We all love that London night out – getting glammed up, the anticipation, an over priced tuk-tuk ride, that favourite restaurant, a cheeky nightcap with someone you shouldn’t be with.
We have gathered for you a collection of our favourite restaurants, rooftops, pop ups and more to make the most of that long awaited London night out.
Your London night out – Restaurants of the moment
Bardo St James’s
Bardo St James’s is a high end immersive restaurant inspired by the classic glamour of Italy. Located at One Pall Mall, Bardo St James’s will offer classic fine dining Italian dishes created by Graziano Bonacina, formerly Head Chef at Sette in the Bulgari Hotel. There will also be a resident six-piece band, five nights a week playing a mixed repertoire of Dolce Vita-esque Italian classics. once a month, Bardo St James’s will be illuminated by candlelight and music performed by some of London’s top classical music stars which can be enjoyed alongside some of Graziano’s dishes and fine wine.
The food is traditional with a modern twist including a tuna tartare “Piemontese” with spicy lemon mayo and crispy potatoes, roast king scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and nduja, lobster tagliatelle, black cod with crudaiola sauce and much more.
INCA London
An immersive dining experience, INCA is guaranteed to be one of the hottest new venues in town for destination dining in the capital, promising to bring the brightness, soul and joys of the Latin American spirit. Once through the doors, you will be treated to a multi-faceted space with a focus on entertainment. Expect performances every 15 minutes throughout the evening with an eclectic mix of singers, dancers and acrobats that deliver a high-energy performance.
With unique entertainment, DJs, immersive theatrical dining and modern twists on authentic cuisine, the menu will showcase authentic yet contemporary South American influenced dishes with twists, unique to INCA like a Latin inspired black cod. Drinks are also brilliant with a bespoke cocktail list. Our favourite – an avocado infused margarita.
Haugen
This new Alpine-inspired venue with a rooftop bar overlooking the Olympic Park will bring a sense of Alpine heartiness and generosity to the all-day dining experience. Highlights from the menu include sharing plates of Mountain Fondue served with sourdough, new potatoes & pickles and Tartiflette with reblochon, bacon and potato. Haugen promises to be a must go restaurant for cheese-lovers. Elsewhere on the menu, guests will be able to tuck into Raclette, Vienna Schnitzel with warm potato salad & lingonberries, Chickpea and Lentil Burger in a Brezel bun or Haugen’s Caesar Salad with white anchovies.
Upstairs the rooftop bar is inspired by the après ski atmosphere of bars in the Alps, with bespoke cocktails, glühwein, Schnapps, craft beers and light bites.
Madhu’s Brasserie
Madhu’s Brasserie was created in partnership with royal caterer’s Madhu’s, who were favourites of the royal family, so it seems fitting that they will also be designing a bespoke menu to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Set in Harvey Nichols, the restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner and dishes on offer include favourites such as a signature makhani dal and chicken biryani, freshly grilled robata dishes including chilli paneer and lamb chops, and palak patta chaat, a snack made with British samphire and crispy baby spinach leaves. Or, opt for a bit of everything with the trademark Thali. The desserts are a must try especially the Rasmalai and carrot halva.
Chotto Matte
If you want a London night out where you can enjoy everything in one place, Chotto Matte is that place. When you think of Soho, Chotto Matte is the iconic place that springs to mind serving Japanese Peruvian fusion and very cool multi sensory experience. It was the first in London solely dedicated to the inimitable Nikkei cuisine. Set over two floors, the design combines features such as a bespoke cast glass wall panel, accents of natural lavastone (an Indigenous rock in southern Peru), alongside a Japanese inspired graphic backdrop.
Nikkei is a unique blend of these culinary traditions and lively combination of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients and techniques so expect proper sashimi, sushi, tempuras and more. They also have a robata grill which brings so much flavour. The organic robata vegetable menu is very tempting as well as the Wagyu and table side hibachi. The cocktail list is worthy of many nights out with pisco sours and many other original creations and massive sharing cocktails like a Inca Manhattan with Maker’s Mark whiskey, vermouth, Fernet Branca, caramel, tonka beans and lemon oil.
