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 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 tropical lair of a bar, all coral-papered walls, polished marble and dried palms. You’ll bop your head to the Balearic soundtrack emanating from the DJ booth as you peruse the cocktail menu; a collection of Japanese-inflected signatures like the Tokyo Rose (mingling Ukiyo Blossom gin, rose liqueur, lychee, raspberry, watermelon & pressed lime) as well as Japanese wines, 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 daily – you can book a table at the Radio Rooftop website.
Radio Rooftop Bar | 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA
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