Recently relaunched and redesigned, Radio Rooftop promises to provide a place where you can escape the noise of the city – and make some noise of your own. With music, a lively atmosphere, and a location near theatreland far above the hustle and bustle of London, this chic locale is back and better than ever before.
Elegance with a View
No review of Radio Rooftop would be complete without a mention of its panoramic backdrop. Its location near Waterloo Bridge in the middle of London and jaw-dropping 360º view make it the perfect place to point out key landmarks like the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament while sipping on an expertly crafted cocktail. A custom-made all-weather structure ensures these vistas can be enjoyed in any season.
The interiors are also impressive, with an elegant but subtly playful style. The design mixes contemporary luxury with Eastern-inspired detailing, including bespoke coral reef wallpaper from Adam Ellis Studio, plush furnishings in natural dessert tones, warm oak wood fixtures, marble surfaces, brushed brass finishes, exotic dried palms, and more. The highlight of the new elements is without doubt the backlit Onyx cocktail bar, whose trilateral shape cleverly evokes the hotel’s exterior. Talented DJs and music spanning different genres complete the stylish and contemporary atmosphere.
The Food
Dive into a masterful menu by Executive Chef Federico Crisafulli, whose illustrious career includes roles at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, the Intercontinental Yokohama in Japan, and the Michelin-starred Grand Hotel in Rome.
Tasty snacks are available for when you aren’t feeling hungry enough to order a whole dish with a range that includes edamame (steamed with salt or stir-fried with sambal oelek & lime), blistered padron peppers, lotus root crisps, and dumplings.
If you’re looking for a meat dish, the Japanese wagyu A5 sirloin with wasabi and ponzu sauce is a good choice. There is also a wide variety of delicious seafood on offer, including black cod in citrus miso and an excellent selection of sashimi. The Maldon oysters with pickled onions, lime and red yuzu hot sauce are another unmissable option.
Finish your meal with a sweet treat and order one of Radio Rooftop’s exquisite desserts. The matchamisu provides an Asian twist on the classic tiramisu, with ladyfingers soaked in matcha tea and sprinkled with matcha powder instead of coffee. Other options include a delicious caramelised drunken pineapple and pavlova with white miso.
Drinks and Cocktails
The drinks are a standout of Radio Rooftop, which boasts a large array of them made under the supervision of the charismatic Daniel Susko.
Whether you’re looking to sample full-bodied Japanese beers such as the Kirin Ichiban, which enchants with its grassy hop flavour and smooth creamy malt undertone, or enjoy quality Japanese spirits such as the clean and smooth Ukiyo Rice Vodka, Radio Rooftop has something for everyone. And that’s without mentioning the excellent selection of sake and shochu.
Although Radio Rooftop has a strong Asian influence, you can also find a wide variety of international drinks. This includes a selection of international wines from France, Chile, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and more, with a Champagne and Provence menu curated in collaboration with Moët Hennessy. Other standouts are the Macallan 12 year Double Cask single malt and the Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac.
The cocktails, expertly made with sous-vide technology, are well worth raising a glass to. The new selection includes the Pantheon, a mix of Toki blended whisky, Bénédictine, pressed citrus, and demerara, and the sweet-sour Bee’s Knees. Zero alcohol cocktails like the Gyaru Girl (lychee, raspberry, watermelon, pressed lemon) and Permanent Vacation (pineapple, mango, papaya, pressed lime) are also available.
Radio Rooftop Experiences
If you don’t feel like staying up late, Radio Rooftop has you covered. With its excellent brunch and pre-theatre lunch menus, you can enjoy stunning views of London and a chic atmosphere during the day.
Sharing dishes such as asparagus tempuras with yuzu shichimi hollandaise or salmon maki rolls with ikura before heading off to the theatres. This menu, available between noon and 5 pm, also lets you enjoy main dishes spanning from roast pork belly with gochujang ketchup to chicken yakitori with sesame and teriyaki sauce. Those with a sweet tooth can order a supplemental dessert from the main menu.
You can order the brunch menu and receive a selection of sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls for the table. You will get a choice between several main dishes, including Wafu crispy duck bao with cucumber and spring onion, tiger prawn ‘katsu’ donburi, and grain-fed sirloin with wasabi and ponzu sauce. For drinks, you will be given a classic brunch cocktail – the Bellini – unless you upgrade to the champagne brunch.
In a nutshell…
This urban escape is the perfect place to share a platter of Asian-inspired culinary delights and expertly-crafted cocktails while taking in the 360º views of London. Whether for a brunch, pre-theatre lunch, or an evening of glamour, Radio Rooftop promises a luxury experience above the city’s hustle and bustle in a superb central location.
To find out more, visit radiorooftop.com
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All imagery from Radio Rooftop.