Masalchi
Twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar is opening his latest restaurant in Wembley Park. Masalchi, an Indian word broadly meaning ‘the spice master or spice blender’, is set to open 25th October and takes pride of place on Wembley Park Boulevard, located between the iconic Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, Wembley.
Masalchi celebrates the exotic abundance of India’s spices seven days a week with a Pan-Indian menu of dishes based on street food that Atul Kochhar discovered at provincial markets during his back-street travels in India. Menu highlights include grills such as Lahori Chaapen (lamb chops from the street markets of Lahore) to Phalwala Paneer Tikka (grilled paneer, starfruit and apple tikka). Smaller plates feature a Bun Kebab (lamb keema patties with mint chutney and onions) Ambasari Jhinga (spicy and crisp prawns with ajwain, lemon, chilli and onion) and Chakunder Chaap (beetroot and pine nuts croquettes with kuchumber salad).
Copper Chimney
This is is the first UK restaurant from India’s biggest restaurant group and offers gorgeous Indian food and interiors. We also love the location just outside Westfield Shopping Centre. The menu is a celebration of undivided India spanning from the North-West frontier to Delhi and is divided into seven sections; Starter Plates, Tandoor Grills, Curries, Sides, Breads, Biryanis and Desserts there is a myriad of delicious items to choose from. Favourites include Delhi-Style Fried Chicken and a gorgeous paneer curry. Even the cocktails are Indian inspired and imaginative.
Cin Cin Fitzrovia
This gorgeous and intimate neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia has just opened with 20 seats inside and 20 plus outside on a south facing corner with lots of afternoon sun, it’s perfect for alfresco dining. Service is utterly charming and the food is classically Italian but with lots of clever twists like a rich arancino of crab on a basil emulsion and a gnocchi which has had the Cacio e Pepe treatment. For dessert, they have the creamiest Zabaglione, one of Italy’s ancient Venetian specialities.
Galvin at Windows
Celebrating 15 years on the 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane, Galvin at Windows is one of the hottest places to visit. Chef Marc Hardiman will be launching some exciting menu concepts to celebrate the best of British. You won’t forget your experience after meeting charming General Manager Peter Avis, who has recently been elected a Fellow at the Institute of Hospitality, one of the highest accolades in the business.
Bar des Prés
The first international venture for acclaimed French chef Cyril Lignac offers Franco/East Asian creations across two floors in the heart of Mayfair. Elegant seafood will sit on the menu alongside refined meat dishes including: scallops with caramelised miso; ‘Galette Craquette’ (crunchy crab galette) and French patisserie classics such as his take on French toast, chocolate tart and a vanilla and pecan praline mille-feuille.
The wine list will offer nearly 250 French wines and the cocktail menu will feature some originals like the Mayfair Sour with Yamazaki whisky, lemon juice, ginger syrup, coconut batida and tonka bean.
Circus London
The legendary Circus in Covent Garden, will reopen with a big bang on 20 May. With outrageous pop-up circus acts to thrill and entertain, exceptional food and signature cocktails. Between courses of pan-Asian dishes (think lime and cranberry miso salmon / agedashi tofu with konbu dashi), enjoy breath-taking aerial acts, firebreathers and mind-bending contortionists. Brunch fans can also rejoice as the popular Circus London Brunch Away With The Circus returns.
45 Park Lane
Celebrating 10 years, 45 Park Lane is home to CUT at 45 Park Lane restaurant, the world famous Negroni trolley at BAR45 and also a canvas for an evolving collection of work by contemporary British artists with regular exhibitions.
Recently, abstract artist Nat Bowen presents her latest ‘Chromadelic’ exhibition, taking influence from the colours and shapes of the 60s and 70s. Don’t miss the ‘Pink Diamond’, painted to mark the hotel’s 10th birthday, with natural rose petal pigment and genuine pink diamond dust set within 69 layers of resin. This will be accompanied by a Pink Diamond cocktail which will be on the menu of BAR45. This martini style stunner includes Bombay Brumble gin, sake infused with rhubarb, lemon juice, a little sugar and Peychaud’s bitters.
Le Relais de Venise
People worldwide have tried and failed to imitate the no menu formula of steak, fries and secret sauce. It really is that simple and that delicious. No menu. Just decide how you would like your steak done, choose some wine and revel in every unadulterated seductive mouthful of meat. The sauce recipe is a family secret and even the chefs in London don’t know what is inside as sauce is prepared at one kitchen in Paris. It’s hard to describe but the butter base carries a complex combination of herbs and spices.
Madhu’s at The Dilly
The Dilly, London’s newest independent 5* hotel houses Madhu’s, an Indian restaurant that is a pop up in The Dilly’s iconic Oak Room. Madhu’s Mayfair showcases Punjabi cuisine with a Kenyan twist is taking over The Dilly’s Oak Room for a limited time.
Cha Cha
Who doesn’t love to shop, eat and sip cocktails all under the same roof? Over at Cha Cha x Sister Jane, it’s a scene. Located at Sister Jane Townhouse, a stone’s throw from Portobello Road and on the edgier side of W10, this yummy collaboration is awesome. Expect proper cocktails (the Margarita is a wow), brunch and a lot more. They also have a gorgeous rooftop terrace and tables outside for people watching.
Your London night out – out out!
Throwback Thursdays at 100 Wardour Street
Be happily transported back to the 90s and 00s with the hottest old school jams for one unforgettable night a week. Whether it’s R’n’B, Pop or Indie tracks guests are craving, there’s something for everyone with a stream of live music until late including support acts, main party bands and DJ sets taking place every Thursday. As well as the full menu, 100 Wardour Street have come up with a £35 set menu offer of 3 courses and a glass of bubbles.
Percy’s
Taking over the iconic Mahaiki Kensington site, Percy’s is the place for cocktails and late night dancing. Without minimum spends and other fuss you would expect, the atmosphere here is homely and chic. The Percy’s drinks menu is carefully selected in collaboration with some of the finest distilleries, wine merchants and craft breweries from London and beyond. Percy’s has even pulled some strings to become the home of George Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila this side of the Atlantic.
Your London night out – Terraces & Rooftops
The Terrace at Sea Containers
Southbank hotel Sea Containers London is partnering with famed Champagne house Laurent- Perrier to launch the Sea Containers London X Laurent- Perrier Summer Terrace. Expect a plant-filled oasis on the river Thames that brings to life the British hedgerow in the heart of the Southbank.
Sea Containers Restaurant summer menu includes fresh seafood like oysters and lobster as well as sustainably sourced hedgerow foraged herbs. The Terrace will be supporting The Bankside Opens Spaces Trust – a local environmental charity that works to protect, preserve, and enhance parks. All materials and perennial plants for the project will be reused in future installations and donated to local community sites.
Moët & Chandon Al Fresco Terraces @ 3 Henrietta Street
Moët & Chandon is partnering with 3 Henrietta Street to make this season all the more special with a new champagne and cocktails menu in each of their terraces on the Covent Garden Piazza. Built in 1780 and steeped in history, the newly renovated townhouse is the idyllic spot for the launch of Lilly’s café and El Ta’koy terraces in partnership with Moët & Chandon.
Taking the Lilly’s ethos of naturality and fun, Moët & Chandon and Lilly’s Café have come together to bring an elegant yet unexpected twist to your moments with a selection of Moët Cocktails at £14. El Ta’Koy takes inspiration from the Tiki bars of Hawaii with an eclectic menu of dishes from Asia to Latin America, reflecting Hawaii’s reputation as a melting pot of food and culture, with a selection of small bites, tacos, and poke bowls.
The Rooftop at Trafalgar St. James
Open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, The Rooftop at Trafalgar St. James has awesome views of London’s skyline. Perched over Trafalgar Square, you can while away the day and night with brunch, lunch, dinner or even just drinks. Taking inspiration from Japan, Korea and beyond, the food menu has tempting small plates and grilled bits including a Wagyu burger, gyozas and sashimi.
