Bars & Pubs

By Ben McFarland

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 – in terms of the view, west is best. 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.

The range of boutique bottled beers include Meantime Wheat, Coopers Sparkling Ale and Meteor pilsner from France. Pitchers of house-designed cocktails and jugs of sangria are touted at 20 quid, and there are more than a dozen wines offered by the glass, half-bottle and bottle. The £1 cover charge includes unlimited sparkling and still water. They also supply sunscreen, should you need it.

Foodwise, grills are the gist here with scallops and pancetta, lobster, sea trout and rib-eye steak. Freshly baked bread, serrano ham and asparagus from the deli downstairs.

As for the regulars – we’re in Shoreditch, so what do you reckon? Make way for the wayfarers. A few Havana-chomping city suits, too. Overheard bar talk: ‘If it’s a business job and someone’s got to go, then you get a kiddie off the estate, or you get a Russian in, or a motorbike. Bish. Bosh. Shoom-shoom. Done.’

Time Out June 2009