Whilst the city’s public rooftop selection is notoriously limited, this distinguished terrace continues to offer an elevated experience as it enters a new era. And though summer is long gone, watching as the city lights up against a skyline backdrop (this festive season) is no lesser alternative.
Following an extensive £2.5 million renovation earlier this year, Radio Rooftop is back—and it’s back with style. It’s been reimagined by the renowned designer Bernard Caroll, with the new interiors showcasing a blend of desert-inspired tones, oak wood fixtures, and pampas grass arrangements, creating a vibe that’s both luxurious and laidback. Every corner is designed to charm, from comfy outdoor sofa seating to the indoor high tables scattered around the perimeter, offering breathtaking views all around.
At the centre of it all is the Onyx cocktail bar, a glowing gem where an expert team of mixologists led by Daniel Susko (formerly of Annabel’s, SushiSamba, and Soho House) crafts cocktails with a flair. Using cutting-edge sous vide techniques, they infuse every drink with rich flavours and playful twists. For a taste, try the whimsically named It’s Giving Geisha, a blend of Belvedere vodka, lychee liqueur, and fresh raspberries, or Somebody Else’s Chai, a cosy mix of Hennessy VS Cognac, chai, and pomegranate.
Complementing these bold creations is an Asian-inspired sharing menu curated by Executive Chef Federico Crisafulli. He brings expertise from his time at Intercontinental Yokohama in Japan, embodying the spirit of the East.
Starting off strong, I’d recommend the juicy, crisp, and golden Tiger Prawn Tempura with sweet chilli sauce and Steamed Edamame with smoked sea salt, two classics that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Following on to the Sushi, Seared & Raw section, opt for the gorgeously presented fresh Sashimi selection, featuring salmon, yellowtail, akami, chutoro, and sea bass on ice. Or if rolls are more your style, choose between the maki’s, including Spicy Tuna and Avocado or California Roll with hand-picked crab.
For the main event, the Black Cod in citrus miso is a must. Loosely sealed in a hobo leaf, accompanied by pickled onions, it’s buttery and packed with flavour, and the sweet tang of the onions pair together beautifully. To further elevate this star dish, the Japanese rice bowl with pickled ginger and furikake, topped with an oozing egg yolk, does the job.
Finishing off, the Matcha & White chocolate cheesecake is a simple yet delicious sweet treat.
The look is refreshed, the taste is excellent, and the views are iconic, but it wouldn’t be a Radio Rooftop without great tunes and immaculate vibes. Playing house music from midday to midnight, the international DJs, together with the name RADIO, keep the rich history of broadcasting alive. Over a century since this site hosted the first ever BBC broadcast in November 1922, Radio Rooftop continues the legacy, discovering new ways to excite the senses.