There is also a signature cocktail list full of originals as well as the classics. Daisy is a fresh combination of tequila, mandarin liqueur, pink grapefruit, lime, agave and soda. For purists, there is a comprehensive tequila and mezcal list which features one of our faves, Don Julio 1942.
trafalgarstjames.com/the-rooftop
The Terrace at Angler Restaurant
Michelin starred Angler Restaurant in the City have partnered with No.3 Gin to create a selection of original gin cocktails, which will be available on the restaurant’s terrace throughout the summer until late August. The exclusive cocktail list will include an Amarena Sour (No.3 Gin, ginger bitter, Amarena and mint infused syrup, lemon juice), Sweet No.3 (No.3 Gin, white peach purée, violet liqueur, rosemary syrup, lime juice) and an Amalfi Spritz (No.3 Gin, elderflower liqueur, anise infusion, Sorrento lemon cordial, soda). Menus from the restaurant will be available both inside and on the Terrace, including a tartare of Cornish mackerel, XL Orkney scallops and a roast Newlyn cod.
London Bridge Rooftop
Open daily from midday till late, those on a London night out can enjoy after-work drinks, sunset cocktails, burgers, cheeky lunchtime pints, DJs and more at this gem of a rooftop. Perched on top of the sixth floor, expect views of London landmarks day and night including The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye and The Tower of London.
Bar 31 Aperol Terrazza
Staying in London Bridge and running until September, this aperitivo experience champions the spritz, the drink of summer. Be transported to the coast of Italy with a menu that boasts a selection of bespoke spritz beverages crafted from Italian aperitifs and liqueurs such as Aperol and Campari, as well as an antipasti offering with cicchetti and proper pizette.
La Terrazza di Eataly
Inspired by the great Italian Summer, La Terrazza will be open all year round for an alfresco meal or drinks, complete with a retractable roof and heaters. Expect a menu of seasonal dishes, wines and a cocktail menu in collaboration with Aperol. Each dish on the menu uses the best of this 42,000 square foot Italian food mecca including the butcher, the fishmonger, the cured meat counter as well as fresh mozzarella and Italian cheeses made on site in their cheese laboratory. Don’t forget the classic pasta dishes and pizza al padellino – pan pizza baked in small, round pans for a thick soft crust typical of Eataly’s hometown Torino.
Look out for more restaurants and bars opening as the weeks go by and after your terrace experience, check out more than 5,000 products alongside 2,000 wine labels in London’s biggest cellar.
The Distillery Bar Terrace
The Distillery Bankside is located on the site of Stevenson & Howell’s Fragrance Factory, which distilled essential oils and manufactured essences, flavourings and garnishes during the 1800s. The bar pays homage to its heritage by serving signature cocktails using home-made syrups, aromatics, infusions and bitters, all hand crafted by the bar’s expert bartenders.
There are over 100 different gins, encompassing fine old classics, vintage favourites, its own brand and new gins from artisan distilleries springing up all over London.
Harvey Nichols Terrace
Malfy Gin has taken over the famous Knightsbridge terrace on the Fifth Floor. Malfy Gin’s Lemon Grove Terrace is all decked out with lemon trees, gin cocktails and an Italian infused menu. Our favourite dish was a creamy oozing burrata adorned with broccoli, pine nuts and of course zesty preserved lemon.
The Time:Capsule by Glenfiddich x Rosewood London
Slowdown and enjoy a moment of peace away from the bustling city streets at The Time Capsule, brought together by Glenfiddich and Rosewood London. Enjoy exquisite cocktails created by Rosewood London’s Head of Mixology, Yann Bouvignes and team as well two newly launched whiskies from the Glenfiddich Time Re:Imagined collection. Further tantalise your palate with beautifully crafted dishes from the Holborn Dining Room, the grand British Brassierie within the Rosewood, dishes include: Loch Duart smoked salmon rillettes with Exmoor caviar, hearty hand-made Game Pie and a blackberry and apple crumble with Glenfiddich infused custard or a hazelnut praline choux. If you’re looking for somewhere to rewind and relax with luxury and comfort, Glenfiddich and Rosewood London are bringing you just that, with an ambient, warm, and cosy dinner setting. Starting from November 2022 to March 2023.
rosewoodhotels.com/en/london/dining/the-time-capsule
Your London night out – Pop Ups
The Dorchester Rooftop
The first rooftop in the 90 year history of The Dorchester, this amazing space has the feeling of a country club with some stunning views. This is the kind of place you want to linger so there is also a bar so some post lunch/dinner drinks. Expect lots of variety as The Dorchester Rooftop will host a series of al fresco culinary pop-ups led by executive chef Mario Perera with residencies by Tom Booton, Jean-Philippe Blondet and more.
