The best way to see London? When you’re high, baby. Get to know the city from a bird’s eye view, cocktail in hand. Just don’t take that date who’s afraid of heights, yeah?
GŎNG at The Shard
BarChick’s motto: go high or go home. Prepare to get dizzy at GŎNG bar. This sexy spot is part of the Shangri La hotel, located on level 52 of The Shard. This not only makes it the highest bar in London, but also the highest hotel cocktail bar in Western Europe, FYI. So when you promise your date you’re gonna take them to dizzying new heights, you won’t be exaggerating. Their menu is taking creativity to a whole other level, too - you’ll be sipping cocktails out of a guitar, a hot-air balloon, and a medicine jar. You wanted extra, you got it.
32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG
Duck & Waffle at Heron Tower
You’re sure to get your gawp on when heading to Duck & Waffle. The open-mouthed amazement happens as soon as you step in the glass lift that whizzes you up to the 40th floor. Views are suitably dazzling, so try and bag yourself a window table - they’re generally for two, so pick a date who doesn’t have vertigo. It’s also a 24 hour bar so is on hand anytime you need, which is just what London should have more of. Their cocktail menu is short and sweet and their signature dish – fried duck egg sitting on a waffle topped with mustard maple syrup, is what to order if you’re having a 3am-er.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Galvin at Windows
Well-heeled types sip on hand-crafted cocktails as they look out over Hyde Park from the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane. These are serious drinks at grown-up prices, but the views and immaculate service are worth it. Hell, when a menu is celebrating ten years at the top then you know it’s gonna rock. If you’re watching the pennies then order from their Tiny Cocktail menu.
22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE
SUSHISAMBA at Heron Tower
Another Heron Tower hotspot, this is undoubtably the sexy sibling that always puts out when it comes to having a good time. Hurtle up high in the glass express elevator, and before you know it you’ll be sipping exotic cocktails on one of the most impressive roof terraces in London. Expect serious bling and don’t be surprised if you have to engage those elbows - it can get pretty crowded with the city crew. If you do sit inside, the sweeping bar is also stunning, and the drinks served are just as gorgeous. Go rogue and order a Sambatini - it’s their monthly inspiration created in-house by the bar team. Everyone loves a sky-high surprise, right?
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Iris at The Gherkin
Yeah, we immediately think of the Goo Goo Dolls classic too - but this is in fact the swanky bar at the top of the Gherkin. Once a member’s bar and therefore only accessed by the London elite, it’s now open to us mere mortals. The menu pays homage to the London sights and neighbourhoods you’ll be gazing at below. Try Jack the Ripper. Yes, it’s inspired by the notorious killer, and yes, the cocktail looks like blood. Gloriously gory, it’s at the top of BarChick’s ‘cocktails-inspired-by-murderers’ list.
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP
VERTIGO 42 at Tower 42
Well, the name says it all really. This is a place for sightseeing, sparkles, and serious spending. Perched up on the dizzying 42nd floor in the old Natwest building, this intimate Champagne Bar (London’s highest) boasts some of the most unrestricted views of the city. It also means Champagne flights and Champagne cocktails are ordered on the reg, and your credit card might take a whacking. But grab yourself a seat by the window and suck up that view - it’ll make it worth it. Remember though, this place is reservations only, so get booking before you get in that lift.
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Aqua Shard at The Shard
Another winner from The Shard, and one helluva place to drink in 180 degree views of London. Britannia sure does rule when it comes to cocktails. Order from ‘Pop from the Past’ - a selection of drinks inspired by the first complete bottled cocktails. They’re all lightly carbonated and include those two quintessential ingredients, gin and tea. Or fly the flag with one of the British Classics - The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is a patriotic way of drinking a sh*t load of rum.
32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG
OXO Tower Bar
With banging views taking in the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and Somerset House, jazz pianists and well executed cocktails there’s nothing not to like at the Harvey Nics run Oxo Tower Bar. Soak up that stunning view with the help of a cocktail or two.
OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH
NETIL 360°
If you’ve seen pictures of this place, you can stop reading. On top of East London’s Netil House, a creative community opened this happening hangout. It used to be member’s only, but now is open to all. Which means the Hackney hipsters have moved in in their droves. It’s totally chill, has a no frills drinks menu, and of course they also serve awesome pizza. It’s covered in winter, allows for all the sun in summer. Plus those sunsets? No filter needed, baby.
Netil House, 1 Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Savage Garden
Just as epic as the 90s rock band, Savage Garden is nailing it when it comes to essential London landmarks. Head to the terrace and you’ll spot at least four of the big ones, and that’s if you manage to tear your eyes away from the cocktails. These are loud, lurid, and most definitely attract attention. The Devil’s Advocate is set alight in front of you, the Evil Eye is their twist on a negroni which contains a green ‘eyeball’, and The Horny Beast is served in a horn. Anyone else thinking ‘Date Night’?
7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF
Madison
Did you know, to climb St Pauls Cathedral, it’s 528 steps to the top? Then you gotta go back down. Did you also know that if you head to Madison you can get an equally sick view, plus take in St Pauls itself, cocktail in hand? We know which one appeals to us. This roof terrace takes in all the bright lights of the City, combined with its chill Manhattan vibe. Sure it gets busy, especailly with the banker crowd, but grab yourself some Josper snacks (hello, grilled halloumi), and keep an eagle eye out for a snug seat.
Rooftop Terrace, 1 New Change, St Pauls, London EC4M 9AF
Skylon Bar
Massive wine list, amazing cocktails and breathtaking views - BOOM. Watch the Thames traffic float on by as you work your way through the cocktail menu at Skylon restaurant’s tiny 3rd floor bar. The Night Sky bar menu has all kinds of heavenly-inspired hashtags happening - try #GiftOfTheGods, or maybe the #ShepherdDelight. It’s got vodka, melon liqueur, sparkling wine, and is apparently ‘#Crazy’. We’ll be the #judge of that.
Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX
Frank's Café
There was a time when Peckham wasn’t cool. No, seriously. One of the things that propelled it to become the hipster hangout of South London? (And apparently one of the best neighbourhoods in the world... steady on Time Out.) Its bar scene, which includes Frank's Café. This is a bar on top of a car park. Cool points just levelled up. They’re famous for their Negronis, and you’ll know at least two friends who have photos of themselves ‘cheers’ing up there. Note - it’s only open for summertime, so in winter this fair weather spot is a no no and you’ll have to seek other views.
7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
Sky Pod Bar at Skygarden
Three storeys of lush landscaped gardens, observation decks, an open air terrace and a multitude of cocktail options? When it comes to viewing ops, the Sky (Garden)’s the limit. Located in that massive glass dome high up in the Walkie Talkie Building (sorry, 20 Fenchurch Street), this is one impressive space to get your gaze on. Fern-lovers will be in their element - there are verdant fronds everywhere - but it’s that insane panoramic view that’ll be taking your breath away.
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF