AFTER DARK

As the nights begin to brighten, watch the sunset over the city from one of London’s most spectacular terraces

Words: Kat Poole

■ JUREMA, FITZROVIA themandrake.com/jurema

Stepping into Jurema, on the rst- oor terrace of e Mandrake Hotel, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that bustling Oxford Street is just a short stroll away. With jasmine and passion ower cascading from the walls, this urban garden is so spectacular it was a global winner at the AHEAD awards. On the menu you’ll nd Mexican-inspired dishes from YOPO, the hotel’s main restaurant, and a smorgasbord of plant-inspired cocktails. And for a more intimate evening, the second- oor Glasshouse — lled with medicinal plants — can be booked for small, special events.

■ ALLEGRA, STRATFORD

On the seventh oor of Stratford’s iconic Manhattan Lo Gardens sits Allegra, a true destination dining spot on the edge of London’s Olympic Park. Come for the food, but stay for the atmosphere – with a minimalist and modern design by Space Copenhagen, it’s an urban oasis with just the right amount of buzz. e vast wraparound terrace and roof garden will reopen in May and coincide with a seasonal shi in chef Patrick Powell’s menu; expect innovative British cuisine with an inventive bar menu to match.

allegra-restaurant.com

■ ANGLER, MOORGATE

Renowned for exceptional sustainable seafood dishes from executive chef Gary Foulkes, the Michelin-starred Angler is a stalwart of London’s sky-high dining scene. But the sleek and sophisticated restaurant, perched atop the South Place Hotel, has another jewel in its crown: an inviting, heated terrace, with picturesque views of the city. In the warmer months, you can dine alfresco (the elegant tasting menu is a gastronomic delight), while dusk colours the skyline around you.

anglerrestaurant.com/at corinthia.com/london/restaurantsbars/the-garden

Not all the city’s spectacular terraces are up on high. e Corinthia’s Garden Lounge is a secret courtyard with a seasonal ambience; during the winter months it is transformed into an alpine wonderland, but as spring arrives so does an idyllic mood and Mediterranean menu more tting of the Amal Coast. And there’s one more thing that sets it apart: a specialist sommelier who, from a walk-in humidor, can help you choose from the nest selection of pre-embargo Cuban cigars.

■ AVIARY, FINSBURY SQUARE

ere’s something deliciously decadent about ending the day with oysters, Champagne and a breathtaking city panorama. ose are the specialities at Aviary, on the 10th oor of the Montcalm Royal London House. e restaurant and bar fuses aviarylondon.com

1920s style with bold, colourful furnishings, and you’ll nd the same level of detail on the southfacing terrace, with intimate lounge-style seating. Inside or out, it’s a charming spot for an evening of delicious wine and dining.

■ MERCER ROOF TERRACE CITY OF LONDON

City hotels tend to be a prime location for elevated dining, and Mercer Roof Terrace – atop Vintry & Mercer – is no exception. From this city spot you can see iconic London landmarks, including the Shard and St Paul’s, but that’s just window dressing. e main event is the inventive cocktail menu, using spirits infused with rose, fennel, butter y pea ower and more. For guests visiting the city, the hotel below is exquisitely decorated... the perfect place to rest your head a er an evening watching the night draw in.

vintryandmercer.com