London’s oldest roof garden, still known to many as ‘Derry and Toms Roof Garden’, recalling the name of the department store which commissioned the garden. The garden covers 1.5 acres and is100ft above street level. It has ponds, bridges, walks, trees, shrubs and sitting areas, with a pronounced Arts and Crafts character. There is an English Woodland Garden with nearly 100 species of tree, Spanish Garden with fountains and Walled Tudor Garden. The Roof Garden has been owned by Sir Richard Branson since 1981.
To get in, you’ll have to pay £20 ($30) on Fridays and £25 ($38) on Saturdays. Phone ahead to make sure the Gardens have not been reserved for a private function.
Our selection of rooftops in ‘London’
The Roof Gardens
Posted on January - 14 - 2011
Shoreditch House
Posted on January - 4 - 2011
Shoreditch House is a private members’ club located in the heart of Shoreditch, East London and is approximately a 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. The Lounge is a space for members to eat and drink, adjacent to the Pool area and set around a large open fire. Breakfast is available from 7am – noon and the Roof Menu from noon – 11pm.
Based in a former tea warehouse, it created a whirl of anticipation before it even opened and has swiftly established itself as one of London’s top spots for people who want to see and be seen. Inside this chic, urban space you’ll find an indulgent Cowshed spa, an onsite bowling alley, a heated rooftop pool, as well as an excellent bar. So grab a cocktail and soak up the superb views of the City of London, comfortable in the knowledge that currently there are few other spots in the capital quite as glamorous as this.
FYI, Membership range from £700 to £1200, plus a registration Fee (First year only) of £200. Please go to the website for more informations.
Egg Club
Posted on August - 9 - 2010
The fabulous Egg nightclub is spread out over three floors, which are both inside and outside and there’s a 24-hour licence, so you’re never stuck for time to explore what’s around you. At the weekend, the party starts around 10pm on Friday and goes on until Sunday, only shutting for a few hours in-between. There’s even an eatery inside the club, so you don’t have to leave the club even if you get hungry. It’s sometimes free to get in before 11pm and, after that, it can cost anything up to around £15, depending on the night.
Boundary
Posted on June - 16 - 2010
Here’s a newish addition to London’s rooftop dining scene, recently opened in January 2009. It’s tough to secure a table as it only opens on pleasant summer afternoons.
The Rooftop is elevated above east London, perched on top of the Conran-designed Boundary Project, which is a boutique hotel, restaurant (Boundary), café (Albion) and deli in the heart of Shoreditch. Get in the lift in reception and press ‘T’ (for top) – or join the queue waiting patiently downstairs on busy days. It’s an alfresco rooftop retreat offering impressive panoramic views of London. There’s upright eating for 48, or lounge on wicker sofas and summer seats surrounded by various shrubbery, heaters, the smoky scent of cigars and a wood-burning fire – and blankets, should it get a bit brass monkeys.
Saltwater
Posted on May - 8 - 2010
Saltwater is one of Nottingham’s most outstanding bars and restaurants; a terrace that can hold up to 250 party-goers, either for lazy days in the sunshine or slightly more energetic nights. The cocktail menu is impressive and the formal (yet still affordable) indoor restaurant is a good spot to have British food. Heat lamps and canopies mean you can party alfresco whatever the temperature and the weather.
Dex Club Terrace
Posted on April - 26 - 2010
The rooftop is still closed for redecoration, but will open soon… Dex is one of London’s best club venues. it provides a two-tiered rooftop bar with a hot tub and panoramic views over Brixton.
Dex will also undergo a refurbishment proramm with a n extension to the much loved terrace; the Canopy. The Canopy will stretch over both top and lower terrace maximising it’s use over the winter months.
The Clarenton
Posted on April - 21 - 2010
Nestled between Notting Hill and Holland Park on the former site of The Notting Grill is The Clarendon — a two-story cocktail bar and restaurant with a sunny terrace. The place is very quiete and relaxing. An ideal spot for a romantic brunch in London.
The Roof Garden at the Trafalgar Hotel
Posted on March - 30 - 2010
Arguably the best-located rooftop bar in the capital, perched on one of the stools that look out across Trafalgar Square and you’re practically eye-to-eye with Lord Nelson. It’s a small space, and the chic white sofas and parasols give it a slick, Ibiza-at-sunset feel. A word of warning – it’s often closed for private parties, so ring ahead to check and you have to pay £5 “cover charge” to go up.
Le Coq D’Argent
Posted on March - 28 - 2010
Right in the throbbing commercial heart of the City of London – next to the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange and Mansion House – Le Coq D’argent is an oasis of calm, a rooftop garden complete with lawns and ornamental box hedges. There’s a (very) pricey indoor restaurant, but a more reasonably priced list of bar snacks for eating outside. We recommend to sit on the lawn with your drink or gaze smugly down on the suits hurrying along the pavements far below.
