This July will mark a milestone in the history of democracy.
Because the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge is lifting the guest-only policy at its rooftop bar for the summer, and offering everyone the chance to sip cocktails by the pool at their exclusive terrace hideout.
As long as they have a booking.
And spend a minimum of £50pp.
But if you have both of those things at your disposal, then you’ll have an absolute blast. If you’ve never been up there before (and, in all likelihood, you probably haven’t), then picture a rooftop hacienda equipped with potted palms, panoramic views, and striped loungers lining a glittering pool (alas, you can’t go in there, but it’s still nice to look at).
Overlooking it all is the bar, where the tenders will be shaking up a menu of suitably summery tequila-drenched cocktails including Frozen Palomas, twisted classics like the Tequila Colada (with a dash of mango lassi), and signatures like the Sunset in Belgravia with tequila, peach, falernum and Chamberyzette (a kind of strawberry apéritif made with vermouth). And of course there’s a full menu of classics to choose from, including negronis, margaritas and mojitos.
Adding a little ballast to this booze is a menu of taco specials, which come topped with crispy Dover sole with charred sweetcorn; smoked salt marsh lamb with pickled jalapeño and saffron aioli; and BBQ’d jackfruit with sweet Romano peppers – plus a weekly changing special. And if you’re struggling to hit that minimum spend, you can order the “Make Your Own” guacamole for £18.
That’s democracy, folks.
NOTE: The Berkeley Rooftop Bar opens from 11th July – 7th September – you can make a booking HERE.
The Berkeley Rooftop Bar | The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
Looking for outdoor dining ideas? Behold our list of (really good) places to eat outside in London