If you are looking for an upmarket chic rooftop bar in London with panoramic views over the city, then look no further than Sabine Rooftop Bar in St Paul’s, with its magical views over St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, which is made even more beautiful in the evening with the city lights sparkling in the distance.
This open-air summer terrace is a quiet garden sanctuary and real hidden gem that I am guessing not that many people know about and the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day in the office, whether it be meeting up for cocktails with work colleagues or a more intimate date night.
The bar is located on the roof of the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s Hotel and features a glass-domed roof and outdoor terrace with upmarket and comfortable furniture in which to enjoy the views over St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.
The comprehensive cocktail menu includes a number of classics such as the ‘Old Fashioned’, ‘Pornstar Martini’ and ‘Espresso Martin’ as well as Sabine’s own homemade summer serves, which includes a ‘Spritz on the Roof’ which is a mix of Puerto de India Strawberry Gin, Lillet Rose, Harlot Brut, Charmat and Fever Tree Rhubarb and Raspberry Tonic Water and ‘Skyline Margarita’ made with Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Citric Solution and Homemade Pineapple Foam. And of course, on a nice warm summer’s evening there’s nothing quite like ‘Embracing Summer’ which is a mix of Dead Man’s Finger Coconut Rum, Peach and Green Apple Liqueur, apple juice, lime juice, Angostura bitters and Fever Tree Soda Water.
There is also a choice of five Spring and Summer G&Ts, including the ‘Sabine Bartender’s Gin’ which is what I had, made with Juniper forward premium gin that combine coriander, angelica root, liquorice and sweet dried orange, creating a complex London Dry Gin that’s produced at the City of London Distillery by the Sabine Bar Team, and makes for the perfect summer evening cocktail.
As well as a range of Mocktails, you will also find a good selection of homegrown sparkling wines, including the Harlot Brut Charmant of England, which my guest just loved. The wine list also offers some good international labels, and I particularly liked the Italian Allumea Organic Grillo Chardonnay which paired superbly with our food dishes.
You can expect to pay around £16 for a cocktail and from £10 for a glass of wine or £40 for a bottle.
While the terrace is no doubt popular for after work drinks, that is only part of the story, as Sabine also offers a really good and sophisticated sharing menu that should suit most tastes and appetites.
If you are just looking for something light to go with your drinks, then sharing a British and Continental Charcuterie Board my be just the thing. Otherwise, there are plenty of light bites to choose from. The Smoked Salmon Tartare or Mac N Cheese Bon Bons served with truffle mayo make for great starter dishes, as does the Asparagus and Hollandaise Tart. Then if you are looking for something a little more filling, I can recommend the Seared Tuna Loin or Tostados with pulled lamb, chipotle, guacamole and pico de gallo, both of which are delicious.
If you have any room left after all that, then you can always round off the evening with a nightcap and Sabine Summer Mess, which is a mix of mango, passion fruit, vegan vanilla cream and meringue or the rather indulgent Dark Chocolate Dome, made with Dacquoise biscuit, hazelnut crunch and chocolate mousse.
While we were at Sabine’s on a lovely summer’s weekday evening last week, if you happen to visit on a Saturday evening, you will be able to enjoy some music with Sabine’s DJ playing a mix of contemporary tunes throughout the evening.
The Details
Sabine Rooftop Bar, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ, England.
Email: SabineStPauls@leonardohotels.co.uk
Website: www.sabinelondon.co.uk
The bar is located on the roof of the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s Hotel. The closest Tube station is St Paul’s on the Central line. Open Monday and Tuesday from 3:00pm to 11:00pm; Wednesday from 3:00pm to midnight; Friday and Saturday from midday to 2:00am and Sunday from midday to midnight.
Type of Bar: Rooftop Bar
Price Band: Medium
Insider Tip: Do try one or two of their creative cocktails.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Sabine Rooftop Bar
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