Roast (bar)

The produce is British and so are the beers at this foodie destination, so go for London-brewed Meantime and order moreish patriotic snacks at Roast’s buzzy, airy stand-alone bar overlooking Borough Market. Try a Burford Brown Scotch egg with Macsween’s haggis and piccalilli or Grimsby smoked haddock croquettes with horseradish mayo and foraged herbs for size. The lengthy drinks menu is strong on rums and accessibly priced malt whiskies, but also features around two dozen wines by the glass, carafe and bottle: £32 secures Chapel Down sparkling rosé. Live jazz and jam sessions set the tone for cocktails such as tangerine cosmo, sumptuous old fashioned (cinnamon and orange-infused Hibiki whiskey with chocolate bitter and maraschino liqueur) or pumpkin bite (pumpkin purée, ginger liqueur, spiced Bacardi and fresh cranberry juice). The line-up of ‘pudding cocktails’ such as apple turnover is a sweet idea.

Located in a former floral hall in the capital’s vibrant Borough Market, Roast is the iconic London restaurant, known for its seasonal British dishes and fantastic city views.  And now, there’s an extra reason to visit; beyond the food, Roast has opened a brand-new bar, with a fabulous cocktail menu.  

Whether you’re grabbing a drink before dinner or are settling in for an evening of cocktails, you will love the atmosphere in the Roast Bar. Set up on a mezzanine, large windows, offer impressive views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the nearby Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and of course Borough Market below.  

The extensive cocktail menu has everything you would hope to see, including classic choices like a Bellini, Old Fashioned and Negroni. Roast also has their own signature cocktails including the chili infused Smoky Hot Negroni, Ginger Martini and Big Ben; a combination of Beefeater London Dry Gin, raspberry, blackberry and Chambord. Cocktails start at a price of £10.  

Non-alcoholic cocktails on offer Elderflower and Lychee Collins and the Virgin Saffron Caipirinha and cost £7.50. All cocktails are carefully put together and beautifully presented.  

If cocktails aren’t your thing, there is also an extensive selection of spirits, including a wide range of gin, run, tequila, whisky and brandy.  

If you are looking to stay for food, Roast has a fantastic menu of classic and contemporary British dishes, created using locally sourced seasonal produce. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu and offer an elegant afternoon tea from £35 per person.