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The Queen is quite particular when it comes to dining, with the royal chefs prepared to cater to her every whim, whether it's her preference for avoiding starchy foods, to having a special chocolate biscuit cake created for dessert.
The monarch’s specifications also apply to her beverages, in which she reportedly prefers round ice cubes floating inside.
According to Karen Dolby, the author of Queen Elizabeth II ’s Guide to Lif
“The Queen likes her ice cubes in her glass to be round so they don’t chink quite as much as square ones,” Dolby told The Sun
This means that the Queen’s occasional gin and Dubbonet, her favourite cocktail according to her former chef Darren McGrady, is served free of square ice.
Show all 32 1 /32Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The then-Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten pose for a photograph on the day their engagement is announced alongside Princess Margaret (9 July 1947)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The future Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are photographed together on their wedding day at Buckingham Palace (20 November 1947)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The newlywed couple enjoy their honeymoon in Broadlands estate, Hampshire (25 November 1947)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple dance the samba during a ball organised by the Royal Navy (18 December 195)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The future monarch and Prince Philip pose with their firstborn child, a baby Prince Charles (undated photograph)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple are photographed with their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne (circa 1951)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave to the crowd on the day of the monarch's coronation (2 June 1953)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple ride on horses, the Queen on her horse 'Winston', during the Trooping the Colour ceremony to mark the monarch's official birthday (12 June 1953)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attend ceremonies to mark the opening of Parliament in Ottawa, Canada (14 October 1957)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple smile as they watch a cricket match together at Highclere Castle, Hampshire (3 August 1958)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and Prince Philip depart Manchester by train (24 May 1961)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple laugh as they watch Susu dancers during their visit to the Northern Province of Sierra Leone (4 December 1961)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are photographed at Ascot (June 1967)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple walk alongside their eldest child, Prince Charles, during his Prince of Wales investiture ceremony at Caenarvon Castle, Wales (2 July 1969)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit the Great Wall of China (October 1986)
Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple pose for an official portrait taken at Buckingham Palace (June 1987)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royals speak with schoolchildren in Hamilton, Bermuda during a 21-day visit to Latin America, the Caribbean and Bermuda (9 March 1994)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leave Westminster Abbey following the funeral ceremony of the Queen Mother (9 April 2002)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen waves as she and Prince Philip leave Manchester stadium following the closing of the XVII Commonwealth Games (4 August 2002)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple wave goodbye as they board their plane at Abuja airport, Nigeria (6 December 2003)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the royal family stand on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast on National Commemoration Day (10 July 2005)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple wear protective eyewear as they take part in a tour as part of the opening of University College Hospital (20 October 2005)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and Prince Philip are photographed at Broadlands, Hampshire shortly before celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary (18 November 2007)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple laugh as they watch the games during the Annual Braemar Highland Gathering in Braemar, Scotland (6 September 2008)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh don 3D glasses during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (18 November 2010)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple wave as they arrive on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot (16 June 2011)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh smile as they say goodbye to Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina at Windsor Castle (11 April 2014)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Prince Philip holds the monarch's hand as they leave the Service of Commemoration for troops who were stationed in Afghanistan (13 March 2015)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The couple sit next to one another in the House of Lords during the Queen's Speech at the Palace of Westminster (27 May 2015)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowds on the day of her 90th birthday (21 April 2016)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sit together in a carriage during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on The Mall (11 June 2016)
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Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip over the years: In pictures The royal couple feed Donna the elephant during a visit to the Elephant Centre at the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (11 April 2017)
Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The preference doesn’t just apply to ice in the 93-year-old’s drinks either, as the Queen reportedly has all drinks served with the round ice cubes.
The Queen reportedly insists on round ice only (Getty) Interestingly, apart from making less annoying noise, round ice cubes also have the added benefit of diluting a drink less than a typical ice cube.
Although cubed ice cools a drink faster and to a lower temperature, according to one study , ice spheres “melt slower, chill the drink in a reasonable amount of time, and dilute the drink less”.
