Radio Rooftop Bar London: The Ultimate Rooftop Experience

As an experienced London nightlife professional, I always on the lookout for the hottest new venues in town. Lately, all the buzz has been around Radio Rooftop Bar. It is widely considered one of the best rooftop bars in London. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my firsthand experience at Radio Rooftop, including what to expect, the atmosphere, food and drinks, and also whether it lives up to the hype.

In a nutshell, Radio Rooftop Bar delivers an unforgettable rooftop experience in the heart of London. With incredible 360 degree views, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere. It is easy to see why Radio Rooftop has become one of the most popular rooftop destinations in the city.

Radio Rooftop Bar Overview

Radio Rooftop Bar is located on the 10th floor rooftop of the ME London hotel in the West End. In this area we find most of the best clubs in Mayfair such are Lio London and Reign Club. It first opened its doors in 2013 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best rooftop bars in London. Here are the key details about Radio Rooftop:

• Stunning 360 degree views of the London skyline, including landmarks like Big Ben, London Eye, and also The Shard.
• Sleek, modern interior design with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Serves modern European small plates and cocktails.
• Trendy atmosphere with DJs and live music.
• Smart casual dress code.
• Open daily, year round.
• Takes both walk-ins and reservations.
• A bit pricey, but worth it for the experience.

Radio Rooftop stands out for its incredible views and lively ambiance. The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking sights of the London cityscape. It’s been called one of the best places in London to watch the sunset! This amazing rooftop bar can easily compete with the best London members clubs.

Radio Rooftop Bar: Location and Getting There

Radio Rooftop is conveniently located in central London, making it easy to access via public transportation:

• Address: 10th Floor, ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA.
• Nearest tube station: Covent Garden (a 5 minute walk away).
• Also close to Embankment and Temple stations.
• Nearby landmarks: Somerset House, River Thames, Covent Garden.

I took the Underground to Covent Garden station and walked just a few minutes to reach the ME London hotel. There is also parking available in nearby garages for those driving.

Upon entering the luxury ME London hotel on the Strand, take the elevator up to the 10th floor for Radio Rooftop Bar. There is signage directing visitors to the trendy rooftop lounge.

Pro tip: Make reservations in advance, especially for weekend nights, as Radio Rooftop Bar is very popular.

The Radio Rooftop Bar Atmosphere

Stepping out onto the rooftop bar, I was immediately blown away by the incredible London city views. Radio Rooftop has a buzzing, high-energy ambiance infused with a hint of sophistication.

During the day, the vibe is more relaxed and loungey as hotel guests and locals enjoy the sunshine and sights over drinks. In the evenings, the bar really comes alive with a mix of tourists, young professionals, and also partygoers indulging in cocktails and music. There is indoor and outdoor seating across two floors:

• The 10th floor outdoor terrace has an Ibiza-style vibe with whitewashed wood furniture, lush greenery, and rays of sunshine.
• The sleek, cosmopolitan indoor bar has floor-to-ceiling windows, mirrored walls, and neon lighting accents.
• The 11th floor indoor lounge has plush blue velvet sofas perfect for sipping cocktails against the stunning city backdrop.

While enjoying the buzzing atmosphere, I was impressed with how the bartenders and servers remained friendly and attentive. The service was excellent. Radio Rooftop Bar has clearly perfected the mix of laidback and luxurious.

Radio Rooftop Bar Food & Drinks

In addition to the phenomenal views, Radio Rooftop London serves up delicious food and drinks to match the world-class scenery. The menu offers a range of eclectic small plates and creative cocktails using premium ingredients.

Food Menu Highlights

Executive Chef Gabriele Pardini oversees the seasonal menu focused on contemporary European flavors. I tried several items that definitely hit the spot:

• Lobster Roll – Generous lobster meat with wasabi mayo on a brioche bun, served with fries. Fresh and tasty.
• Burrata – Perfectly creamy burrata cheese served with sweet ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil. Simple but exceptional.
• Crispy Calamari – Light and crispy calamari rings with a zesty red pepper marmalade. A crowd pleaser.
• Chopped Salad – Colorful mix of avocado, peas, radish, cucumber, and corn. Bright and refreshing.

Other favorites on the small plates menu include sliders, poke bowls, caesar salad, and pan-seared seabass. Like most of the top London restaurants, prices range from £12 – £25 per dish.

Cocktail Menu Highlights

Radio Rooftop Bar serves up artfully crafted cocktails using inventive ingredients and preparations. There is an extensive cocktail list with classics like Negronis alongside unique signature creations. I tried a few cocktails that impressed:

• Apple and Wood – Featuring apple liqueur, lemon, sage, and woodford reserve, this had nice balance and depth.
• Radio Negroni – A twist on the classic negroni with orange and cacao infused gin. Strong and smooth.
• Mysterious Valley – Bombay gin, chambord liqueur, and a lemon-basil foam combined for an unexpected medley of flavors.

Cocktails range from £14-18, on par for high-end mixology in London. The bar also serves an extensive list of wines, beers, champagne, and premium spirits.

Radio Rooftop Bar: The Verdict

So does Radio Rooftop Bar live up to its reputation as being one of the hottest rooftop venues in London? Absolutely. From start to finish, Radio Rooftop delivered an exceptional rooftop bar experience. Here’s my final take:

• The panoramic views over London are unparalleled. I can’t think of a better vantage point to soak in the sights.
• The chic, lively ambiance is perfect for a glamorous night out. Yet it avoids feeling pretentious.
• The food menu serves up fresh, well-executed dishes using quality ingredients.
• The cocktails are innovative and complex, prepared by top-notch bartenders.
• The service was truly 5-star, even on a busy weekend night.
• Yes, it’s quite expensive. But worth it as a special night out or to impress visitors.

For tourists and Londoners alike, Radio Rooftop Bar is a must-visit destination. The views are unbeatable, the vibe is electric, and they’ve perfected the art of rooftop revelry. I’ll definitely be coming back to soak in those magnificent London vistas paired with amazing cocktails.

Insider Tips for Visiting Radio Rooftop Bar

After my first visit to Radio Rooftop Bar, I put together some helpful insider tips for the best experience:

• Arrive a bit before sunset to fully appreciate the day-to-night views over London.
• Make reservations for weekend nights to ensure you get a good table.
• Dress appropriately following the smart casual dress code – no shorts or sneakers.
• Bring a jacket as it can get breezy on the outdoor terrace at night.
• Come hungry – all the small plates I tried were delicious.
• Pace yourself – cocktails here are made with top-shelf liquor.
• Capture photos of the amazing views, but ask first if taking pictures with other guests.

Following these tips will help maximize your time at one of the best rooftop bars London has to offer. Get in touh if you have other questions before visiting Radio Rooftop Bar!

Conclusion

Radio Rooftop Bar exceeded my high expectations. This trendy rooftop lounge offers an incredible vantage point over London, with panoramic views of the river, landmarks, and bustling city streets below. I loved soaking in the sights while sipping well-crafted cocktails and nibbling on tasty dishes. While a bit expensive, Radio Rooftop Bar offers an upscale and memorable night out in London and deserves its reputation as being one of the hottest rooftop venues. I highly recommend stopping by for sunset cocktails or a fun night on the town.

Have you been to Radio Rooftop Bar? I’d love to hear your experiences at this phenomenal London rooftop destination.