Bubba Gump, Trocadero

The American chain entirely inspired by the movie Forrest Gump has made it to our shores. And what better location for a restaurant themed entirely around a film that came out in 1994 than Nineties relic the Trocadero in Piccadilly Circus? Ahead of further redevelopment of the complex (which includes word of a new cinema), Bubba Gump has just opened to give tourists a cinematic seafood alternative to Angus Steak House and the Rainforest Cafe.

The decor of Bubba Gump comprises lots of booths, wooden beams and a huge amount of American licence plates, Forrest Gump memorabilia and quotes. Although this might sound overwhelming, the booths are pretty big and the music isn’t too loud.

There’s plenty of brightly coloured cocktails with Gump-based names, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Lt. Dan’s Pomegranate Punch is a fruity brew of rum and more rum, while the Alabama Southern Punch has an interesting kick thanks to the Disaronno combined with pineapple and cranberry. The non-alcoholic Fizzy Fun, which comes with a free light-up glass(!), is a tasty but extremely sweet cherry lemonade that makes you feel unexpectedly nostalgic for Panda Pops and penny sweets.

Once you become accustomed to Tom Hanks’ eyes following you around the room, you’ll find a very decent, predominantly shrimp-based menu. There are some particularly stand-out options in the delicious range of starters – the Cajun shrimp is cooked excellently, and I was a huge fan of the crab-stuffed mushrooms. The beauty of Bubba Gump is that they cook prawns and seafood so well, and offer a surprisingly extensive range of meals.

The surf and turf, if you’re particularly hungry, is a standard done well, while another highlight is Jenny’s Catch – Tilapia on a bed of creamy mash in a tasty lobster butter sauce. There’s plenty of way to try the shrimp that Forrest always dreamed of serving up, with various different sides and even a bourbon sauce.

This restaurant is obviously aimed at families, and particularly with its location, tourists. As such it is a little overpriced and access to the restaurant is through a gift shop. But the food itself is great quality and a bit different to all the other family restaurants nearby that are very burger-oriented. Perhaps you can treat yourself to a trip round Sega World afterwards.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Trocadero
13 Coventry Street
Leicester Square
W1D 7AB

Tel: 020 3763 5288