Watching the sunset from the terraces in some of the most beautiful cities on the planet has become one of the most desired experiences, combining high-end gastronomy and tourism. While the Wimbledon tournament, the traditional London Grand Slam, is played, the rooftops explode with reservations among those who seek to try the drinks from their bars and the snacks offered by those exclusive kitchens.
London is a city full of surprises at every turn, it is a vibrant destination with the poise of a city that never sleeps. A city that no matter how many times you visit, there is always more to see, more to do and more to enjoy.
Washerwoman
Atop a grand 1920s building, just steps from the banking district, sits a brilliant restaurant that draws discerning eaters and fans of meticulous mixology. On the lower deck, there are refined tables with views of Tower Bridge. Devon scallops are seared to perfection, presented on a technicolor mash. Upstairs, the cocktails are accompanied by the relaxed music of a DJ that enlivens the night. Espresso Martini in hand as the sun sets, and people watch from above overlooking the Thames.
bustronome
A luxury tour bus with a glass roof, great food, wine and beautiful views. Bustronome is an innovative concept that recently crossed the pond from Paris to London. It’s a far from average bus tour experience, where the seats are elegant, and the reception includes a glass of chilled champagne to lean back in comfort while watching London’s most famous sights go by.
The atmosphere on the Bustronome bus is electric. Dinner comes first with burrata and baby cabbage, garnished with nasturtium flower. The next step is haddock tartare with smoked potatoes. And add the sea bass filet with cream of celery and grilled leeks with Irish stew. Considering that this was cooked in a tiny kitchen on a moving bus, it’s absolutely incredible and it was easy to forget that it wasn’t produced in a large gourmet kitchen. To finish, a classic French dessert of mango and passion fruit Entremet, delicious fluffy and creamy cake-style pudding.
Florattica
The Canopy City Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar is on the 11th floor (there is a dedicated lift) and is just a minute’s walk from Aldgate Tube, Liverpool Street Station. The name refers to the bar’s floral installations, which we’re told were inspired by the silk-woven floral patterns created by French Huguenots in the 17th century.
The brunch menu is set, and for London, it’s a bargain: three courses cost £35, which compares to the average for other lunches in the city. It includes a selection of Sardinian carasau bread and Nocellara olives with basil pesto to start.
Then there’s a choice of three appetizers and three main courses with a vegetarian option in each section: dumplings, with prawn dim sum and sweet chili sauce; vegetarian gyozas with soy sauce; traditional lobster roll; and glazed Asian chicken skewers.
Searcy’s
Nestled at the top of the Gherkin, and with fabulous views across the City of London, is Searcy’s Restaurant and Bar. Afternoon tea is lavish there, with live piano, champagne, and a high-end menu that begins with a truffle amuse bouche de gougère, truffle mousse, and Parmesan choux, before moving on to roast beef and smoked salmon sarnies. before the orange sorbet with cocoa bits to cleanse the palate. Then, fresh and sweet scones such as buttermilk mousse with candied rhubarb and pistachio praline with cocoa sablé. There is also a vegetarian and vegan option.
by Matias Cabrera
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