The Bloom Rooftop Bar @ Vista
via The Trafalgar
The Trafalgar has long had a rooftop bar, but its recent revamp and 2015 pop-up resident, BLOOM Gin, has taken this iconic venue to newheights of British sophistication. As far as views go, this one is spectacular - Nelson’s Colum appears in the skyline to your left, youhave the London Eye up ahead and Big Ben to the right. However, despite overlooking the hustle and bustle of TrafalgarSquare, Vista really is a chilled-out haven in the sky – especially with its BLOOM Gin makeover. BLOOM is a delicate London floral dry gin, inspired by thenatural flora of the English countryside and the rooftop garden setting of flowers and foliage creates a botanical oasis in the heart ofthe chaos of the capital city.
BLOOM at Vista also offer masterclasses if you fancy learning how to mix up your own perfect gin cocktails - and as luck would have it,LNOF can arrange this for you. If you’d like to stay at The Trafalgar for your hen weekend or learn how to whip up some expert drinks in this garden in thesky (or indeed both) - then just give one of our lovely advisors a shout.
Details
The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1A 2TS
020 7870 2900
www.thetrafalgar.com
Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden @ Southbank
via Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden at Southbank
This place shuns the often sleek and minimalist rooftop bar aesthetic in favour of a quaint and altogether wholesome rooftop bar experience. Set in theheart of the Southbank, this place sits comfortably in the shadows of the London Eye, with beautiful views over therooftops and the sparkling river Thames. Its pretty English charm is everywhere – it has vegetable and herbs plots, birch trees and even agarden shed – though it is the lawn that gives this place a real festival vibe. The menu extends to the garden theme too, and you canunwind with such drinks as wild strawberry bellinis or passion fruit mojitos, all served by the jug. British summertimebliss.
Details
events@southbankcentre.co.uk
020 7921 0758
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Radio Rooftop Bar
via ME London
This place is seriously swanky. Located on the 10th floor of ME London, it’s sleek and minimalist, with dark wicker furnitureand plush white cushions, and attracts a wealthy London crowd – and it’s going to, when they charge £1000 for a bottle of champagne. Don’t worry, there aremuch more reasonably priced drinks on offer too, though you’ll still pay £10 - £15 for a cocktail. That said, you’re paying for the breathtaking view as well, with this cloud-skimming bar looking over the City, Tower Bridge, the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, SomersetHouse, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament… basically, the entire capital city. The food is a big attraction too, with a tapas menu witha twist. This is where beautiful rich young things go to drink and dine until the sun goes down.
Details
Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London, 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA
www.radioatmelondon.com
Shoreditch House
via Shoreditch House
Set on the sixth floor, the rooftop at Shoreditch House feels like the ultimate holiday destination. First off there’s a pool - in England! This place combines the chic sophistication of an exclusive Ibiza bar with a pretty English greenery. At the end of the pool area, a door leads through to a Secret Garden; a secluded area of cosy rooms with open fires, a herb garden, comfortable seating and a retractable roof - so sky high cocktails are possible whatever the weather. The rooftop restaurant has an achingly hip and wholesome rustic feel, grand wooden furnishings and greenery throughout - a gorgeous treehouse retreat. It specialises in Italian cuisine, serving everything from traditional breakfast pastries to pizza and pasta to upmarket traditional Italian dishes late into the night.
Details
Shoreditch House, Ebor Street, London, E1 6AW
020 7739 5040
www.shoredtichhouse.com
Aqua Spirit
via Aqua Spirit
A glitzy and sophisticated cocktail bar, Aqua Spirit has a laid-back elegance to it. Despite being in the ultimate London location, just a minute from Oxford Circus and Carnaby Street, this classy bar is often surprisingly quiet, making it the perfect place if you’re wanting a relaxing couple of cocktails in the summer sunshine. The views are fantastic, with two roof terraces with expansive views across trendy Soho and swanky Mayfair, but the food and drink is as much of a draw here for the clientele. Aqua specialises in Japanese cuisine, with an extensive menu of otsumani (Japanese bar snacks), and whilst there are many classic cocktails, you also have some Aqua specialities, such as Japanese Velvet – Nashi pear sake shaken with pear purée, homemade lemongrass syrup, apple juice and lemon juice, sweetened with honey.
Details
Aqua Spirit, 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (Entrance 30 Argyll Street), London, UK W1B 3BR
0207 478 0540
www.aquaspirit.co.uk