternatively, check out their Twitter Page at https://twitter.com/rojobar.
