Review

12th Knot

4 out of 5 stars

Showy sky-high bar at the South Bank’s Sea Containers.

  • Bars and pubs | Hotel bars
  • price 3 of 4
  • South Bank
  • Recommended
  1. 12th Knot (12th Knot)
    12th Knot
  2. 12th Knot (Richard Fairclough)
    Richard Fairclough
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    12th Knot bar
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12th Knot

Time Out says

Please note: since this review was published, Rumpus Room has been renamed to 12th Knot and Mondrian London has been renamed to Sea Containers. Time Out editors, 2019.

Hotel bars used to be the straight-laced kind of place you’d take your ’rents. Not so at Sea Containers, where Dandelyan has been winning awards on the ground floor while level 12’s Rumpus Room has stayed a bit of an inside secret. Now this chic bar is ready to welcome the world, with a terrace overlooking St Paul’s and DJs to lure sophisticated after-workers and Friday night socialites.

I say socialites, since the venue claims to take its cue from the Bright Young Things, a group of hedonists followed by the tabloids in the 1920s. Think England’s non-fiction ‘Great Gatsby’ (or the ’20s version of the sidebar of shame). In truth, the theme’s not obvious, but the setting is pure style.

Waitresses work the room in floaty, floral numbers you’d expect to see on Kate Moss in the French Riviera. And she’d probably approve of their way (a million miles from ‘basic bitch’ service). There are mauve banquettes, glittering chandeliers, and a shiny gold bar, but it’s the view that really wins the crowd. Stick around for sunset, when the room gets more blingy.

Don’t expect such an atmosphere without paying a pretty penny; solid classic cocktails cost £14. My paloma was faultless, but my bank card withered when I promptly reached the bottom of the glass. Stick with champagne cocktails to feel more at peace; after all, Rumpus Room is an occasion bar. We can’t vouch for ’20s-style hedonism, but you’ll see some modern-day bright young things trying their damnedest.

12th Knot says
As the warm weather and longer evenings roll in, we're excited to welcome you to 12th Knot, our rooftop terrace bar and lounge. Plush seating, seasonal and ingredient led cocktails and food, DJs and live music - all set against an unrivalled backdrop of the River Thames and London.

A true reflection of South Bank's vibrant energy, expect bright, verdant décor and an open-plan layout which puts the panoramic views centre stage. So whether you're curled up on a window seat, relaxing on the balcony, mingling at the bar or on the dance floor, London's breath-taking skyline is the main attraction.

Offering a wide selection of champagnes, wine and spirits as well as a brand new cocktail menu inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel.

Enjoy live music every Wednesday at our Skyline Sessions featuring some of London’s hottest bands, as well as DJ’s from Thursday through to Saturday. Grab some friends and join us in our elegant playground that will harness the youth and energy of the South Bank while projecting the glamour of modern London.

The space is the ideal London venue for receptions and parties for up to 300 guests, with the outside terrace providing a perfect opportunity to watch the sunset, drink in hand.

Dress code: smart/casual - no sportswear, trainers or flip-flops

Details

Address
20 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9PD
Transport:
Tube: Blackfriars
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