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London’s Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar

Imagine: A warm summer evening, a gentle breeze, and a view of London’s skyline that takes your breath away. Now imagine this scene paired with fresh, handcrafted cocktails made with ingredients grown right on the rooftop. This isn’t a dream, it’s reality at The Culpeper, a truly unique rooftop bar in London’s bustling Spitalfields district.

Forget the usual crowded bars and bustling pubs, The Culpeper offers a different kind of experience. This gem has captivated the hearts of Londoners and travelers alike, even earning the title of “Europe’s Best Rooftop Bar” in 2021.

the impressive horseshoe bar at the culpeper, with beer pumps front and centre and low hanging lights

A Haven Above the City

The Culpeper isn’t just a bar; it’s a complete experience. This old building boasts four floors of delicious delights, from a charming ground-floor pub to a sophisticated restaurant and even a boutique hotel.

Start your journey on the ground floor, where you can indulge in a hearty pub lunch or a selection of delectable snacks. The menu features seasonal delights like Dill-Cured Salmon with Daikon & Radish Salad and a Red Pepper Hummus with Almond & Harrisa Pesto. Of course, no trip to a pub is complete without a banging Sunday Roast, a traditional British favorite.

Head upstairs to the first floor and discover another stunning dining space bathed in natural light. The lunch menu makes its way up here, joined by evening options like Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings with Peas, Violet Artichokes, Salsa Verde, and Pecorino, and Pan-Fried Monkfish with Ratatouille, Crispy Polenta, and Herb Salad. To elevate your dining experience, be sure to try the Aperitif of the Week, a rotating selection of drinks designed to tantalize your taste buds.

The skyline of the City of London looms over a rooftop bar with a greenhouse, tables and chairs, and lots of plant life.

A Rooftop Garden Where Flavors Bloom

But the real magic happens on the third floor. Here you’ll find The Culpeper’s prized rooftop garden, a haven of fresh air and vibrant greenery. This space is not only a breathtaking spot to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the city views but also the source of many of the bar’s ingredients.

The Culpeper takes sustainability seriously, and it’s reflected in every aspect of the bar. The rooftop garden is tended to by Jack Astbury, the bar’s dedicated gardener, who cultivates a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Ingredients that can’t be grown on-site are sourced from local farmers and suppliers who share The Culpeper’s commitment to ethical and regenerative farming.

a few tables at the culpeper's dining room, with blue banquette seating ringing them all

A Taste of the Future: The Culpeper Farm

The Culpeper’s dedication to sustainable practices doesn’t end on the rooftop. The bar has recently announced plans to build its own farm in partnership with its sister pub, The Duke of Cambridge. This 3,500 square foot farm in Deptford will grow fresh produce not only for both pubs but also for the local community.

the ground floor of the culpeper, with a dark wooden floor and carefully mismatched tables and chairs dotted around

A Sustainable Oasis in the City

The Culpeper is more than just a bar; it’s a haven for those seeking a taste of the good life, a place where fresh air, vibrant greenery, and delicious food come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cocktail, a sunny lunch amongst the plants, or a taste of the future of sustainable farming, The Culpeper is a must-visit destination in London.

the impressive horseshoe bar at the culpeper, with beer pumps front and centre and low hanging lights

Reference photo

the ground floor of the culpeper, with a dark wooden floor and carefully mismatched tables and chairs dotted around
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
London's Hidden Gem: The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
Charlotte Adams
Charlotte Adamshttps://londongreens.org/
Charlotte Adams is a travel enthusiast and writer who specializes in comprehensive guides to London’s most famous sites and its lesser-known neighborhoods. Her work is characterized by its attention to detail and focus on helping tourists experience London like a local. Charlotte’s love for the city shines through in every article, offering readers an authentic perspective on life in London.

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