Your London night out – For something new
Aerial Rooftop at The Broadcaster
Aerial Rooftop at The Broadcaster, Television Centre’s contemporary pub, is a new membership-free rooftop bar, BBQ and meeting place for White City, it’s the first destination of its kind to launch in this dynamic, neighbourhood. Boasting views overlooking West London, considered design is at the heart of the space: a hallmark of creators Open House London, whose growing collection includes The Arber Garden in Fitzrovia and The Lighterman in King’s Cross.
Draped in gorgeous sage-green linens, and filled with plants and trees, the rooftop features terracotta tiles made in Marrakech, Garapa decking produced in Brazil and sailcloth awnings crafted in Italy. By day, it’s a place to sink into cushioned wicker sofas and take in the sun and scenes, while catching up with friends over cocktails or a bite to eat. To entertain, there are resident DJs on Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm and all day on Saturdays from 2pm. There is also live music on Sundays from 2pm.
thebroadcaster.co.uk/aerialrooftop
The Cocktail Club Canary Wharf
Located at 9 Cabot Square, this is the latest opening from The Cocktail Club. Signature cocktails on offer will include the ‘Solero Sundae’ with coconut rum, mango, passionfruit and cream, topped with a passionfruit mousse, plus their ‘Southside Royal’ with gin, prosecco and a spray of absinthe mist. The bar’s drinks menu focuses on creating first-class cocktails and exciting serves ranging from classy or crazy, sweet or sour and traditional or tropical. Each cocktail is finished with its own garnish inspired by fire, fruit or sweets. They also have a cool huge terrace.
NBHD London
NBHD serves hand crafted cocktails and South American inspired sharing plates with Watermelon Daiquiris, Balsazar Rose Spritzs and Strawberry & Jalapeno Margaritas expertly mixed by the team. Inspired by the flavours of South America and designed to share, you can expect to see small plates of tuna & guacamole or beef tartare & cured egg yolk tostadas, mushroom & garlic confit croquetas and gluten free, sticky sesame and coriander Korean style chicken wings finding their way to expectant tables well into the night. This is a no cutlery establishment so wash your hands and tuck in. You MUST ask for their home made chilli oil with over 15 ingredients which we could have eaten by the bucket load. Incredible.
Hijingo
This electric and high-tech multi-sensory futuristic bingo experience will accommodate 200 players, and boasts ground-breaking sonic effects, mirrored LED screens and 3D cinema speakers. As well as the bingo, you can expect dancers, street food, a LOT of fun and proper brilliant cocktails delivered by maestro Chris Edwards. From bao buns, dirty rice and classic burgers, this is quality food that will match the must-sips that include a Tokyo-nights inspired own branded gin, Hi-Gin-Go.
The game is fast, immersive and will get the adrenaline pumping. Move over after work drinks at the pub – the newest night out in London is here to shake things up!
Image: Lateef Photography
Sixes Cricket Club
Forget crazy golf and darts and experience the world’s first cricket simulator night out. Suitable for all the family (they even do kids parties), Sixes Cricket Club fuses fun, cutting edge elite sports technology with food and drinks from the geniuses behind top restaurant group Mac & Wild. Expect a proper British gastro experience from the whole menu including their Sixes burger which is an aged Yorkshire beef patty topped with smoked onion jam, cheese, crispy onions, pickles and a burger sauce.
There is also a double century worthy, Ashes winning cocktail list with a load of classics and even some experimental creations like an Eton Mess with strawberry Pampero Especial rum, ginger foam and brûléed meringue. Their brand new Fitzrovia venue opens on 26 May and they also have their original in Fulham, which is open for for outdoor drinks, dinner and CRICKET!
