Sitting at the top of the uber cool Tate Modern, this ultra slick bar is worth your time for the drinks and view, even when you don’t feel like wandering around the gallery.

The Venue
Located on the seventh floor of the Tate Modern, this bar is not run by an independent caterer but it is 100% part of the art space, with all profits supporting the gallery. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Tate Modern Bar delivers one of the most sticking views of London from each of its areas. The decor is in line with the gallery, being a minimal affair of bright white walls, light panels hanging from above, dark wooden fixtures, and modern furniture throughout. A single panoramic painting of considerable size is on view: a piece especially commissioned for the restaurant by James Aldridge – it’s the only stylish injection of colour is this otherwise monochrome environment.

The Atmosphere
Busy at any time of the day, the bustling Tate Modern Bar is mostly occupied by gallery visitors and families stopping to rest after the fatigues of several hours of modern art; however, people do come in just to have a drink in front of the stunning view and are clearly recognisable thanks to their glamorous attire. The service is friendly and puts everyone at ease. Art is present but not preponderant and groups and couples just wishing to have a nice drink with a great view will be perfectly satisfied.

The Drink
In the drink list, the real art is dispensed in the beer selection. Bottles (£3-6) are plentiful and carefully explained. The house one is Free Beer, brewed in Cornwall by St Austell especially for the Tate and the arts group Sperflex, and described as a beer and art project all in one. Other interesting options include Innis and Gunns Oak Aged Beer, Battersea Brewery Power Station Pale Ale, Samuel Smith Cherry Beer, Cains Raisin Beer, Sidre Brut, and more. In comparison, the good wine list looks almost bare, especially during those times of the day when just a handful of reds and whites, priced at £4-6 per glass, are left fighting for attention. Vintages are sourced everywhere including countries like Lebanon, Corsica and Portugal and descriptions are informative and definitely facilitate the choice when the list is three pages long for both reds and whites. Particularly noteworthy is the interesting Champagne rose Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve and the selection of Madeira, sherries and sweet wines. The beers are worth a dedicated visit in themselves but the same can be said about the wines if you visit when the choice is the most extensive.

The Last Word
The Tate Modern surely needs no introduction and it is usually a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Regardless of what you think of it, the flawless Tate Modern Bar delivers a glorious view over London and great drinks, making it difficult for anybody to dislike it.

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