insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 46

LONDON

Up on the roof

BY GEMMA DUNN

I don't know quite what it is, but there's something about enjoying a tipple on a rooftop that is unashamedly
far more exciting than doing exactly the same in a ground floor bar. From incredible panoramic views to
bustling sun-drenched terraces, there really is only one stylish way to take in the capital's skyline this summer,
and that is with drink in hand, atop one of these fabulous London rooftop bars.

Aqua London

High above the streets of London's infamous
Regent Street, Aqua London sits five floors up
in one of the city's most iconic buildings, the
former Dickins & Jones department store.
An upmarket restaurant chain hailing from
Hong Kong, the Aqua Restaurant Group
epitomises destination dining with a blend of
cutting-edge cuisines, über chic interiors and
breathtaking views. Moreover, with an ethos
such as this, its striking landmark destination in
the heart of London's West End could not be
more fitting.
The top floor hosts two world-class
restaurants, each serving up their own
international cuisine to discerning diners, plus
award-winning bar, aqua spirit. The first of the
dining experiences is aqua nueva, a celebrated
restaurant that offers its guests contemporary
northern Spanish dishes, overseen by highly
acclaimed chef, Alberto Hernandez. Meanwhile,
the second – and the one that I had the pleasure
of visiting – is aqua kyoto, a venture that exudes
Japanese cool, transported straight out of Ginza,

Tokyo, with its fabulous sunken sushi bar and
spectacular sumibiyaki charcoal grill.
Serving up contemporary Japanese cuisine
under the skill of executive chef, Jordan Sclare,
aqua kyoto really is the perfect remedy for a
sunny midsummer afternoon. Therefore, peach
Bellini in hand, my colleague and I enjoyed
breathtaking views from the restaurant's sunsoaked terrace, before heading inside for a spot
of lunchtime dining. Although, happily seated
beside its floor-to-ceiling windows, we certainly
remained in the al fresco spirit.
With the help of the attentive and
knowledgeable waiter, we picked an incredible
selection of dishes including prawn tempura with
udon noodles, chicken and spring onion yakitori
skewers with fresh truffle, wagyu sirloin beef with
caramelised onion miso, a spinach salad with
sesame seeds and goma dressing, plus a
selection of salmon sushi rolls.
Beautifully presented and packed with
flavour, the quality of each dish was just as
innovative and exceptional as the next. To try to
articulate the outstanding calibre of the food is

near impossible, but let's just say, it has left me
planning an imminent return.
To finish, we shared an assortment of green
tea, chocolate and yuzu mochi ice cream, and
to follow, a spectacular forest floor, mint panna
cotta with raspberry sorbet and chocolate
crumble.
At aqua kyoto, each dish is a culinary
masterpiece, pieced together by a series of
elements that have been designed and crafted
by a team of dedicated and skilled professionals.
From its dramatic location to its unbeatable social
terrace and matchless cuisine, Aqua London's
triumphant concept has injected something new
and exciting into the London dining scene, and
it is certainly deserved of every success.

Aqua London
5th Floor
240 Regent Street
W1B 3BR
www.aqua.com.hk

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU ENJOY A COCKTAIL IN THE CLOUDS? HERE ARE A FEW MORE OF THE CAPITAL'S ROOFTOPS BARS
THAT ARE WELL WORTH THE HIKE.
Vista, The Trafalgar Hotel
2 Spring Gardens
Trafalgar Square
SW1A 2TS
www.thetrafalgar.com
Radio Rooftop Bar,
ME London Hotel
336-337 The Strand
WC2R 1HA
www.melia.com

SushiSamba
Floors 38-39
Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate
EC2N 4AY
www.sushisamba.com

The Queen Elizabeth Hall
Roof Garden
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Southbank Centre
SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Coq d'Argent
No 1 Poultry
The City
EC2R 8EJ
www.coqdargent.co.uk

Boundary Rooftop
2-4 Boundary Street
E2 7DD
www.theboundary.co.uk

Kensington Roof Gardens
99 Kensington High Street
Kensington
W8 5SA
www.roofgardens.virgin.com

Dalston Roof Park
The Print House
18-22 Ashwin Street
E8 3DL
www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk

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Queen of Hoxton
1-5 Curtain Rd
Shoreditch
EC2A 3JX
www.queenofhoxton.com
OXO Tower Restaurant,
Bar & Brasserie
OXO Tower Wharf
Barge House Street
South Bank
SE1 9PH
www.oxotower.co.uk