I love a rooftop bar and in summer there's nowhere better to enjoy a cooling breeze on a sunny day with a cocktail or two and maybe even some banging bites. The leaves may be turning and the wind has a distinct chill but I have great news- rooftop bars are not just for summer as proved by the newly winter-proofed LBRT-London Bridge Rooftop Bar. (AD)
With truly awesome views of The Shard, The London Eye and at eye level with the top of Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge Rooftop Bar is ideally located within a few steps of London Bridge mainline and underground stations.
This cool urban retreat perched atop the Colechurch House building on London Bridge Walk is already incredibly popular with top notch DJ's providing a smooth soundtrack to summer brunches and city sunsets. (NB my pics were taken early before the crowds arrived)
I've been to some rooftop bars where the decor is a little more pallet than palatial and to be honest, sometimes that tropical beach bar vibe works really well. LBRT is nicely put together and once you've climbed the six storeys of stairs (no lift) from London Bridge Walk you emerge onto a large, well laid out venue with a very well sticked bar, DJ booth and then obligatory twinkly lights.
Credit to the bar staff and servers - even on a busy press night they kept us well hydrated with smiles and excellent cocktails. Newly prepared for winter the plan is to serve mulled wine and cider alongside the usual staples but let me tell you, a good Aperol Spritz can be a festive spirit too if you drink it sitting next to a load of Christmas trees.
There will be food too - burgers from Borough faves, Ginger Pig (including a vegan Royale) and Halloumi fries which my entire family are obsessed with. And don't worry about being too cold as there are heaters around the whole area, covered areas in case of rain and blankets to borrow.
I am always dubious about music when I am out reviewing new bars and clubs since frankly I am older than the majority of the usual clientele of these places but although I am officially a grandma, it will come as a surprise to no-one to learn I am not about to give up living my best life just yet. Hence why I was drinking cocktails on a rooftop on a chilly Wednesday night in London and chatting to some fascinating people. Including some very cool DJs and a famous Drag Queen who I was very excited to meet. It was hard to play it cool and not go all fangirl.
It was a joy to realise the music was not a distracting noise but a perfect complement to the relaxed but buzzy vibe of this large, busy bar. Some clever remixes had me singing along as predictably, sounds I was listening to before my fellow revellers were born have been utilised into the soundtrack of the '20's.
So - great venue, great music, location and vibe. Definitely add this to your list of top London rooftop bars but don't forget to book ahead on the website as it is already very popular.
Check out my videos of the bar @madmumof7official on TIKTOK
Disclaimer: I attended a press night at London Bridge Rooftop Bar for the purposes of this review.