Went here with friends for a midweek "Christmas get together" for the first time and was a little disappointed to be honest. Its had a lot of hype but overrated.
Firstly, the stairs - there are 12 sets of stairs you need to climb before you get access to the bar itself... Supposedly it is 98 steps but regardless there is no lift and the stairs are only mentioned deep within the website so it is not immediately clear for possible patrons that the venue is absolutely not suitable for anyone who is disabled, or those with sight or mobility issues, there are no ground floor storage options for cases. We had large work suitcases with us and are able bodied but we needed help to make it to the top. (none offered by any of the team).
Won't accept cash despite cash being legal tender.
Service - lacklustre at best, poor overall. The staff are friendly but not very efficient or helpful. We were advised to sit at our table and do all ordering from a qr code. When I asked if we could just order directly from the bar the server said no its better to do from the qr code... the menu automatically adds on an additional service charge to your order each time that you have to remove if you don't want to pay extra on top of your order, which is just a sneaky way of getting more £ from you as well as negating human contact with the bar staff, and also adding potential issues with ordering and relying on digital systems only.
We had ordered food - bear in mind the menu is essentially burgers and chips and some other fried fast food options. It took 1 hour 20mins for the items to arrive (for 2 people) despite it being midweek and not busy at all... We asked the team a couple of times where and why the food was taking so long. Each time they were unsure despite the open kitchen being next to the bar.
Eventually the food came but the order was wrong, when we highlighted the wrong items had been given to us and asking for our actual order, the server was apologetic for the delay although then proceeded to tell my friend she must have ordered the wrong thing - despite us having the online receipt showing what we'd ordered. As there were only two of us it wasn't a complicated order to have put together.
We asked if it would be possible to have a complimentary drink given the lengthy wait and mistakes, and our server said she didn't have any authority to do and seemed to want to leave it at that, so we asked her nicely if she could go and find out because we were pretty disappointed by it all by then. She returned to say she was able to give us a free shot so we declined and requested something else like a beer. Having worked in bars and restaurants I was surprised we had had to ask for what used to be a standard customer service offering when the experience has been bad.
The best thing about the bar was the music and the saxophone player. She really was good and very talented.
Needless to say we would...
Read moreTerrible experience Came here yesterday as we had made reservations 2-3 weeks ago. Firstly the table we got given was in an horrible location. However once we complained they did accommodate us to another table. The drinks are nothing special. My friend ordered a mimosa which tasted like a capri sun. So far everyone who served us was lovely. We did have another request which they accommodated us with. However after a couple hours a lady came over and said that we had 15mins left of our reservation (this is all we got told). Fair we understood and we drank our drinks and proceeded downstairs. We saw a few empty tables so we sat down to continue drinking and one my friends ordered food. After about 15 mins one of the security personel came over to tell us that our reservation had actually ended and we needed to leave the bar in general. We were shocked. All the tables that were reserved had signs on them. There were a few that no one was sitting on and no reserved sign on and if there were people actually waiting for a table we would understand but baring in mind once we actually left there were only two people in the queue coming in). My friend mentioned she had just ordered food. About 5 mins later another girl came over wearing all green tube top and trousers with dark hair. She also mentioned that we needed to leave the bar which we were trying to understand why this was a thing. She was quite rude to us instead of explaining the actual reason and was having a go at us for sitting on another table and not telling them first (if this is An actual policy surely they should mention this when you seat your customers down) also saying they don’t do walk ins on a Friday. Just the attitude was terrible especially since we had been there and paying for drinks. Then the manager came over to refund my friends food and speak to us but made us feel like we were some sort of criminals as he brought one of the security people with him standing a few feet away as if we were about to do something (we were 4 girls with 2 being mums). No one really explained anything properly and it felt hostile and as if we were being discriminated against. As we walked to head downstairs the bouncers eyes were stuck on us again making us feel like we had done something bad. We had enjoyed our time together up to that point and that put a damper on our night and we ended up actually going home rather than continuing on. In all honesty there are far better rooftop bars in London. The area the bar is in is very dodgy and you have to go up about 7 flights of stairs (there are no lifts). Only a few tables are located nicely. We did however have a lovely girl serving us she had long blonde hair which she wore down and I think wearing a black top and trousers. I wish I had got her name as she was so friendly, smily, engaging and calm. She’s got great customer...
Read moreTitle: A Rooftop Experience at London Bridge: Hit or Miss?
London Bridge Rooftop offers an outdoor rooftop experience with an energetic vibe, talented DJs, and a wide selection of drinks and tasty burgers. While the atmosphere and entertainment are commendable, there are a few disappointing aspects that need addressing.
Finding the entrance to London Bridge Rooftop can be a frustrating endeavor. The lack of clear signage or directions can leave guests feeling lost and bewildered before they even step foot inside. This initial hurdle sets a discouraging tone for the evening.
One of the biggest letdowns at London Bridge Rooftop is their attempt at an espresso martini, aptly named "Espresso and the Rocks." Unfortunately, this concoction falls flat on its promises and fails to deliver a satisfying coffee-infused cocktail experience. Priced at a hefty £14, it's an expensive disappointment that leaves much to be desired.
That being said, the rooftop does offer an impressive array of other drinks, including delicious cocktails and satisfying burgers. The talented DJs spinning tunes contribute to the lively ambiance, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is hard to resist. The staff members are also friendly and provide attentive service, adding to the overall positive experience.
However, it's worth noting that since my visit two summers ago, London Bridge Rooftop has installed a canopy for rain protection. While this addition serves its purpose, it comes at the cost of partially obstructing the once breathtaking view of the Shard and the surrounding area. It's a trade-off that diminishes the full potential of the rooftop's scenic setting.
In conclusion, London Bridge Rooftop offers a mixed bag of experiences. While the vibrant atmosphere, talented DJs, and attentive staff contribute to the overall enjoyment, the disappointing espresso martini and obscured views are significant downsides. Consider exploring other drink options and soak in the lively vibes, but be prepared for some letdowns along the way.
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