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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Chilling in the gazebo by the water fountain was a very different vibe to the competitive darts going on inside Credit: Jenna Stevens Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety Read more on rooftop bars It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great backdrop!) Most read in News Travel The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 The Magic Gardens make for a perfect selfie backdrop Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The garden-themed rooftop was truly enchanting Credit: Jenna Stevens London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works . Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 London Bridge Rooftop bar often books up, so it's worth reserving a table Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 There's even a photobooth to remember your night out Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 You can see the Shard from the benches Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The bright and colourful garden decor was a real change from the streets of central London Credit: Jenna Stevens Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 Cosy coral-coloured sofas lined the outskirts of the bar Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 A beach-hut bar smack bang in the middle of London? Yes please! Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 'Drink up the rays for days and days' on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 I was loving life relaxing on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 I didn't think I'd ever see palm trees next to London skyscrapers, but there's a first time for everything Credit: Jenna Stevens Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 I was shocked to step out onto a giant playground Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Bright pink stairs lead you to the giant rooftop Credit: Jenna Stevens It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty 18 Casual bench seating and a super simple food and drinks menu make Frank's Cafe a staple choice Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Five before five is the rooftop bar's popular drinks deal Credit: Jenna Stevens Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 Stepping out into this stunning suntrap was a joy Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The floral decor really made this place feel like an urban escape Credit: Jenna Stevens This rooftop terrace was an absolute The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
Jenna Stevens Published: Invalid Date, NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London 's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis. It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape. As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar. The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!) The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 18 London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar. This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre. It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 18 18 18 Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage. They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos. After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo? This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 18 The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita. The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 18 Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground. The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 18 It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel. It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city. 18 18 Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout. You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 18 This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays. The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.
Condé Nast Traveler
22-05-2025
- General
- Condé Nast Traveler
15 Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, According to a Philly Lifer
The City of Brotherly Love is filled with meat-and-cheese sandwich lovers. We Philadelphians live and die by the big three: Hoagies (known as subs in the rest of the country), roast pork (with garlicky broccoli rabe and sharp provolone), and cheesesteaks. The cheesesteak's story began in the 1930s in South Philadelphia, but the item has become a regional staple served at corner 'Papi' stores and even given the gourmet treatment by award-winning chefs. It's a deceptively simple sandwich—beef, cheese, and onions—but nailing the ratio, texture, and flavor is the real challenge. No two spots make their cheesesteak the same, but the 12-inch recipe calls for thinly sliced (or diced) ribeye steak, melted cheese (American, Cooper Sharp White, or Cheez Whiz), and small fried onions on a long (seeded or non-seeded) soft roll. Additional toppings range from mushrooms to long hot peppers and cherry peppers. Never ketchup or mayo. As someone who's been eating cheesesteaks since college and is now a Philly lifer, there are a few tips to know: Prepare for long lines and wait times, and, at most spots, a lack of seating. Just like New York pizza slice culture, cheesesteaks are typically ordered to go and best savored sitting outside. Grab some extra napkins and get your stomach ready for an epic crawl. (Trust us, even if you have to wait, eating a fantastic cheesesteak is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia.) Here are 15 places to find the best cheesesteaks in Philly (in no particular order). The steaks at Jim's on South Street Jillian Guyette 1. Jim's Steaks 400 South St., 431 N. 62nd St. Philadelphia is lucky to have two Jim's Steaks. Jim's South Street has two dining spaces where you can eat their famous whiz wit (slathered with Cheez Whiz and fried onions). There's a first-floor diner-style space and a second floor adorned with rare mosaic works from Philly legend Isaiah Zagar of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (it's even on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the best restaurants in Philadelphia). In West Philly is Jim's West, the O.G. location where you can get a $20 combo special: A beef or chicken cheesesteak, drink, and a side of banana pudding. 2. Dalessandro's Steaks 600 Wendover St.
