Hotel Haunts & Stunning Sips: Inside One Of The Best Rooftop Restaurants In London

With summer in full swing, I have been rooftop obsessed lately. From gorgeous views to signature cocktails and everything in between, it’s the perfect plot for virtually any occasion (including a mere 500 Insta-worthy snapshots). So when the opportunity popped up to visit one of London’s best rooftop bars Aviary, I couldn’t help but snatch it up.

Aviary's rooftop fronts some seriously beautiful views.

Situated inside The Montcalm Royal London House on the 10th floor, the venue is known for its exteriors, but the interiors? Don’t sleep on the swish indoor dining area. Decked out with blue and red leather seating, a slick bar in the centre and touches of bird décor scattered throughout, it’s equally as beautiful as its rooftop.
My friend and I nestled into a booth and kicked off with drinks. I opted for The Old Town (£15), which was a heady mixture of Brugal Añejo rum, Liquor Strega, orange and ginger syrup, fresh ginger, lime juice, and orange bitters. While the orange and ginger married together perfectly, the touch of lime juice added that extra freshness. Meanwhile, my plus one grabbed a rum punch (£12.50) – a blend of three different rums,  pineapple juice, lime juice, watermelon purée and Angostura bitters. If you’re wanting something with a little more of a punch (no pun intended), then this drink has the same fruity flavour as The Old Town but a tad more rum coming through.

Aviary in London has a top-notch oyster selection and pretty interiors.

While we sipped, we ordered our starters. One thing that’s lovely about The Aviary is their ever-changing menu for oysters and coal oven steaks. My friend ordered a trio of oysters  (3 for £14) and was generous enough to offer me one from Carlingford Lough. It was salty, fresh and I would highly suggest just squeezing a smidge of lemon juice to truly appreciate its seaside flavour. Sorry not sorry to Tabasco lovers. I opted for the steak tartare (£15), which was chopped up and drizzled with confit egg yolk, crispy shallots and beef drippings croutons. The creaminess and savouriness of the dish was absolutely dreamy and there was a hint of horseradish cream to add zestiness.

For mains, my pal ordered the Welsh lamb (£38). The dish also featured sauteed wild mushrooms, a , kohlrabi purée and lamb jus. I tried a bit, and boy, it was melt-in-your-mouth good. All the sides allowed for the meat to really sing here with flavour. Meanwhile, I got the grilled Madagascan red prawns (£45), complete with cherry tomatoes, red onion and new potatoes. A vinaigrette topped the dish, which really brought out the prawn’s flavour. Perfectly pink and succulent, the prawns were sublime. However, I did feel that the slices of raw onions and tomato actually took away from the dish as a whole.

Dazzling cocktails served in a stylish fashion is pretty fab.

After polishing off our food, we decided to have one final drink outside on the iconic rooftop. Boasting teal plush seating, gorgeous plants and chic throw pillows, the terrace is ideal for date nights and meetups with pals. Not to mention stunning views of places like The Shard while you lounge. We both ordered the Coco Glen (£14.50), a creamy combo of Glenmorangie X single malt, coconut purée, vanilla syrup and just a dash of lemon juice. This was my favourite cocktail as I’m a sucker for a coconut-based drink, and the puree really shined here, with a touch of nuttiness.

The DesignMyNight Digest 

If you’re searching for rooftop bars in London, Aviary is a must-visit. You can stay for a quick drink with friends while admiring the views or you can settle into its restaurant for a full-dining experience. Expect elevated British fare served in an aesthetically-pleasing fashion, alongside a slew of signature cocktails. Be sure to charge your phone fully for this one – it’s definitely worth the trip.

Click here for our guide to the best rooftop bars in London. For more London restaurant and bar inspo, sign up to our weekly newsletter.