Space is undoubtedly one of the most valuable commodities in city living with London being one of the most expensive cities per square foot globally. It therefore comes as no surprise that companies throughout London are utilising their space with maximum efficiency.
Instead of expanding outwards, companies are developing upwards. Eager to capitalise on this new exclusive space, restaurants and bars across the city are snapping up locations with stunning views of the capital’s skyline. These fashionable rooftop bars are a great place to entertain clients or relax with colleagues whilst enjoying a drink and soaking in the cityscape.
From the tried and tested to the unique and boutique, we’ve put together five of our favourites for you to try the next time you're staying nearby at one of our serviced apartments in London.
1. The Roof Gardens in Kensington
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The Roof Gardens in Kensington are pretty much what they say on the tin - roof gardens that are 100ft above Kensington High Street. What you might be surprised by is the scale and class of the gardens. With three themed gardens, 70 full-sized trees and a flowing stream thriving with fish and flamingos, there’s something a little bit different about this setting. The Roof Gardens were created in 1933 where they originally sat above Derry and Tom’s department store and were crafted by landscape architect Ralph Hancock. The Roof Gardens are free to visit and has a cocktail bar on the terrace.
If you’re looking to spend a little longer in the luxurious gardens then you could try the Babylon restaurant, which offers beautiful views over the English woodland themed garden.
2. Boundary
The Boundary is an urban oasis nestled away from the busy streets of East London, standing behind the Tea Building and overlooking the spires of Shoreditch. The Boundary rooftop bar takes inspiration from a traditional Mediterranean terrace. It features a weatherproof pergola draped in a canopy of fairy lights and grape vines and a newly designed bar with an alfresco style kitchen garden. The outside bar and grill serves Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres and sunshine inspired cocktails, such as their bespoke Pear Kamm and Rooftop Passion.
3. SUSHISAMBA
Perched at the top of the Heron Tower, SUSHISAMBA is well known for its inventive fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. Sushisamba is located by Liverpool Street station making it an ideal meeting place for people working in the City. The rooftop bar presents the capital from a unique angle; a perfect way to showcase the city to clients who live out of town. It has an extensive premium sake list, as well as an innovative cocktail menu inspired by their cross-culture fusion roots; both the Kaffirnha and the Chucumber cocktails are highly recommended.
4. Aqua Spirit
The Aqua Spirit bar has had Japanese style and elegance placed at the forefront of its vision. With every aspect of this rooftop bar laden with sophistication, it’s the perfect resting point after a day’s shopping at Oxford Circus. There are two restaurants at Aqua Spirit; Japanese restaurant Aqua Kyoto and Spanish-inspired Aqua Nueva. A creative list of cocktails, including the Rose & Li and Nueva Cobbler, compliments Aqua’s textbook setting for a rooftop drink.
5. Coq d’Argent
Coq d’Argent sits at the top of the No 1 Poultry restaurant in the middle of Bank and is a popular choice for city workers. This particular roof terrace has been highlighted as one of the top 10 whisky bars in London with over 70 different blends stocked behind the bar. If you’re staying in a serviced apartment in London on business and taking a client out who you’re keen to impress, the Coq d’Argent roof bar will definitely leave a lasting impression. When we refer to roof top bars our minds immediately jump to thoughts of bright summer sunshine and long balmy evenings. The Coq d’Argent has embraced seasonal change, offering fiery garden heaters and fury blankets for the winter months, making it a desirable destination for a drink any time of year.
These rooftop bars offer something for everyone. If you’re staying in a serviced apartment in London, a rooftop bar can be the perfect location to meet business associates or entertain clients.