Show all 26 1 /26London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail POW Rooftop, Brixton. Cheapest cocktail = £5 What we’re drinking: Rum punch please! Just a fiver during happy hour (everyday from 5pm to 8pm) or £8 the rest of the time. Everyone needs a good local pub in their life, but one with a roof? Now we’re talking! Brixton’s POW has worked on an exciting programme of events for the summer, with a strong focus on disco music, to keep you on your feet all night long. On Sundays you can expect your roast accompanied by their live blues house band, Major F*** Up.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Island Bar at Giant Robot, Canary Wharf. Cheapest cocktail = £6 What we’re drinking: The cheapest cocktail on the menu at Giant Robot is an ice-cold, crisp and refreshing martini, tonic and lime, £6. City boys rejoice, you’ve got east London’s biggest roof garden on your office doorstep, making after work drinks in the sun an absolute must. Aside from the huge-wrap around terrace serving up high-rise views, there’s some of the city’s best street food coming out of the kitchens. Think Stevie Parle’s Pastaio, Thunderdbird Chicken, Black Bear Burger, Yum Bun and Yumplings just for starters.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Frank's Cafe at Bold Tendencies, Peckham. Cheapest cocktail = £7 What we’re drinking: Short, sweet and to the point, Frank’s cheapest cocktail is an expertly made negroni at £7. Now in its 11th year, no-frills Frank’s is something of a Peckham institution. Whilst still slightly shabby, this multi-storey carpark probably has one of the most photographed set of stairs in town. Where others have filled their space with games, cinemas and street food vendors galore, Frank’s has kept things stripped back – letting the sunsets do all the talking. Open for brunch at the weekend, through to dinner, dishes include roasted cauliflower with hummus and zhug, brown sugar hot wings and barbecued pork neck with slaw. Everyone’s invited up onto the roof, including dogs and babies.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch. Cheapest cocktail = £7.50 What we’re drinking: Frozen watermelon margaritas, £7.50. Every year the QOH transforms itself with a brand new rooftop concept and we’re totally on board with this year’s Mexican theme. What better way to celebrate the return of sunshine than with tacos, tequila and giant frozen Margaritas with kick-ass Mexican female wrestling to keep you entertained? As ever, the Queen of Hoxton will be hosting a crazy array of summer events, including Trump Pinata Making to feminist embroidery and mezcal and insect tasting.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Chiringuito, Bethnal Green. Cheapest cocktail = £8 What we’re drinking: Signature frozen margaritas and Bloody MAviary Finsbury Squarearys, from £8. Ok, perhaps it’s a bit of a stretch to call this a rooftop bar given it's only on the 1st floor of a public loo, but we think it’s worth mentioning this Bethnal Green newbie which opened at the back of 2018. Loosely translated from Spanish, a chiringuito is an all-day beachfront bar and restaurant serving tapas, drinks and snacks. As such you can expect Hispanic and Latin American flavours in both the food and drinks menus. We’ll be snacking on seabass ceviche and washing it down with the ’Mezcaloni’ - a Mexican take on the negroni with mezcal, thyme syrup, chilli infused cacao and campari. Come the weekend it’s all about the bottomless brunch, with free-flowing signature serves.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham. Cheapest cocktail = £8 What we’re drinking: You can’t go wrong with a Pimm’s & lemonade when the sun’s shining, which is their cheapest cocktail, priced at £8. Standing five storeys up, (making it the highest al fresco spot in Peckham) the Bussey Building has been transformed into a tropical paradise this summer. With 360 degree views of London’s skyline, there’s nothing to block those rays. Picture perfect sunsets, a floral makeover and 90’s inspired bottomless brunches ensure the good times roll. Feeling peckish? RockaDollar serve up mega hotdogs, burgers and pimped up fries, with something for both meat eaters and vegans alike. Not only that but Rooftop Film Club take over the other half of the roof should you happen to get bored of the views (not likely!).
