Every year, we count down the days until Selfridges’ rooftop opens its door so we can bask in the glorious British sunshine over an Aperol Spritz.
alto by San Carlo, Selfridges, London
This summer, the iconic shopping venue is welcoming Italian restaurant brand, San Carlo, and we can tell you first-hand, it’s going to make your gram pop.
Akin to a secret Italian garden high above the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, this haunt has the most Insta feed-worthy floral installation studded with Italian chinotto fruit, a stunning roof terrace (perfect for Aperol Spritz sipping Boomerangs! ), and the kind of food you’ll wolf down before you’ve ever had time to snap it (but please, please, PLEASE ensure you order the dessert platter, capture it for the gram and watch the likes flood in).
No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station – London
When it comes to brunch in London, there’s nowhere quite like No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station. Located in – you guessed it, Chiswick – this stylish hangout will take your breath away with its lush interiors and Instagrammable food. Pottered with giant cacti, plush red velvet chairs and hanging gold light fixtures, they’ve got a snazzy sun-trap terrace hidden outback too, and it’s ideal for soaking up vitamin D come summertime.
Sketch – London
Looking for an excuse to book a trip to London? Cue Sketch. Kitted out with bubblegum pink velvet booths and armchairs, this well-dressed venue has got more personality than Gemma Collins herself. You’ll find cheeky cartoon illustrations adorn the walls (which have recently been updated by David Shrigley) and they have some of most Instagrammed toilets in the world. Still not sold? They do a killer Champagne afternoon tea with caviar, dainty scones and some of the best macaroons in town.
Tattu – Leeds
We don’t say this very often, but Tattu is the kind of place where the interiors are just as pretty as the food. Framed pictures of body art hang on the walls and a striking cherry blossom tree spans the entirety of the restaurant. Jaw-dropping interiors aside, the dishes here are just as, if not more dreamy. Dim sum baskets are works of art coming in all different colours with the mains almost too pretty to eat.
Tonight Josephine – London
Appearing on many socialites’ Instagram feeds when it first opened, Tonight Josephine remains to be one of the coolest bars in London. Whether you’re taking selfies with your friends in their mirrored ceiling, or snaps of the toilets that are plastered in celeb mugshots, you’re guaranteed to leave with a whole album of pictures. When you’re done posing with their ‘well behaved women don’t make history’ neon sign, climb the stairs up to Bar Elba for more cocktails and glorious rooftop views.
Drama Park Lane – London
Drama Park Lane is one of our new fave party destinations for the #gram. Established by the team behind Cirque Le Soir and nightclub tycoon, Nick House, the nightclub offers an electric atmosphere mixing bass with burlesque. The spaces are filled with neon and bright pink décor which we’re all about and there’s also loads of wall art and vivid colours throughout.
Searcys at the Gherkin – London
There’s a private members’ bar at the very top of the Gherkin and it’s got incredible, 360 views of London. Just before you start to throw your toys out of the pram about not being able to eye spy Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s from ridiculous heights – you’ll be glad to hear DesignMyNight users have exclusive access, all you’ve gotta do is make a booking. Boasting a menu of punchy cocktails and tasty small plates, it’s the perfect place to snap the sun go down.
Mason’s Restaurant and Bar – Manchester
Very few were given the opportunity to wander around the former Freemasons Hall in Manchester, but that’s all changed thanks to Mason’s Restaurant and Bar. Giving a nod to the building’s previous life with subtle art deco features including brass fittings, shiny marble-topped tables and artichoke green, velvet booths, it’s now one of the city’s prettiest dining destinations. And if you happen to have a thing for martinis – walk this way. You can order your favourite cocktail from a martini trolley that’s rolled to your table as you dine.
The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh
Scooping up a dozen awards over the years (with a trophy-stacked cabinet acting as proof), The Voodoo Rooms is one of Edinburgh’s must-visit restaurants. Dripping in decadence, it’s wrapped in gold features with Victorian windows, sky-high ceilings and leather button-backed booths, making it a timeless treasure. Hosting everything from blues bands to saucy cabaret on weekends, you’ve got more than one reason to visit this grandiose spot.
Issho – Leeds
London might be home to some of the country’s best rooftop bars, but Leeds gained a game-changer last year and it’s got ‘Instagram’ written all over it. Contemporary interiors reign supreme in the restaurant, and in a modern day miracle – lighting is your friend thanks to gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows. As for the roof terrace? It’s an atmospheric oasis with greenery galore, pillow-packed sofas and it’s got its very own Kori Bar, serving 10 different Japanese cocktails.
Bourne and Hollingsworth – London
If Instagram heaven were a place, we’re pretty sure it would show up on Google Maps as Bourne and Hollingsworth. Equipped with a cute cafe, a cocktail bar, a charming garden room and a secret party den – you won’t find another place like it in London. The greenhouse is where you really wanna be though. Decorated with hanging greenery, potted plants and stuffed with flower-print, squishy armchairs; this green-as-anything spot might just make it as your profile picture.
Neighbourhood – Liverpool
Sweeping you away from Liverpool to more exotic climates, Neighbourhood’s interiors take inspiration from Miami and New York with daffodil-coloured booths, gold light fixtures and neon signage. Crowned as one of the best places to party in the city, this place has just upped the ante by introducing a bottomless brunch with unlimited cocktails and picture perfect plates.
For more info on the best restaurants in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
COYA Angel Court, London
Anyone who is anyone in London has dined at COYA. Famed for its bespoke décor (which is totes Instagrammable; just look at that bar), and even more Instagrammable cocktails and Ceviche platters. The contemporary Peruvian cuisine is second-to-none. It’s super fresh and delicious and you can even pair your meal with the house Sake, which we are so here for. If you fancy heading further afield, COYA is opening in Monaco this May. Coinciding with the international sporting event, the Monaco Grand Prix, COYA will open on the east side of the city, above Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel Resort. We might just have to make a trip.
