The ViewLondon Review
The multi award-winning Roof Gardens are synonymous with glamour and style and boast unrivalled views across London with more than an acre of lush gardens. It’s just another string to Sir Branson’s already heaving bow.The VenueThe Roof Gardens have been created to impress even the most jaded club-dwellers and if you take into account they are owned by none other than Sir Richard Branson himself, you instantly know that you’re going to be in for a treat.
To access the club you need to take the lift to the sixth floor where London's glamorous clubbers are greeted with a smile and left to explore the club and its famous gardens. The spacious nightclub, flanked by two bars, is light, airy and fresh with a fun atmosphere that can be felt the minute you walk through the doors. Unsurprisingly, the most impressive part of the club are the scenic gardens; dating back to 1936 they feature winding pathways, lush greenery, quaint little fountains, plenty of seating, several bars, a barbecue area and, of course, those famous flamingos, which rest in their own private sleeping area on club nights.
The VIP area of the club is separated by a white strand curtain that enables mere mortals to glimpse the rich and famous who appear to permanently reside on the luxurious white leather and rose print seating inside. The rest of the club is just as impressive with its crystal chandeliers, white, silver and pink makeover - possibly inspired by the flamingos - and a shimmering feature wall of silver inlaid with tiles and full-length mirrors.
The AtmosphereThis is where the glamorous go to see and be been. The crowd is a mixed bunch of famous types (Jade Jagger and Sienna Miller made a recent visit), relatively young successful types and even younger Paris Hilton wannabes. There is plenty of eye candy for both men and women and everyone dresses to impress. The general atmosphere is exclusive but not intimidating, the specially designed mood lighting gives the Roof Gardens an intimate atmosphere and there are plenty of areas to mingle and strut.
The MusicYou'll find some of clubland's biggest names behind the decks and previous DJs have included Andy Cato form Groove Armada. Check out the regular monthly Hot City Nights event, which is held at the club each month. Past themes have included Rio where clubbers were treated to a sexy Brazilian dance show and exotic cocktails, Stockholm with vodka drinks and ice sculptures and Apres Ski Verbier with snow, mulled wine and Toblerone cocktails. These events give clubbers the chance to get dressed up and party - not that they need an excuse.
The DrinkDrinks are at the higher end of the price scale, but aren’t shockingly expensive given its Kensington address. You can expect to pay around £8 for a glass of Champagne, slightly more for a cocktail. The cocktails are popular here - the Roof Gardens are far too glamorous to merely stick to your usual V and T. With quality ingredients like the ever popular Hibiscus making an appearance in some of the ingredient lists it’s easy to see why they’re the drink of choice. Of course, as any self-respecting upmarket club would do, Cristal Champagne is kept stocked at all times for those with a couple of hundred quid to spare. Be prepared for the sparkler-fuelled grand entrances made by the waiting staff whenever someone orders a bottle.
The Last WordThe Roof Gardens is an effortlessly chic club that never fails to impress. Sipping a flute of Champagne outside in the lush gardens you'll feel a world away from the hectic city life six floors beneath your feet.