The Bar at Roast website reads “Cocktails, Music and Views Above Borough Market” – whether during London’s sizzling short summer or weary winter, there is little else that anyone can ask for and they deliver on all the three elements spectacularly.
The cocktail list is truly the most important place to start. It is not just your usual Mojitos and Margaritas – although if you desire, both of these options are delicious – but rather a rare and rumbustious repertoire of resplendent refreshments. Cocktails, Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Pudding Cocktails, Seasonal Tipples and Sparking Cocktails all leap off the page and, for the connoisseurs, the skilled staff are more than happy to go freeform.
On our recent visit, we sampled the Vanilla Expresso Martini, the Earl Grey Martini, the Millionaire Shorty, the 
Lemon Basil Cooler and then a couple of custom made specials. They certainly hit the spot and were ably accompanied by crochets and asparagus, which were absolutely delicious. The food menu is short, simple and very British. This is, however, just right for a venue where the beverages rightly retain rank. Delightful dishes include – fish fingers and chips with Tartare sauce, Devon crab pate with chargrilled sourdough, pork crackling with Bramley apple sauce and cocktail chipolatas with Oxford sauce. Prices are extremely reasonable and it is possible to get a creative cocktail and British bite for little over £20.
Music is the final ingredient, and on our visit we were blessed with the smooth jazzy grooves of singers Louise Golbey and Laura-Jayne Hunter, who certainly added a level of sophistication to a rather indulgent experience. Live music is on the menu 7 days a week and stretches on to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday afternoons welcome a Jazz trio and what better way to start the transition from weekend to working week?
Situated just two minutes from London Bridge, the Bar at Roast is in the perfect spot for after work drinks or as part of a weekend wander near the Thames. The bar is also available for exclusive and semi exclusive hire, and hosts many events and tastings throughout the year.
