Cocktail-devouring lounge lizard? Lover of throwback ‘50s elegance? Not a sufferer of vertigo? If you tick these boxes then Docklands’ high-rise hangout could be the (extremely elevated) bar for you.

The Venue
First things first. Unless you happen to work in Docklands it can, quite frankly, be a navigational nightmare. However, don’t let this put you off. Be strong. Attic is on the 48th floor of the landmark waterside development Pan Peninsula, which is just across the street from South Quay on the DLR, or six minute walk from Canary Wharf. Barring any dizziness from surrounding sky-scrapers, it’s pretty easy to find.

Once inside Pan Peninsula, your carriage awaits. Well, lift. 48 floors, a little ear popping and a touch of nausea later, the doors open and you’re in Attic. If you’re expecting old VHS tapes and a box of your ex’s love letters you’ve come to the wrong place. The attention to detail of the interior is staggering with ‘50s style furniture offering commodious comfort whilst a panoramic view of London brings an unadulterated wow factor. The bar is surrounded by black granite and the precious stone Tiger’s Eye flown in from India.

Dark wooden floors complement the airport lounge style armchairs and sofas with soft pink and green lighting bringing warmth in the day and a touch of romance at night. The bar also boasts an outside area where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Dome, Canary Wharf, London City Airport and beyond with the wind in your face, and a cocktail in hand. Just don’t drop it.

The Atmosphere
Attic immediately seems young, funky, warm and inviting. The lighting, colourscheme and ambience draws you in immediately, and once you get over the admittedly mind-boggling views you’re left with a bar that you’d happily frequent even without its fear-inducing selling point.

In terms of clientele, you’re in the epicentre of London’s largest purpose-built financial centre so dashing suits and executive power-dresses hog the limelight. However, this bar presents an excellent opportunity to astound and will knock the socks off a loved one for a spontaneous role-play date. If pretending to be millionaires for the evening is your thing, the helpful and quick-to-serve waiters will keep you lubricated long into the night, or at least until one of you turns into a pumpkin. The venue aims to keep some semblance of exclusivity, so entry to the bar is by appointment only. The capacity is 50 and the bar can be hired out for private functions if you want to have your party in the skies.

The Drink
It’s the drinking options where the bar really comes into its own. There’s a wine list ranging from Argentinian white Trapiche Melodias at £20 per bottle to the French red L’Enclos De Lezongars at £37. Champagnes are also popular with bottles ranging from £50 to £350.

The list of beers and ales is small but wide ranging. There are bottles of Budweiser or draught Staropramen, Hoegaarden, Old Speckled Hen and Guinness coming in at the £5 mark. However, you get the feeling that the bar was born to serve spirits and cocktails.

There are seemingly endless options spirit-wise with a choice from eleven whiskys as well as premium rum, tequila, cognac, vodka and gin. Champagne cocktails start at £12 with the piece de resistance being the signature Attic cocktail - a blend of sloe gin, spiced berries and strawberry puree finished off with Champagne. It’s a delightfully sparkling cocktail with a pleasant sweet flavour of strawberries and an underlying kick from the gin. Perfect for a romantic night 48 floors up. The bar staff know their beans and may well point you in the direction of another signature cocktail Obsession. It’s an inviting, easy to drink blend of peach puree, cariel vanilla vodka, mint leaves and lychee juice – a dangerous combination as you barely taste the alcohol.

The Last Word
Attic is well worth a trip to the clouds. It’s wonderfully relaxing and if a beautiful 1950s air stewardess were to come and serve you some nuts during your visit, you wouldn’t be at all surprised.

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