The London summer can be unpredictable, with capricious skies and rollercoaster temperatures. But regardless of what the Great British Summer brings, one thing is certain: Londoners, and visitors to the UK capital, love a rooftop. That being said, not enough hotels in the British capital have rooftop spaces, so when one invites non-residents for the first time to enjoy its superlative setting, we take notice.

Perfect for embracing summer, The Berkeley hotel has opened its famous rooftop space – usually the preserve of in-house guests – to all for the rest of the season. Nestled between the vibrant streets of Knightsbridge and more discreet, leafy Belgravia, The Berkeley hotel is a favourite for Middle Eastern travellers. But, for the first time, visitors from the region will be able to visit the space even when not checking into the luxurious property.

The Berkeley Rooftop Bar will open for evenings, making the most of the late summer nights by offering the ultimate alfresco destination for visitors to enjoy sunset views over the red brick roofs of Knightbridge, cobbles of Belgravia and the sweeping green of Hyde Park, along with the London Skyline. Building anticipation, the journey to the poolside from the main hotel lobby is illuminated by a new sun-bathed mural by artist Chiara Perano, inspired by the blues of the swimming pool and greens of the nearby parks.

Once upstairs, guests can expect seating near the hotel’s famous swimming pool and a menu of refreshing spritzes and Mediterranean small plates. Magnums of rosé will be served tableside, reminiscent of days spent at the hotel’s sister property, Maybourne Riviera in the South of France, alongside a Sangria made with Côte de Provence rosé, Fever-Tree raspberry lemonade, fresh grapefruit juice and seasonal fruit. Cocktails include highballs and summer spritzes, like the aptly named ‘Pool Party’, which blends Campari, Chambord, rhubarb, strawberry bitters and Fever-Tree soda water. The Hyde Park Spritz is another must-try, a delightful concoction of Ricard Pastis, Cointreau, Benedictine, lemon and sparkling water.

Small plates are zingy, light and refreshing and include seared beef with truffle artichoke pesto and rocket; marinated squid with courgette spaghetti, daikon, sesame, and ginger dressing; a watermelon, cherry tomato and feta salad topped with mint dressing, and a classic Panzanella. What’s more, visiting guests can even flop onto one of the hotel’s coveted striped loungers to while the day away. While tables at The Berkeley Rooftop can be booked, loungers are on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Berkeley Rooftop Bar is open from Tuesday 1 August 2023, Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 pm to 11 pm, with last sitting at 9:30 pm. Reservations only, the-berkeley.co.uk

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