Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock: setting the bar high
Enjoy canopies, cocktails and croquet at one of London’s hottest summer hangouts
Following a smashing launch last summer, the Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock is back to offer bar-goers fun in the sun in an incredible setting.
One of the most imaginative rooftop hangouts in London, Skylight is set on the twisting floors of a former car park. Although it is bustling with people from the moment the doors open, the vast wood-panelled terraces provide plenty of space to spread out and relax - a rarity among bars in the capital - as you chat to friends or maybe dance to tunes provided by the on-site DJ.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to drinks, too, with a San Pellegrino pop-up Fruit Cart, in addition to the standard bar. In the summer spirit, I order up a fruity rum punch that is bursting with flavours of pineapple, orange, and lime.
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A few drinks later, we make our way down to the room below, a dimly lit area set aglow with neon lights, with another bar, food huts and an undercover croquet courts (because why not?).
Food-wise, you can choose between Flip Side, serving superb burgers and chips, or Yiro, offering Greek-style dishes. I go for the latter and order a chicken souvlaki wrap, with a garlic, olive oil, oregano and lemon marinade adding a delicious tang to the tender meat.
Wonderful food and drink aside, Skylight is worth a visit simply for the various activities on offer. Along with croquet, you can have a go at pétanque, a lawn game similar to boules, or test your footballing skills with the virtual reality penalty shoot-out.
The bar also has pop-up screens, and while the World Cup and Wimbledon are over, other major sports events are still being shown.
Whatever your preferences, Skylight deserves a top score for its friendly staff, amazing setting and great entertainment options. Plus, entry is free, so there really is no excuse not to enjoy a bit of the high life here.
Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock, Pennington St. Car Park entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF; skylightlondon.com
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