The much-anticipated UK launch of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant in London has arrived and the USA’s favourite seafood restaurant group has opened its doors at London’s iconic Trocadero, in Leicester Square.
Flavour Mag were invited down to the press launch last night where we got to sample some of the delicious food and cocktails which from now on willl be filling up hungry Londoners and tourists. After the evening we left under the firm conclusion that Bubba Gump Shrimp will be a great addition to the capitals dining scene. Effectively a novelty restaurant I feel we have been missing a restaurant like this for many years – shrimp is not commonly found on menus here and to have this in a fun movie-based setting simply adds to the experience!
The various shrimp dishes were all delicious and we were fortunate to try the majority of them as I would struggle to pick just one! The famous Coconut Shrimp was incredible as was the Shrimp Mac & Cheese. Another dish that we would highly recommend is the Seafood Hush Pups which are essentially small balls of tasty shrimp, fish and corn served with a lovely Remoulade dipping sauce – the perfect side or appetizer. With regards to the all important dessert I loved the Key Lime Pie, another dish which is not easily found in London yet is executed perfectly here.
Bubba Gumps has tons of cocktails which all come in an array of bright and wonderful colours in a cool branded glass. I was able to sample the Mamas Blue Hawaiian which was refreshing, tasty and very sweet – as a result two glasses would probably be my limit. There are many more interesting looking concoctions which I cant wait to try such as the Lava Flow and the Tennessee Iced Tea.
Inspired by the much-loved 1994 film Forrest Gump, the Southern USA-influenced menu features shrimp in over 20 ways, including Mama Blue’s Southern Charmed Fried Shrimp, Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp, and Shrimper’s Heaven, prepared by Executive Head Chef Mauro Petrociello and his team.
For those who feel like digging their teeth into something meatier, favourites such as baby back ribs, surf and turf, and grilled fish dishes also feature on the menu. All fish is certified sustainable by the MSC. To top it all off there is a wide range of indulgent desserts including Mama’s Bread Pudding and Best Strawberry Shortcake, and Tex-Mex cocktails which come in a big ol’ signature shaker.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has great appeal to families and all seafood fans, and the 400 seater restaurant is open 7 days a week. The retail market will open from 9.00 am and the restaurant serves from 11.30 am until late. The wooden-clad Deep South-styled restaurant is set across two floors, with the retail market selling all the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company merchandise a Forrest fan could desire on the ground floor where you can shop beneath the famous ‘Jenny boat’.
Feel like you’re on the set as the first floor restaurant and bar is decorated with glorious memorabilia from the film and charming vintage items on every wall and shelf. Groups and parties will even be able to step inside The Gump House, set in the centre of the restaurant.
The popular ‘Run Forrest Run’ and ‘Stop Forrest Stop’ licence plates will be on each table to let servers know when they’re required, and there will be continuous screenings of Forrest Gump the Paramount movie which was released 20 years ago, and which has recently been re-mastered for re-release across the world.
Have a seat on the bench of wisdom and slide your feet in the well-travelled shoes of Forrest Gump. The bus stop bench, a much-loved feature of the movie, and of all the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurants, is situated at the entrance and even includes a model of his famous box of chocolates. What a perfect photo op!
The new UK Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant is an exciting new addition to the Central London scene, and as our favourite southern boy once said, ‘That’s all I have to say about that’.
Keep an eye out for our full Bubba Gump Shrimp review coming soon!
Trocadero,
13 Coventry Street,
Leicester Square,
London,
W1D 7AB
@BubbaGumpUK1
