Last Updated on May 13, 2024
Smart cocktails and iconic views in Tower Hill
As London emerges from a wet early spring into the warmer temperatures of the summer months, the city’s rapidly changing skyline is opening up a wide range of rooftop bars offering ever higher and more spectacular views of the capital. I was thrilled to be invited to Savage Garden, 12 floors up on top of the DoubleTree by Hilton next to Fenchurch Street station. This bar offers a remarkable view of the Tower of London and behind it Tower Bridge, which lights up as the sun goes down for a memorable, and Instagrammable, rooftop view. In close proximity to the City, Savage Garden was buzzing on a weekday evening with guests enjoys a cocktail and soaking up the views after work.
For the spring season, Savage Garden have released a new food and cocktail menu. Notably, this menu includes cocktails created in partnership with Ocean Conservation Trust, donating £1 from the two signature cocktails to the ocean protection and restoration charity.
Also from the Signatures menu, we enjoyed the ‘Aphrodite’s Garden’, with Ojo de dios mezcal, Axia ex dry mastiha, Everleaf 0% Marine, La tomato liquour, oregano tincture and tomato water. Particularly notable about this cocktail was the use of tomato water, rather than juice, which meant that the chunky tomato pieces had been strained out, leading to a thinner texture. The solid parts of the tomato were added to the top of the glass as a garnish. This Bloody Mary-style cocktail was a refreshing reinterpretation of the original, incorporating the smoky mezcal flavours. We also tried the tasty La Piranga with Olmeca blanco, Ojo de dios mezcal, melon wine and Amaro Montenegro – a perfect choice from the Signatures menu for those who enjoy a margarita.
Savage Garden also offer a selection of spritzes with the French aperitif Lillet. Originating from near Bordeaux, this summery wine-based aperitif is offered at the rooftop bar in several variations. We enjoyed La Terrace de Lillet with Lillet Blanc, Crème de peche, Cornish orchard blush cider, and Le Bergamot Lillet Spritz with Lillet Rouge, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Franklin & Sons grapefruit & bergamot tonic.
There are also a variety of small plates options at Savage Garden for those feeling peckish with their cocktail. Our favourites were the Bite Me Beef Sliders with Shoestring blue potatoes, smoked cheddar, homemade bacon jam, stout glazed, mayo. The tender beef made for a satisfying bite and was well portioned. We also enjoyed the Duck Bao Buns with spicy plum sauce, pickled carrot and mooli and poppy seeds, as well as the Italian Cheesy Arancine with provolone, parmigiano, pecorino green peas, and vegan Nduja mayo.
Offering excellent views over London’s Tower Hill area and a smart range of creative cocktails, Savage Garden is a well-designed space perfect for evening drinks or after-work events.
