Some venues in London impress with their views. Others draw you in with their atmosphere. Sabine, perched above the Leonardo Royal St Paul’s, manages to do both, effortlessly.

The journey begins in the hotel’s airy atrium, where greenery and natural light make the space feel garden-like. From here, a ride in the glass elevators whisks you up to the seventh floor. It may not be the tallest rooftop in London, but when the doors open, the city unfolds before you.

Inevitably, the first thing you notice is the view. St Paul’s Cathedral rises dramatically beside you, close enough to take in every curve of its dome—and, of course, to capture that perfect Instagram shot. The panorama stretches across the city, with the Shard and London’s evolving skyline filling the horizon. Whether bathed in daylight or glittering under evening skies, it’s a scene that never loses its impact.

But Sabine doesn’t rest on its views alone. The space has been designed to be as versatile as it is beautiful. In summer, the open terraces are the obvious draw, each seat laid with a striped blanket so guests can stay cosy well into the evening. When the weather turns, the greenhouse-style indoor area offers a clever alternative—enclosed in glass, yet still open to the skyline, with a retractable roof that lets the outside in when the sun breaks through. Elsewhere, the indoor bar glows with warm lighting and plush seating, creating a more intimate mood. It’s this thoughtfulness—spaces that adapt to both the seasons and your mood—that makes Sabine feel welcoming year-round.

The soundtrack is as carefully considered as the setting. A blend of soul classics rolls from the speakers—sometimes songs you know, other times fresh discoveries, but all with an easy familiarity. The music lifts the energy without overwhelming conversation, keeping the vibe relaxed yet vibrant. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes each visit feel unique, as if you’re part of something curated rather than incidental.

That same sense of curation extends to the drinks. The cocktail menu reads like a storybook, with names that intrigue and entice. Gone are the clichés of the city’s standard cocktail lists. Instead, you’re choosing between the likes of Velvet Bloom and Sol Fuego, drinks that sound as indulgent as they look. The ingredients are equally imaginative—think Mozart White Chocolate & Vanilla liqueur or Moroccan mint tea— bringing a sense of discovery with every sip. The hardest part is deciding which to order next.

Food plays more than a supporting role here. A starter of creamy burrata on smoky nduja relish was a highlight, its richness balanced perfectly by the heat of the relish. My partner’s chicken taquitos delivered a gentle spice—enough to awaken the palate without overpowering. Even the simpler snacks showed the same attention to detail: thick, crunchy tortilla crisps paired with a burnt tomatillo verde dip that was just salty enough to make you savour each sip of your drink. Our meal concluded with pure indulgence: Nutella Gnocchi. Small doughy parcels filled with molten Nutella, rolled in cinnamon sugar and finished with salted caramel. It’s the kind of dish that silences a table, leaving only content smiles.

Time has a way of slipping away at Sabine. It’s the kind of place where you sit down with a drink and a few small plates, chatting as the city hums below, and before you know it, the light has faded, St Paul’s is glowing, and the skyline is twinkling into the night.

Sabine’s story doesn’t end with food and drink. Even its name is rooted in meaning. Inspired by the migratory Sabine bird, known for its long journeys between the Arctic and Southern hemispheres, the rooftop embodies a similar adaptability—spaces that transform across seasons, moods, and weather. It’s a subtle metaphor, but one that makes sense the longer you spend here. The bird even adorns the sta? uniforms in a striking green, tying the theme together with style.

It’s here that Nigel Tindall, Venue Director, puts it best: “By anchoring our brand in a strong story, elegant design, and a curated atmosphere, we’ve created something that feels distinctive and soulful, not just trendy. Guests leave remembering the feeling, and that’s what keeps them coming back.” And he’s right. Sabine doesn’t just give you a meal, a drink, or a view—it gives you a feeling.

On weekends, Sabine shifts gear again with its bottomless brunches, which, while I haven’t experienced personally, seem perfectly suited to the space. With panoramic views, flowing drinks, and the buzz of a lively atmosphere, it’s easy to imagine birthdays, reunions, and celebrations finding a natural home here.

Standing out in London’s crowded food and drink scene is no small feat. Rooftop bars, in particular, often lean too heavily on their view. Sabine takes a different approach, blending atmosphere, design, music, and detail into something that feels memorable without ever trying too hard. Whether you’re here for cocktails at sunset, a cosy winter evening under the retractable roof, or a special occasion with friends, Sabine is a spot that invites you to linger, enjoy, and return.

W: Sabine London
E: Bookings

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Written by Luxuria Lifestyle International’s Samantha Mead