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Big Chill, Kings Cross. Cheapest cocktail = £8.50 What we’re drinking: Appealing to your inner Love Island contestant, “A bit of me” contains beefeater gin, crème de framboise, egg whites and lime, setting you back £8.50. Kings Cross has undergone a transformation of late, but one stalwart that we’ve long relied on for rooftop action is the Big Chill. ‘Think Pink’ is this year’s colourful theme, with frozen pink G&T’s and pink gin infused berries decorating stacks of pancakes on a rose-tinted rooftop. Chuck Burgers are manning the kitchen with American style burgers and sides. Don’t miss brunch, served from 12pm all weekend.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Roof East, Stratford. Cheapest cocktail = £8.50 What we’re drinking: All cocktails are priced at £8.50 but we’ll be propping up the bar with their ‘Silver Pine’, a summery combination of rum, Aperol, grapefruit juice and passion fruit syrup. Not content with just being a rooftop bar, this old car park is the ultimate adults playground with rooftop cinema and free games includingJ, table tennis, foosball and table-top curling. If you’d rather take things easier, rooftop yoga will leave you feeling zen. Either way, you’ll work up a thirst but don’t worry, there are three bars to order from. This year’s street food line-up includes Eat Chay, who make mean vegan food with Vietnamese and Korean flavours; Kolkati will be serving North Indian inspired 'Kati Rolls' (a flaky egg-fried paratha wrap) and lastly, Jimmy Garcia will be heading up The Burger Shack.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Market Halls Victoria, Victoria. Cheapest cocktail = £9.50 What we’re drinking: All cocktails are priced at £9.50 but we like the sound of ‘The Roof is on Fire’ with summery Aperol, Campari, raspberry liqueur and fizz. A stone’s throw from Victoria station, why wait on the concourse when you can wait on the roof? With 11 mini kitchens spanning across three floors, dishing up everything from Nonna Tonda’s traditional pasta, Japanese udon from Koya Ko and Fanny’s Kebabs, it’s the roof bar that’s Market Halls crowning glory. Designed alongside North Cornwall based Harbour Brewing Co. who create the market’s signature lager, you can expect a drinks menu championing British-made beverages and summer spritzes. Just don’t miss the last train home – you’ve been warned.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock, Wapping. Cheapest cocktail = £9.50 What we’re drinking: The Skylight Cobbler with Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, peach syrup and plum bitters, £9.50 Transformed into an urban lawn club for the summer months, try your hand at croquet, the French game of pétanque or table tennis, before lazing about on the new for 2019 day beds whilst sipping seasonal cocktails. Situated atop an unused multi-story carpark, Skylight screens all of the key sporting events and offers an atmosphere to boot. Line the stomach with Greek street food from Yiro and plant-based burgers from Flipside.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail John Lewis & Partners Roof Fest London Oxford Street. Cheapest cocktail = £10 What we’re drinking: Hoping it lives up to the name, Summer of Love is £10 and contains Beefeater gin, elderflower, lemon, cucumber and is topped up with Fentimans Soda. All virgin cocktails are £5. High above the hustle and bustle of the capital’s shopping district, John Lewis & Partners have transformed their rooftop with a new festival-inspired look. Bookable flower dens are ideal if you’re in a group, and the new caravan stage will be home to various DJs, dreamy acoustic musicians and artists, all of which are on hand to provide the entertainment this summer. Street food is upgraded with Filipino flavours coming from Bong Bongs Manila Kanteen and Background Bars are providing the refreshing summer cocktails. Chilli margarita anyone?
