Lots of rooftop bars have materialised in London over the last few years.
But this one really is up there.
And that’s mainly because it has something that almost none of the others do – a close up view of St. Pauls. Like, it’s so close that you almost can’t not see it (which, to take this confusing double negative sentiment even further, probably isn’t something you’d ever want to avoid doing).
Moving on… a sabine (after which the bar is named) is a fork-tailed gull that travels from the Arctic to the tropics as the seasons change. And that’s kind of the vibe here – the basic aim is for you to be happy whatever the weather. Outside on the roof deck you’ll find a couple of sun terraces with a 7th floor view across half of the city. Turn one way, and you’ll see The Shard staring right back at you. Turn the other way, and it’s The London Eye. And if you decide that you’d rather be half-inside, half-outside, there’s a convenient conservatory with a retractable roof right there.
Heading fully inside, and the venue looks no less impressive. It’s entirely wrapped in lush, verdantly tropical greenery with living walls, wooden floors, and a hooped bar lined with plants that dangle from above. It feels a bit like a jungle – and even that has a view of St Paul’s, thanks to the glass ceiling.
The cocktails are understandably seasonal, with light & summery numbers currently lining the menu like the ‘What The Dickens’ which throws together gin, raspberries, and blood orange soda. (Also it sounds fun to order.); the City Tropic, which blends rum with fig liquor and passion fruit puree, and a couple of G&Ts made with pomegranate-infused gin and banana leaves. So yes, summery.
The food menu plucks the best morsels it can from across the globe, starting with burrata with charred peaches & pangratatto, continuing with a whole pot of shiraz-braised short ribs, and ending with cardamom and pistachio kulfi lollipops…
…which actually don’t suck.
NOTE: Sabine is open now. You can find out more and make a booking at their website right HERE.
Sabine | The Leonardo Royal London, 10 Godliman St, EC4V 5AJ
Looking for outdoor dining ideas? Behold our list of (really good) places to eat outside in London