Hello Beautiful Souls,
Today’s English grammar moment: “A view with a vibe is half the meal.” And if you’re looking for both view and vibe, let me introduce you to Madison Rooftop Restaurant and Bar London.
Located just across from St Paul’s Cathedral, Madison is one of those places that feels effortlessly stylish. It gives off major Ibiza energy, relaxed, chic, sun-soaked, but with an unmistakable London backdrop. I haven’t been to Ibiza myself, but the rooftop setting, the music, and the white parasols gave me all the Mediterranean rooftop vibes I’d imagined.
I recently visited with my mum, and it turned out to be the perfect mother-daughter afternoon. We came for lunch on a mild, sunny day, and luckily, it wasn’t too busy. Even if the weather turns, don’t worry, there’s plenty of seating indoors, and the panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London are just as stunning from inside.
We chose the set lunch menu, which offers two or three courses starting at around £48 per person. Some dishes have a small supplement, but the menu has a good variety. We opted for starters and mains.
To start, we shared the crispy coconut fried king prawns and buttermilk fried chicken. The chicken was tender, flavourful, and hit the right balance of crispy and juicy. The prawns, while beautifully presented, were a little on the dry side—maybe not the standout dish, but still enjoyable with a squeeze of fresh lime.
For our mains, we both chose the grilled whole lobster. It looked beautiful and came with a generous side of fries, but sadly, it was a bit too dry and not quite as succulent as we’d hoped. Not a dealbreaker, just something to keep in mind if you’re expecting that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth lobster moment.
But here’s the thing: sometimes, it’s less about the food and more about the atmosphere, the company, and the setting. And on that front, Madison absolutely delivers. We sipped on Aperol Spritz cocktails, caught up on life, and soaked in the sun, the skyline, and the sound of upbeat music in the background. It’s an effortlessly cool spot to spend a summer afternoon or a crisp autumn day when the skies are clear.
Final thoughts?
If you’re visiting London and want a rooftop experience with unbeatable views, lively energy, and a touch of glamour, Madison Rooftop Restaurant and Bar London is worth a visit, especially for lunch, cocktails, or a golden hour drink with friends. The food might be hit or miss, but the vibe, the view, and the memories you’ll make? Definitely worth it.
