UP ON THE ROOF

It's been pointed out to me on more than one occasion that I love a good rooftop. This cannot be denied and I have sampled a fair few. When the sun finally shows up there's nothing better than getting your Dick Van Dyke on and defying gravity. The purpose of this sampling is for my work of course, it's been totally selfless research and the cocktails were just because I needed to get my five a day in somehow...

South 

Going to start locally with two of Peckham's finest...

Bussey Building
There's a rooftop cinema with some amazing views of London. I <3 Bussey, especially in Summer. 

Frank's
Do I really need to tell you how great this bar on top od a multi storey carpark in Peckham is? Really? Ok, it's bloody lovely and opens next Friday. I will be face down in some vegan kimchee (the menu's great!)so come say hi.

Roof Garden - Southbank
It's guaranteed you'll find yourself on the Southbank at some point in the summer, so do check out the roof garden on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall. It's no smoking but has BYOB potential. Oh and it's been designed by the folks behind the Eden Project too so it's very pretty indeed and, of course, the views are outstanding.

East

Netil House 360
The roof of this abandoned college transformed into a thriving creative community is pretty special. They have some cracking BBQ's and you can also make use of the wifi and work from there. Tip: cocktails whilst working are always a good idea.

Around Hoxton and Haggerston you'll find a cluster of pubs with good roof terraces. My favourite's are The Fox  and The Red Lion. If you venture a bit further into De Beauvoir town then The Talbot has a nice expansive terrace/balcony bit.

Coppa
A slightly lesser known spot than other East End sky grazers but an absolute joy once you've found it. If good Italian food in the sun's your bag (whose isn't it?) then Lardo's London Fields based Italian "Rosticceria" will be your summer oasis. Tip: it's on the roof of the hothouse and by be reached from Martello Street.

The Queen of Hoxton
Not my favourite bar to be honest but once the wigwam comes of it's rooftop then the trek up all the stairs for those views and a summery vibe is often worth it despite the sorry drinks selection. The decor is a treat to behold. They also have some screenings and good events, just avoid the oompah loompah coloured crowds on a Saturday night.

Dalston Roof Park
More astro turf and kitschness can be found a little further north. I've talked about this spot before and will continue to because it's a multi-pack of fun. Tucked away on a Dalston roof top above the sirens and irony below you can enjoy a brunch, cocktail or film - that's if you don't mind queuing mind. 

Even though I used to live in North London it isn't really my stomping ground. The Beach at The Roundhouse in Camden is quite nice and The Driver in Kings Cross has a nice, if not slightly bizarre roof terrace. 

West
I rarely go out in West London but The Kensington Roof Gardens are kinda special as long as the sun doesn't reflect off the coloured chinos and blind you.



As per I can't be everwhere so have probs missed some. Please let me know and I will drag myself over there and force down another cocktail. Roof terrace suggestions outside of London are very welcome! 

Foodie February

For me February has been all about 2 things - fashion and food. London Fashion week news is coming soon, so in the meantime, let's talk about food or fashion fuel as I like to call it. I LOVE eating out and have quite literally eaten my way around the capital this month so Ithought I would share my experiences of some of London’s abundance of restaurants and Cafes…

(I can’t eat dairy so any dairy recommendations are via friends who of course have exquisite taste)

Meat & Liquor

I was very excited about trying out London’s latest uber hip burger joint because it had received a lot of recommendations and good reviews. Fortunately it lived up to the hype and it was well worth queieng in the snow (no bookings) for these amazing burgers. As if those burgers aren’t enough there’s also onion rings the size of a fist, cider cocktails and a boisterous yet relaxed atmosphere to enjoy. And boy did we enjoy this place!

The Diner, Soho, Shoreditch & Camden

Another day another burger. I have visited4 out of the 5 of these Diners (not in one month!) and although the burgers aren’t quite meat and liquor quality the atmosphere is consistently fun and retro and the sweet potato fries are yummy. The boozy cocktails are also pretty immense!

Wahaca, Soho

This place is always pretty busy and ditto it’s bro in Covent Garden but it’s unsurprising considering the fast service and assortment of tasty Mexican Street food on offer.

Mezza Express, Camden

This place is tucked away on Parkway and is a hidden gem. The décor’s a bit kitsch and the owner is definitely characterful and likes to play pranks but this all adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers delicious authentic Lebanese fare that includes Homos Kebbeh, Falafel and a huge range of grilled meats. Not one to break the bank either.

Soho Joe

If it’s cheap and tasty pizza you’re after in a relaxed atmosphere with pleasant staff then this place will do the trick. A very chilled place.

Mien Tay, Kingsland Road

Actually regretting not going here sooner as it was a revelation. I personally much prefer Vietnamese food to Chinese and embrace unusual and varied menus so this place was heaven. We feasted on Quail, Goat and Frogs legs (I spent my formative years living in France) and when the bill came we almost fainted. It was SO CHEAP! If we’d brought our own booze it would have been cheaper than eating at home. Any excuse not to cook.

Canteen, Spitalfields

A popular choice for hearty grub on a Sunday. They weren’t taking bookings so the Maitre D’ offered to text when a table became vacant. 15 minutes of strolling around the market later we were sat by a window watching the busy shoppers and sipping a good selection of pale ale and ciders. The food was hearty and very English. Overall it was filling and quite tasty. A good location makes it a fair choice for a long lazy Sunday lunch.

Albion, Shoreditch

Boundary is a bit stuffy but this café is always buzzing and it’s no surprise with a menu full of English classics such as Rabbit Stew, Kedgeree and Crumble. This is also a great choice for (hungover) weekend brekkies as there’s a fine selection to choose from.

Inspiral, Camden

As an ex-vegetarian (8 years) and dairy intolerant this vegetarian café  is  a favourite for its great selection of vegetarian dishes. My particular favourite is their dairy free ice cream which comes in  a bonkers range of flavours. The location on the canal is also buzzy yet picturesque.

Food notes;

• The Palestinian falafel at Mr Falafel in Shepherds Bush is too good
• The Vietnamese coffee at Broadway market is delish
• Gluten, Wheat and Dairy free cakes that are still scrummy at Sugargrain, Borough Market. 

That’s February well and truly consumed. March is going to bring a few trips to recommended restaurants including the Lucky Chip residency at the Sebright Arms, a venture to Brixton Market and up North to Manchester, a ganders at the Soho Feast and some exploration into the world of Pie and Mash.