I know that at TTDI we tend to focus on the latest gadgets and gizmos, technology of the future and improvements and advances in the non-stop world of cyber connectivity. Yet now its summer, the sun is shining and we all need a little bit of down time to relax and reflect on life in the real world rather than just the virtual environment in which we spend our days.
From the hedonistic days before marriage, kids and mortgages, I used to occasionally drink with my fellow young London socialite friends in Coq d’ Argent . It was, and still is, a stunning place, with beautifully sculptured gardens and amazing views across the London skyline.
The ‘nerd’ in me has often wondered how people manage to create these wonderful gardens in the sky. In part because, if I’m honest, once I have filled up my window boxes I can hardly move them from the sheer weight of the soil, so just imagine the weight of these gardens, especially after a rainy day, it must be staggering. As it turns out there is special roof top soil which is specially blended to be light weight – and that is about as technical as I will be today!
However, my point is, that after visiting Coq d’ Argent for the first time, I was like a puppy who has opened their eyes for the very first time and seen beauty. I do not understand why we do not make more of our roof spaces. Why is it that modern planners do not look up?
For those who live in our fabulous capital, here are a few wonderful beer gardens in the sky for you to try:
Coq d’Argent
1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ. Website: Coq d’Argent
Having mentioned it earlier, all I will as is that it is still a magical bar slap bang in the middle of the city on the top floor of what looks like an office block with stunning views. It has the look of the fabulous world renowned designer Anouska Hempel about it. The simply stunning views are almost as stunning as the prices of the food and drink, however for a treat with friends it is definitely worth a visit.
Netil360
1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London E8 3RL. Website: Netil360
It is easy to see why Netil360 won the ‘Roof Top Bar of the Year’ award in Time Out Magazine. Netil360 is not just a bar, it is a chance to enjoy a yoga class, followed by a dip in a rooftop hot tub watch an outdoor movie, take up a work-shop in jewellery making or a cookery class and then enjoy a glass of something refreshing while looking over the London skyline. It is almost a country club in the sky for the young and trendy than just simply a bar.
The Queen of Hoxton
1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX. Website: The Queen of Hoxton
This is a wonderful place which is a pub, club and everything in between. The Queen of Hoxton is definitely for the younger, trendier types, with its wild and colourful outside décor. It offers an eclectic mix of music, fringe theatre and fun. Their huge rooftop is a London fun fest – with an enormous wigwam set up during the winter months.
Radio Rooftop Bar
Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London, 336 Strand, WC2R 1HA
For those who want an altogether more refined experience there is The Radio Rooftop Bar which is located on the tenth floor of the ME London hotel on The Strand. It features some of the best panoramic views of the city, with Tower Bridge, the Shard, Somerset House and the Houses of Parliament all visible.
Lyric Hammersmith
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0Q
For those who enjoy a little bit of multi-tasking is the fabulous rooftop bar at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. Watch a show then sip a glass of something delicious and refreshing while enjoying the scenery. Since its multi-million pound makeover last year, the Lyric Hammersmith has turned into a fabulous community hub for those of an artistic and creative bent. The rooftop bar is of course, to die for.