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Our writers pick out a few city sundowner spots with panoramic views, both home and away, that are worth a visit
WAGTAIL ROOFTOP BAR
68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR
London has plenty of rooftop drinking spots but Wagtail stands out with its chic setting and prime viewing of city landmarks like the Gherkin, the Shard, St Paul’s dome and the River Thames below.
Sip inventive cocktails, whatever the weather, at the heated open-air terrace. Try the Green Spicy Margarita with fresh notes of coriander and lemongrass, or a Frosted Orchid Martini with fig leaf liqueur.
Expect: Laid-back beats with sunset sessions and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
££££
JOAO’S PLACE
1 Saint James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AX
Inside W Edinburgh hotel, 11 floors up you’ll find a secret speakeasy-style Brazilian cocktail bar.
Styled as a 1970s apartment, this retro refuge offers panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Sit by the firepit and soak up the exclusive atmosphere. You’ll feel a world away from the busy streets below while sipping a Porto Sour or a Tropicalismo.
Expect: Bossa Nova music and cocktails straight outof Sao Paulo, with live acoustic sets on Sundays.
£££
20 STORIES
1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3EB
Set in Manchester’s Spinningfields district, 20 Stories claims to be the city’s highest restaurant and the views live up to expectation.
The rooftop cocktail bar offers aptly named, if pricey, cocktails like citrus treat City Streets.
If you really want to splash out, try High Noon, with top-end tequila Don Julio 1942 mixed with mango, citrus and Korean hot honey, setting you back a suitably steep £55.
Expect: Cool vibes and clever cocktails, plus the obvious Insta-tastic photo opps.
££££
THE BOTANIST
Monument Mall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AL
Cocktails inspired by the best of botany are served with flair alongside menus packed with seasonal ingredients at this city centre venue.
The Botanist now serves 24 UK cities, so you’re likely already familiar with the stunning floral interiors.
But an added bonus here is arguably the best view in Newcastle, looking straight over the town centre and iconic Grey Street.
Expect: Plenty of homegrown live music at this lively, popular venue – booking advised.
£££
PESTANA PALÁCIO DO FREIXO
Estrada Nacional 108, 4300-316 Porto, Portugal
Porto has no shortage of views, or bars for that matter, but for something really special enjoy an aperitif at Pestana Palácio do Freixo – one of The Leading Hotels of the World.
This sprawling five-star luxury retreat is classed as a National Monument thanks to its stunning Baroque architecture and offers magnificent views over the city and the Douro River.
Try a local speciality like the Porto Negroni, with Tawny port, aperol and gin, at just €12.
Expect: Sheer grandeur, an extensive drinks menu and excellent port wine cocktails.
£££
BAR SUR LE TOIT AT LA FANTAISIE
24 rue Cadet, 75009, Paris, France
Tucked away inside La Fantaisie, a boutique five-star hotel in the 9th arrondissement, Bar Sur Le Toit lives up to the hotel’s name – stepping inside is like entering a fairytale.
The fantasy begins in the lift, with the sound of chirping birds as you ride up to the seventh-floor bar. Heading out onto the secret garden-like terrace, note the scent of olive trees that grow between tables and enjoy striking views of the Opera Garnier and Montmartre districts.
Expect: Opulence and nature intertwined with botanical-style cocktails and plush furnishings.
££££
DAS LOFT
Praterstrasse 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria
With floor-to-ceiling windows presenting views over Austria’s capital, Das Loft is a stylish bar on the 18th floor of the SO/ Vienna hotel.
Whether you’re after dinner or just drinks, it’s a magical venue to experience nightfall with friends or on a romantic getaway. Along with house specials and classic cocktails, you’ll find an array of Austrian wines either by the glass or bottle.
Expect: Elegant cocktails while gazing at landmarks like the iconic Wiener Riesenrad giant ferris wheel.
££££
Want more inspiration? Check out Issue 2 for more of our favourites further afield.
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