As winter draws in, and Christmas approaches (that’s our contractually obligated way of starting all articles written in November and December), we’re all seeking solace from the fast paced city to relax and enjoy the season. Sure, the Christmas lights and trees around London are gorgeous, but they can also find the streets and pavements packed with people. Sometimes we need an escape! Enter: London’s newest rooftop bar (our favourite type of bar), Florattica, which is set to open December 2.

Set to be one of London’s hottest tickets bookings, Florattica will keep guests watered and fed with a cocktail menu from London cocktail royalty, and small plates that cater to any tastes. Seasonality will dictate the menu, so expect plenty of wintry dishes and drinks during the opening season, and be sure to return for new offerings as the year goes on. Basically, if you get a Christmas invite to this place – accept immediately!

Florattica will provide both indoor and outdoor spaces, with inside seating that flows out to an expansive, covered outdoor terrace. And, yes, it’s heated! They’ve given careful thought to making sure that guests can enjoy the view in complete luxury. And what a view it is, stretching across iconic London landmarks from St Paul’s, to Canary Wharf, and the Thames. That’s if you can tear your eyes from the bar’s impressive interiors, with eye-catching ceilings adorned with floral installations inspired by East London’s textile industry and silk woven floral patterns from the 17th century.

On the menu

The floral inspiration extends over to the bar’s cocktail menu, where drinks take guests on a sensory journey through the elegant and aromatic world of flowers. Head Mixologist, Serena Carrino, previously of Nightjar, is mixing up herbal and floral drinks that promise to dazzle the tastebuds, with equally delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Drinks include the Alma, a herbal cocktail mixing up Casamigos Blanco, Hibiscus Amores Espadin, Ancho Reyes, Lavender syrup, and citrus, and the sweet and sour Inca made from El Gobernador, Maraschino, Marigold syrup, Lemongrass air, and citrus, among others. Meanwhile non-alcoholic drinks make use of ingredients ranging from jasmine and elderflower cordial, to green tea, to Three Spirit’s non-alcoholic spirits, and more.

The food, meanwhile, is simple, yet refined. Expect dishes ‘From the Sea’ and ‘From the Land’, such as oysters with champagne, raspberry, and white balsamic vinaigrette and the traditional lobster roll with crème fraîche, lemon oil, and chives, as well as beef tartare with confit egg yolk, crispy tartlet, and fresh black truffle, as well as sharing charcuterie boards and plenty more.

‘Tis the season at Florattica

Since they’re opening at the height of the festive season, they’re also offering up plenty of Christmassy delights. Among their warming Christmas cocktail specials are the Noel, with Glenturret triple wood, Porto wine, flavoured pink peppercorn milk, nutmeg, and grated Cinnamon on top, as well as the Wine Not, made with Florattica mulled wine, Italicus, and Tio pepe fino sherry. Think mulled wine, but taken to the extremes of flavour and sophistication.

Come the New Year, they’re also going all out at their inaugural New Year’s Eve party. Tickets to their evening bash will include a champagne cocktail, a glass of Moët at midnight, and plenty of canapes and small plates to snack on through the evening. With panoramic views of the night’s fireworks displays, you won’t know where to look! But if you’re anything like us you’ll be following the servers around trying to scoff all of the food in between cocktail top-ups.

Bookings are live for December, so act quickly and secure your seat at London’s next rooftop destination.