Last Updated on May 18, 2026
Rotisserie heaven on the Southbank
4.0 out of 5.0 starsRotate by Jimmy is a pop-up location from Jimmy Garcia, who had previously run Jimmy’s BBQ Club on the same site since 2015. The new offer is relaxed, contemporary and a perfect setting for a lazy summer evening in the centre of town.
Rotisserie has an interesting history; cooking meat on a rotating spit over a fire has, of course, existed for millennia. Even before pots and pans, Man could impale an animal and slowly spin it over a flame. There is evidence of rotisserie chicken eaten in ancient Rome, and it was apparently a favourite of Napoleon. Since then, however, there have been significant developments, including the mechanical spit, in the 19th century, which allowed the process to be scaled up enormously. Nowadays, rotisserie chicken is enjoyed from Penge to Peru. These chickens have also been a successful loss leader for supermarkets, most famously Costco, where the mounds of bagged, bulbous birds, their plastic viewing windows obscured with condensation, have now become ubiquitous.
Rotisserie chicken seems to be having a bit of a moment right now. At least from what I’ve seen. It is a popular choice at Josephine Bouchon in Chelsea or at the Waterman’s Arms in Barnes. Not only this, but you will find grills and kebab shops across London adorned with slowly spinning spikes, skewering juicy and golden poultry. Clearly, rotisserie is no longer solely the domain of the sad supermarket heat lamp and where better to enjoy this delicacy than slap bang on the river.
As this image attests, you cannot get any closer to the river in the centre of town without getting your shoes wet. With Somerset House opposite and the National, Southbank Centre and the dull hum of skateboarders behind, Rotate was buzzing with activity through the evening, even so, our service was friendly and prompt.
We started with drinks, an Orchard bramble: boozy but sophisticated with blackcurrant and a Frozen Paloma, vanilla sweet, flirty and not too bitter, the risk with any grapefruit-based drink. The option of a frozen slush by the river is a canny one, and I can see this drink being popular with punters as well as diners.
We also enjoyed a Hugo spritz, refreshing with elderflower and a ‘Coco Loco’, which combined watermelon and coconut into a spicy tropical delight.
The corn ribs, another popular side at the moment, were bursting and spiced; the best parts always are the charred corners, which remind me of street corn enjoyed on summer holidays in Greece.
And of course, the prerequisite, a healthy portion of perfectly crisp chips piled and up, steaming and golden. Not too greasy and a lovely accompaniment to the main event.
This was the rotisserie chicken itself, which was moist and meaty, coated in spice with mouthwatering crispy skin, which skipped the disappointing chewy stage for chicken skin altogether and went straight to lip-smacking moreishness.
Alongside these came two sauces: we chose Salsa Verde, which was punchy and vegetal, lovely and verdant and a perfect sauce for the corn and the classic barbecue sauce, which was fruity and smooth and a highly appealing ruby red.
To finish off, we had a simple vanilla ice cream, flecked with vanilla seeds and a fine finish to a hearty meal.
Rotate stands out on the Southbank, offering a relaxed, fun, contemporary dining experience and one of the best views in London.
Rotate by Jimmy, Queen’s Walk (opposite Skate Space), South Bank, London, SE1 8XX
23rd April – 20th September 2026
Daily 12:00-23:00
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