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Savage Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton London at Tower Hill, Tower Hill. Cheapest cocktail = £10 What we’re drinking: A classic Margarita, £10 No, not the 90’s band. This Savage Garden is situated on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, with a retractable roof, 360-degree views of the city and not one but two terraces. Wednesday through to Saturday has a party vibe, with live DJs on the decks but during the week you can grab a quick business lunch or even afternoon tea. Pimped up bar snacks designed to line your stomach include sliders, croquettes and fries – just leave room for the injectable doughnuts.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Art Yard, Bankside. Cheapest cocktail = £10.50 What we’re drinking: £10.50 will get you a London Essence & Co cocktail Launching in partnership with English sparkling wine specialists, Hambledon, the design-led bar and restaurant at Bankside Hotel, have launched their new summer terrace. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy long evenings with stunning views across the river to St Paul’s Cathedral, whilst sipping on sparkling wine and summer spritzes. Light bites and wood-fired pizzas will be available from the kitchen, but make room for dessert and indulge your inner child with an ‘Everyday is Sundae’ – five huge scoops of ice cream, chocolate brownie chunks, fudge pieces, nuts and a generous swirl of sauce.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Boundary London, Shoreditch. Cheapest cocktail = £11 What we’re drinking: An Aperol Spritz is their cheapest cocktail priced at £11, with the Hendricks cocktails all £12. To mark the start of summer, Boundary London has teamed up with Hendricks to create the Floral Gin Garden, complete with a fabulous floral archway. To complement the bespoke gin serves the food menu centres around suitably summery Mediterranean flavours, including octopus and chorizo skewers. Either dine alfresco on the terrace or - should the weather not be playing ball – The Orangery has sliding glass walls to let in the fresh air.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Sushisamba, Covent Garden and the City. Cheapest cocktail = £11 What we’re drinking: In the city, it’s all about the herbaceous Shiso Fine with shiso-infused vodka infused, crème de pêche and housemade Thai basil syrup. Meanwhile in Covent Garden the sweet vodka based Nina Fresa will be quenching our thirst, packed with strawberry, grapefruit and guava and shaken with rhubarb bitters, lime and sugar. Both are priced at £11 each. In Covent Garden, the open air Opera Terrace Balcony will be making its summer debut, transformed into a garden oasis with striking views of the Piazza. Meanwhile over in the city, the East Terrace has been given a new lounge area layout, perfect for soaking up the sun or dining under the stars. Whilst the iconic Tree Terrace continues to dazzle with its 26ft sculptural orange tree and incredible views.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Bokan, Canary Wharf. Cheapest cocktail = £11.50 What we’re drinking: ‘Chaos on the River’ – a summery blend of Campari, the sweet syrup of orgeat and lemon, £11.50. Up on the 39th floor, you’ll discover a laid back, open air, all-weather rooftop bar and terrace complete with oh-so-comfy cushioned day beds, live jazz, DJ’s and the city far below. The cocktail menu takes inspiration form Canary Wharf’s rich history so expect exotic ingredients sourced from countries that sailed to the docks back in the 1800s.
ABACApress/Didier Delmas
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail LSQ Rooftop at Hotel Indigo, Leicester Square. Cheapest cocktail = £12 What we’re drinking: The Kalamansi & Olive Gimlet is the cheapest cocktail (£12), however 241 cocktails are available every day from 12pm – 8pm. The only rooftop terrace in Leicester Square, LSQ is perched nine storeys above the infamous square with all drinks coming with some pretty impressive views of London’s big hitting architectural icons, including The Shard, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, the London Eye and the Gherkin. Complete with floor-to-ceiling glass and a wrap-around private balcony, the art-deco vibe is a nod to the local cinematic and theatrical heritage of the area.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Angler Terrace . Cheapest cocktail = £12 What we’re drinking: Cambridge Dry Gin served with Fever Tree Indian Tonic and fresh mint, £12 Running until the end of August, the Cambridge Distillery have taken over the sun-drenched Michelin-starred rooftop terrace at Angler, with a blooming great floral display. The quintessentially British terrace is serving gin cocktails to stressed out city folk, inspired by walks through the meadows surrounding Cambridge. To complement the drinks, a bespoke menu has been created by Angler’s Executive Chef, Gary Foulkes of ‘nostalgic English bar snacks’ – think cuttlefish fritters with chip shop curry sauce and crispy pork brawn with Gentleman’s relish.