Did you know you can find a taste of Saint-Tropez in the heart of London? Tucked away on top of Vintry & Mercer, Mercer Roof Terrace brings together chilled Provençal rosé, alfresco dining and some of the capital’s most iconic views. If you’re searching for London’s best rooftop restaurant for a late summer lunch (or early autumn dinner), this hidden City spot makes a strong case for the title.
High above the bustle of the Square Mile, the terrace feels pleasantly removed from the streets below. In one sweeping panorama, you can take in the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the unmistakable glass pinnacle of The Shard. On a blue-sky afternoon, with a glass of pale-pink rosé in hand, the French Riviera suddenly doesn’t feel quite so far away.
Dining is as much a part of the Vintry & Mercer experience as an overnight stay, with the boutique hotel home to an all-day eatery, cocktail bar and its rooftop restaurant. The latter is where you’ll want to be when the sun makes an appearance, particularly if your idea of London’s best rooftop restaurant involves a little escapism alongside the view.
This summer, Mercer Roof Terrace has partnered with Château Minuty to bring a distinctly Provençal mood to the City. The renowned Côtes de Provence wine estate’s cuvées, including Cuvée Prestige rosé, are served against the London skyline – a combination that works particularly well when the working week is over and your only pressing decision is what to order next.
The food remains rooted closer to home, with a modern British menu celebrating sustainably sourced meat and fish from the British Isles. We began with the Cobble Lane charcuterie, a generous spread of salami, coppa and bresaola accompanied by sourdough, pickles and balsamic olive oil. The kind of grazing plate a leisurely rooftop lunch calls for, especially with a bottle of Minuty chilling beside the table.
Next came the Cornish crab cakes, crisp on the outside and packed with sweet crab, accompanied by a sriracha brown crab emulsion, coriander and jalapeño. The gentle heat cuts through the richness beautifully and made these one of our favourites of the afternoon.
Equally moreish were the spiced corn ribs, dressed with harissa mayonnaise, pickled red onions and coriander cress. They’re gloriously messy to eat, but sometimes the best dishes are. For something lighter, the spiced courgette and pea velouté brought together coconut, lemongrass and coriander, finished with crispy chilli oil for an extra kick.
For mains, the pan-roasted coastal stone bass was the standout. Served with confit barbecue fennel, preserved lemon and tomato sauce vierge, it felt perfectly suited to summer: light and fresh but still full of flavour.
By this point, we were comfortably full. Naturally, we ordered three desserts.
The burnt Basque blackberry cheesecake was perhaps the prettiest of the trio, with blackberry compote and flaked almonds balancing its rich, creamy centre. The dark chocolate and orange gâteau was unapologetically decadent, paired with orange marmalade and chocolate-orange sauce. My surprise favourite, however, was the vanilla soft serve with sticky toffee sponge and caramel sauce.
And while the food gives you plenty of reasons to linger, it’s impossible to talk about London’s best rooftop restaurant without returning to that setting. London rooftops aren’t exactly in short supply, but Mercer Roof Terrace has something many of the larger, flashier addresses lack: intimacy. St Paul’s feels almost close enough to touch, while The Shard rises in the distance and the surrounding rooftops remind you that you’re right in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities.
Despite the postcard backdrop, there’s a pleasing lack of pretension. The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu is accomplished without being fussy and the Château Minuty collaboration adds just enough Riviera glamour without turning the whole thing into a themed experience.
Come for lunch and it would be very easy to stay as afternoon slips into golden hour and the city begins to light up around you. That transition is arguably when Mercer Roof Terrace is at its best: rosé still flowing, plates cleared and London unfolding below.
So, is Mercer Roof Terrace one of London’s best rooftop restaurants? Competition in the capital is fierce, but for an intimate terrace, excellent food, Provençal rosé and one of the loveliest perspectives of St Paul’s, it deserves a place on the shortlist.
For more information or to book a table visit www.vintryandmercer.com
Want more London inspo? Click here.
All images from Vintry & Mercer via AKA Communications
