Up above the streets and houses, London is not short of dining options with a view. But how many offer you the chance to just sit and graze while you gaze?
Londonist spent a memorable night on the roof terrace of One New Change last year, sleeping under the stars and facing onto the cupola of St Paul's Cathedral. We returned recently to check out the new tapas and cocktail bar so we could do some more gawping at the City vista and find out if the capital really does need another Hispanic nibble joint.
Like the portions of food they serve, the bar is not huge. About twenty people can perch or hover in the bar, while there is space outside for another 100 folk who can take their food or drink with them. Tapas will always be about quality over quantity and Madison's takes the quality seriously: head chef Mark Broadbent has an impressive CV which takes in Chelsea's Conran Bluebird and Oliver Peyton's Isola. His menu has authenticity splashed all over it with dishes like zarzuela of baby octopus and croquetas ‘Pata Negra’. Other seafood options include scallop ceviche, warm Atlantic prawns and the tasty popcorn squid. Those with a sweet tooth will especially enjoy that Come Dine With Me favourite of lemon posset. The portion sizes won't choke a donkey but are decent enough. Prices range from £4-£14 per dish.
Not hungry? Or you need something to rehydrate that salty tongue? Sister establishment Madison's Bar on the other side of the terrace has a wider selection but, alongside some wine and spirit options, we recommend checking out bar manager Ana Vrtar's inventive martini recipes and not just for the names: the Pornstar Martini (42 vodka, Passoa, apple juice and champagne), the Hot Bitch Martini (Babicka vodka, chilli and red pepper) and the Melted Strawberry (Grey Goose vodka, strawberry and apple juice) are more than just cool monikers and work well with the food.
Madison's Tapas & Cocktails Bar can be found on the sixth floor of One New Change (1 New Change, London EC4M 9AF). More information can be found on the website.
