Radio Rooftop Bar Review

Walking out from the lifts on the 10th floor of the ME hotel, entering Radio Rooftop always feels like stepping into a top venue in New York. A sleek oval bar on the inside with a rooftop terrace skirting the entirety of the outside, views span across some of the most iconic sites in London. We sat outside as it almost seems blasphemous to remain inside with an outlook like this. Our view was unreal, so much so it took a moment or two for us to really take note as it seemed almost fabricated. Staring over a completely lit-up Somerset House, views like that really do remind you why you love your city so much.

Although it was a chilly night the terrace is perfectly heated, allowing for an all year-round entertainment.. It was Friday and we were both knackered after a bit of a crazy week, so we were keen to just have a few cocktails and relax. Our smartly dressed waiter brought us over a couple of glasses of champagne which instantly put a smile on my face. Exactly what we needed to help us unwind. I really do admire the level of service you get from a premium bar like this. Our host was so charming and attentive but in the most natural way possible, the sign of years of hospitality mixed with just being a genuinely nice person.

As soon as I saw the menu I was annoyed at myself for having already eaten. The bar menu consists of popular favourites from an array of nationalities, in small, medium and large ‘sections’, so you can choose to grab a few nibbles, share a few bits with the table or just go the whole hog and order yourself a full plate of deliciousness. We weren’t necessarily hungry but couldn’t resist ordering a few things to pick at; Bar nuts and olives, chips and the Burrata. I’m a big Burrata fan and you really don’t see it on menu’s enough, so this was pretty much my idea of a heaven on a Friday night. Served with tomatoes, basil, and herb dressing it felt like complete and utter indulgence, despite the fact that in reality it was (fairly) healthy. The use of a rainbow of colours of tomato made it particularly instagrammable.

That first glass of champagne had been delightful, but we were keen to try the Radio Rooftop cocktails we’d heard so much about. Being a big fan of both the tea and the cocktail, we started with an Early Grey Manhattan Earl; Grey infused Lillet Blanc, Woodford, Reserve Rye, Old Fashioned bitters, served with a grapefruit twist. Served in one of those vintage absinthe style glasses, it looked a lot more dangerous than it was. A light, somewhat elegant flavour, the earl grey was subtle making it a smooth and easy to drink cocktail.

Although we could have easily sat there literally all night, we were conscious of our super early start the next day. I couldn’t resist just one more cocktail, and opted for Radio Garden Hendrick’s; St Germain, Basil Leaves Cucumber and Elderflower. Served in a martini glass with a slice of cucumber it was green, really green, practically glowing in the dark. Sweet with a herby kick, you could definitely see where it got the garden part of its name from.

Radio Rooftop offers one of the best views a London bar has to offer, with creative food and cocktails to match. The perfect option if you want to treat yourself to a slice of the truly beautiful side of London, it’s no wonder that once you’ve been once you can’t wait to go back.

Website: https://radiorooftop.com/london

Address: Radio Rooftop, 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA

Written by Jordan Crowley