Granted, the venue – there are also two restaurants up here – is usually stuffed with bar-tourists, but the view from this eighth-floor watering hole on a summer’s evening is spectacular.
The scene I meet my friend here early on a Saturday night and it’s heaving. Awkwardly, there are stools packed around the bar, making it difficult to get served or pick up a drink without knocking into or spilling booze on to the person sitting there.
We loiter near the seating area – unfortunately, it’s also a runway for diners and staff to and from one of the restaurants, so we’re always in the way.
However, as twilight covers the city, with St Paul’s and Tower Bridge in the background, it’s a stunning sight from the huge glass windows.
The grub Nibble on top tasty bar snacks such as crispy octopus, spiced lamb skewers, a charcuterie sharing board or vegetable dumplings.
Behind the bar Choose from a vast selection of booze from this 19-page menu specialising in cocktails, champagne and fine spirits. My Southbank, made with gin, pink grapefruit vodka, lychee liqueur and grapefruit juice, hits the spot.
Bill please Bubbly from £14 a glass; cocktails from £12.50; beer from £4.95 a pint.
Verdict Worthwhile to tick another ‘must-do’ off the list – even if it’s just for the jaw-droppingly impressive view across the capital.
8th Floor, Barge House St, SE1 9PH
harveynichols.com/oxo-tower-london
Tube | Southwark