Your London night out – shopping!
The London Fashion Weekender Package with the Waldorf Hilton
Along with acclaimed designer, Paul Costelloe and the exclusive Covent Garden Black Card, the package is an ideal shopping staycation at The Waldorf Hilton. You are welcomed to an Executive Room with a bottle of champagne and be given a set of designer face masks from Paul Costelloe as well as a Waldorf Hilton Shopper Bag, with each booking including one chauffeured trip to one of the city’s many shopping hotspots.
The Waldorf Astoria also provides access to book one-of-a-kind in-store experiences only available in the Covent Garden area, such as discovering Dior’s Backstage Universe where you can learn the most cutting-edge techniques hot off the runway, visiting the ‘Make it Tiffany’ engraving bar at the Tiffany & Co style studio where you can personalise various trinkets or learning the art of finding your perfect scent, in the famous Penhaligons Wellington Street store.
bit.ly/FashionWeekender
£329 (for two)
Your London night out – getting around
If Wheely was a dating app it would definitely be Raya – the luxury of an accessible private chauffeur with pay as-you-are-driven flexibility, available on demand, bookable in advance, fixed rates and no surge in prices. Wheely’s rates stay the same in the evening, on weekends and bank holidays. Wheely never cancels, never surges, and has fixed airport fares too.
The key difference is that with Wheely comes with a chauffeur, not a driver. All chauffeurs must complete the industry’s most demanding selection process covering local knowledge, chauffeur etiquette and car standards.
Your London night out – look the part
Charles Tyrwhitt
Something for the gents – Luxe accessories, shirts, blazers, shoes and much more. One of the finest (and most forward thinking) establishments on Jermyn Street, Charles Tyrwhitt has grown from shirts and ties to everything a man can want for a London night out. Think breathable, soft to the touch, colourful, and ever so elegant blazers, loafers and even luxury face masks. Their new linen collection is great for summer: comfortable and never out of style.
Just look at the detail on this Italian check jersey jacket cut from fabric woven in Italy, this lightweight cotton jacket embodies a London night out in style with its check pattern and soft construction that feels gorgeous.
Goat Fashion
Goat is synonymous with understated luxury, great for a London night out. Jane Lewis’ label began in 2001 as a cashmere range for the fashion cognoscenti and has since developed into a full ready-to-wear collection. Goat clothing is created for real women who want to look and feel their best without fuss or ostentation. Unsurprisingly, the discreet celebrity following epitomises the modern successful woman: hard working, effortlessly stylish. Victoria Beckham, Lana del Rey, Gwyneth Paltrow and The Duchess of Cambridge are among the brand’s quiet celebrity clientele.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre Sensitive Skin
A French pharmacy favourite, Embryolisse brings some highly prized je ne sais quoi to your skincare collection. The brand’s bestselling Lait-Crème Concentre has become the stuff of legend, to those obsessed with its nourishing, priming and dew-boosting properties, and now they’ve crafted its calming counterpart: the Lait-Crème Concentre Sensitive Skin.
From Cult Beauty
Price | £24.99 – 100ml
Kjaer Weis The Quadrant Eyeshadow Palette
The Kjaer Weis The Quadrant is the first eyeshadow palette from Kjaer Weis, the original, conscious luxury cosmetic brand, with four shades available in two colourways – the Wanderer (four neutrals to create endless looks) and Spellbound. These soft-to-the-touch colours are infused with organic extracts for seamless blending and easily slot into the Kjaer Weis Iconic Edition Case.
Price | £33 for the eyeshadow quadrant and £18 for the case
Monpure
The stress of daily life takes its toll in many ways and one of the ways stress manifests itself is by losing hair. This is where Monpure comes to the rescue. Specialists in hair loss and thinning treatments we love the Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and the Strengthening Essence Conditioner to give you a healthy scalp and glorious locks every time you venture outside the house – ready to face the world again.
From monpure.com
Price | £72 for the duo
Imagery courtesy of the brands featured. Leading image courtesy of Shangri-La at The Shard, London.