London’s Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurant Gardens

2 Apr

Where to book for April 12th

I’ve been counting down the days until we can sit on a sun-drenched terrace in London, surrounded by our nearest and dearest, with an overpriced cocktail in hand. To ease my wait, I’ve compiled a list of London’s best bars and restaurants, that have mastered food, wine, and design too.

Seabird

Seabird, a not-so-secret gem, located at The Hoxton Southwark, has one of the best views in London and, unashamedly, the cities longest oyster list. Designed by Ennismore Design Studio, the seafood restaurant and bar wraps entirely around the hotel’s 14th-floor rooftop. Although the remainder of the hotel reflects Southwark’s industrial past - forged through large Crittall-style windows and exposed brick walls, Seabird has welcomed an alternative style. The rooftop feels more like L.A. than London, with its black-and-white checkerboard tiling, palm trees and rattan furniture. When we’re able to head back indoors, keep an eye out for Holmes Bespoke rugs around the remainder of the hotel!

The Wigmore

The Wigmore sees the traditional English pub reinvented for today. Located just moments away from Regent Street and Oxford Circus, The Wigmore has taken what is essentially a part of our urban fabric, the pub, and turned it on its head (in the best possible way). Designed by Martin Bruznizki Design Studio, the strikingly chic, green interior is not one to miss come May. However, whilst we are still restricted to the outdoors, The Wigmore’s open garden is definitely a more care-free, lively place to spend your Friday nights into Saturday.

*The Wigmore. Designed by Martin Bruzniki Design Studio.*

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Located in London’s Chelsea, hidden away from the liveliness (*and sometimes swarming*) King's Road, lies the extensive terrace of The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Designed by Martin Bruznizki Design Studio alongside Cameron Landscapes and Gardens, the terrace is adorned with antique planters and abundant, leafy trellises. There’s really no place else I’d want to spend a boozy weekend brunch other than here.

Dalloway Terrace

Dalloway Terrace, located at The Bloomsbury Hotel, is a dapper, Parisian-inspired terrace, hidden steps away from the hurly-burly of Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Twinkling fairy lights and candle-lit lanterns keep the night rolling on after dark (and so does their extensive wine list). Cleverly, designed by Alexander Waterworth, the private terrace might be the perfect place to book for that mid-week date night.

For those of you who can afford the private membership, here are our favourite member’s clubs reopening their gardens and terraces this spring:

*Annabel’s Garden. Photography by Pascal Chevallier*

Annabel’s

Annabel’s is a grand and gorgeously excessive private members club located in Mayfair, and designed by London- and New York-based practice Martin Bruznizki Design Studio. The garden courtyard, which is situated between the mews and main house, is a lush oasis of fig and orange trees sheltered by a clever retractable roof. Although the iconic, maximalist interior is off-bounds for the time being, The Garden, designed by Cameron Landscapes and Gardens, reflects the Palladian architecture of the heritage-listed building and the glitz and glamour of the club inside.

180 House

Obviously, we could go on about every Soho House but let’s mention something you’ve probably not heard about just yet. If you love lounging by the pool at White City House or dining on the terrace at Soho House Greek Street then you’ll love 180 House, due to open this Spring. Gorgeously fit-out with 1970s-inspired interiors; think shag carpet, animal print and globe floor lamps - I’m in love. Located just a short walk from London’s Strand, 180 House is one to keep on your radar.

What joins these impressive rooftop bars and terraces is the designer’s skilful use of bold texture and diverse fabrics, in a place not typically associated with such details. Cushions in vibrant patterns, luxe throws and oversized outdoor rugs truly elevate the space. I’m definitely taking note…