Radio Rooftop Bar.
A place so cool, it actually Hertz.
Like most other rooftop bars, you’ll find it perched on the top floor of something, which in this case happens to be the ME London hotel, planted slap bang on the Strand. It’s thanks to this that it boasts some of the best views in London – from your terrace table or blanket-strewn daybed, you’ll be able to cast your eye over Somerset House below, and – further afield – St Paul’s, Big Ben and The Shard. It’s hard to find another spot in London with so unobstructed a view.
Valiantly, it’s open all year round, with patio heaters and cosy throws to hold the fort in winter, and the look and feel of an Ibiza beach bar come the summer. But, in the not unlikely event of rain, there’s a sizeable bar area indoors, too.
Inside, it’s a Bond villain’s lair of a bar, all illuminated walls, gold accents and velvety barstools. You’ll bop your head to the Balearic soundtrack emanating from the DJ booth as you peruse the cocktail menu; a cosy collection of signatures like the Pink One (with Edgerton pink, Double Dutch pomegranate & basil tonic and raspberries) and the Ruby Spark (a punchy mix of rhubarb, vodka and cacao liqueur), as well as carafes of sangria, Champagnes by the glass, and a couple of eye-wateringly priced bottles.
Which brings us to the caveats – it’s a popular spot. That means that a) you’ll probably feel a little beet pressured to take your snaps, sip your drinks, and give up your table for the next group; b) the prices are, like the bar itself, sky high, and c) they want to keep it popular – so expect a little bit of theatrics and suspense in the queue outside to maintain the aura of exclusivity.
That said, if you’re in the neighbourhood and fancy sinking a drink with the sunset, there’s few better panoramas than that at the Radio Rooftop Bar.
So you may still want to visit it with some frequency.
NOTE: Radio Rooftop Bar is open weekdays and weekends from 7am, until 1am Mon-Wed; 2am Thurs-Sat; and midnight Sunday. You can book a table, and find out more on their website HERE.
Radio Rooftop Bar | 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA
Last Updated: 17th September 2019
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