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail 12th Knot at Sea Containers, Southbank. Cheapest cocktail = £13 What we’re drinking: The cheapest cocktail will set you back £13, but the ‘Bada-Boom’ with grapefruit flavoured gin, juice and fresh mint, does contain explosive gunpowder syrup, so money well spent, we say. Located on the 12th floor of the swanky Sea Containers hotel, 12th Knot (formerly known as Rumpus Room) has unparalleled views of the Thames. Nab a window seat or head out to the slim balcony where you’ll be able to take in views of the handsome St Paul’s whilst listening to the resident DJ. The cocktail menu changes regularly to reflect the best seasonal ingredients on offer and the current theme is travel. Interested? The bartenders will very happily give you the full lowdown on the story behind the drink. Dress to impress, this is no time for flip-flops.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Madison, St Paul’s. Cheapest cocktail = £13.50 What we’re drinking: A post-work roasted pina colada with rum and sultry smoked pineapple, £13.50 Situated on the rooftop of the One New Change shopping centre, your immediate view is a close up of neighbouring St Paul’s. With a buzzy after work crowd, you can expect a fair few suits letting off steam mid-week, to a backdrop of chilled out house music. The rooftop has been scattered with floral arches, umbrellas and heaters, so grab a pew, sink a killer cocktail and line the stomach with grilled halloumi flatbreads and currywurst which are served until 11pm.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Aviary, Finsbury Square. Cheapest cocktail = £13.50 What we’re drinking: A Rhubarb & Rumble with Chase Rhubarb vodka, Aperol, rhubarb bitters, orange marmalade, egg white & lemon, £13.50 This uncovered rooftop bar is the perfect spot for sipping classy cocktails in opulent surroundings. Ten floors above Finsbury Square, you can look forward to unspoilt views of the city - although be warned, if it rains, you’ll get wet – there’s no roof to hide under. Share oysters, salmon tartare and chorizo and sweetcorn croquettes in the evening or come back for king scallop crumpets at brunch.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Jurema Summer Terrace at Yopo, Fitzrovia. Cheapest cocktail = £15 What we’re drinking: All cocktails are £15, but we’d recommend starting with the revitalising Jalapeno with tequila-infused passionfruit. Shush, don’t tell anyone but this is London’s best-kept secret. Tucked away on the upper levels of The Mandrake hotel, Jurema is a mini tropical retreat, right in the heart of Fitzrovia. Winner of Best Outdoor Space at the Global Ahead Awards 2019, you’ll want Instagram at the ready as this tranquil terrace really is a sight to behold. Covered in greenery and scattered with rattan style furniture with cosy cushions for lounging on, there’s no way you’ll stay for just the one. The cocktail menu takes inspiration from South America with the bar menu honouring Amazonian cuisine. Courgette flower tostadas, lobster tacos and sea bass ceviche are just some of the top-notch bar snacks on offer.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James, St James. Cheapest cocktail = £15 What we’re drinking: We’ll start a pisco disco with The Skyline (pisco, pink grapefruit, raspberry, lavender bitters, egg white), £15. Complete with alfresco and canopy-covered seating, this sky-high space features an open fireplace, heaters and blanket selection to keep the chill off after the sun sets. Found on the seventh floor of the hotel, expect table service and small plates, including a selection of bao buns.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail ‘La Dolce Vita’ at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge. Cheapest cocktail = £16 What we’re drinking: In true Italian style Aperol Spritz, £16. Strut your stuff through the lemon tree-lined avenue and choose between a spot of sunbathing on the yellow and white striped sun beds or a quick dip in the rooftop pool. Normally reserved for hotel guests, this summer you’ll be able to access La Dolce Vita at The Berkeley when you pre-book in advance. Of course, we wouldn’t feel truly transported to the Amalfi coast without the all-important aperitivo hour complete with bellinis, Aperol spritz and negronis. Don your straw hat and snack on fritto misto, tricolore salad and arancini, finished off with limoncello sorbet. For extra indulgence, book yourself the La Dolce Vita treatment at the spa where they’ll prepare your entire body for summer. The crème de la crème of rooftop bars – with the price tag.
London’s best rooftop bars, ranked by their cheapest cocktail Radio Rooftop, Aldwych. Cheapest cocktail = £16 What we’re drinking: All cocktails are £16, including the Bombay Sapphire with cucumber and watermelon tonic. The Spirit of Summer pop up is a collaboration with Bombay Sapphire and Patrón Tequila. On one side you have an English garden decked out with hanging baskets, blankets and blue garden sheds for groups to sip on gin based cocktails and Indian tapas. Whilst on the other you have The Patrón Mexican Hacienda with terracotta cabana, tropical foliage and cacti where jugs of margaritas and Mexican sharing boards are the order of the day.
Despite the preference, McGrady previously revealed that the Queen is “not a foodie” but rather “eats to live,” whereas her husband Prince Philip “lives to eat”.
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