Sabine at Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s

Sabine Rooftop Bar boasts spectacular views and a more relaxed dress code compared to some of its close competitors. Plus, there’s no entry charge.

To the left of our table was St Paul’s Cathedral, magnificently lit and majestic as ever. To the right, we were treated to a glimmering spectacle of red crane bulbs, a random illumination of windows in high rises, and of course, The Shard.

Undeniably a great place on a scorching hot day, Sabine Rooftop Bar was still the perfect spot to sip, chat and relax on a blustery autumnal evening. While we enjoyed a casual Wednesday night out, others were celebrating birthdays or simply relishing in the chance for an overdue catch-up. It’s a weather-proof venue for all occasions.

Staff were attentive, friendly and efficient giving you the option to set up a tab or pay as you go.

There’s a great selection of house cocktails, priced from £15, many of which have a seasonal twist. We had a zingy tequila concoction garnished with a sprig of rosemary. You can also request the classics, of which we’d recommend the delightfully silky espresso martini.

During our visit the menu consisted of small plates, mains with a couple of side and sweet options. The moreish pea arancini were well seasoned and satisfyingly crisp but would have benefited from the uplift of a zesty condiment. Rich short ribs in a shiraz sauce fell off the bone and were topped with deep fried crispy onions. The dish was hearty and satisfying (althoug be warned, this definitely not one for easy sharing if you're on a date!).

Since our visit the menu has been updated with more tapas-style dishes. This fits the aesthetic more suitably and will no doubt be welcomed by guests looking for a small bite. Sabine rooftop bar is a fantastic watering hole, and the perfect place for pre-prandial drinking. 

Perched atop the Leonardo hotel in the City (and taking the place of what was once The Sky Bar), is Sabine, a stylish rooftop bar which takes its name from a bird whose migratory travel is influenced by the seasons.

Featuring two outdoor terraces - one of which boasts a retractable roof for all-weather drinking and dining - Sabine is a botanically inspired space complete with a backdrop of verdant foliage and comfortable chairs topped with plump, colourful cushions. Seven floor highs, Sabine also boasts some rather impressive views, taking in St Paul’s Cathedral and a handful of other London sights.

As for the menu here, expect a seasonally changing offering of bar snacks and sharing plates. On your visit, you might come across the likes of burrata on toast topped with white peach and pistachio, or roasted asparagus with boquerones, serrano ham and truffle mayonnaise. Most substantial sharing plates meanwhile, may include grilled Lebanese chicken flatbread with roast peppers, tamarind yoghurt and pickled red onions or tandoori monkfish skewers with a green mango salsa hot pickled radishes and raita. To end your meal on a sweet note, tuck into tempting dessert options such as elderflower and lemon tart sherbet or a vegan strawberry meringue.

Sabine’s cocktails are just as important as its food menu. The drinks selection here reflects the bar’s botanical theme, with guests able to choose from signature serves such as What The Dickens: a blend of Beefeater 24 Gin, Grand Marnier, orange and lemon juice and fresh raspberries, topped with Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda. Elsewhere on the drinks list, you will find 13 types of gin, as well as various wines, Champagnes, beers and ciders. There are non-alcoholic cocktails available too, such as the Everleaf Raspberry Spritz, which features fresh raspberries and mint muddled together and topped with soda.