The most sought-after locations share common traits: stunning vistas, expertly crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere that effortlessly transitions from daytime relaxation to evening sophistication. Whether the preference leans towards Mediterranean elegance or urban rooftop glamour, this collection of venues offers something extraordinary for every taste.
The following selection represents the pinnacle of outdoor hospitality, where location, cuisine, and ambiance converge to create experiences that linger long after the last sip of champagne. Each venue has been chosen for its unique ability to capture the essence of summer luxury whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and style.
Marina Di Bardi
Mediterranean Magnificence on the Italian Riviera
The Grand Hotel Bristol’s Marina Di Bardi stands as one of Portofino’s most exclusive beach clubs, where the Mediterranean lifestyle reaches its zenith. Located directly on the coast, this private retreat offers guests unparalleled access to the region’s famous turquoise waters whilst maintaining an atmosphere of refined tranquillity throughout the day.
What sets Marina Di Bardi apart is its remarkable transformation as evening approaches. The peaceful daytime sanctuary evolves into a vibrant social hub, with the rooftop deck hosting carefully curated DJ sets that complement rather than overwhelm the natural beauty of the setting. The club’s signature cocktails are crafted using local ingredients, creating flavours that capture the essence of the Ligurian coast.
The accompanying Grand Hotel Bristol, painted in the region’s characteristic pastel pink, sits mere minutes from the beach club and offers rooms from €227 per night. Guests can enjoy sweeping views across Portofino’s iconic harbour, making it an ideal base for extended stays along this celebrated stretch of coastline.
Victoria Beach
Lake Como’s Contemporary Beach Club Experience
Victoria Beach represents a fresh approach to lakeside luxury, having recently undergone comprehensive renovation to create one of Lake Como’s most contemporary outdoor venues. Situated in Menaggio, just 300 metres from the five-star Grand Hotel Victoria, the club perfectly balances modern design with the natural splendour of its alpine lake setting.
The venue’s commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients is evident throughout its menus, which are designed to complement both light poolside lunches and romantic sunset dinners. The club’s positioning allows for uninterrupted views across Lake Como’s pristine waters, with the surrounding mountains providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the day.
Accommodation at the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept and Spa begins at €700 per night, reflecting the exclusivity and elevated service standards that define this corner of northern Italy. The seamless connection between hotel and beach club creates an integrated luxury experience that epitomises the Como lifestyle.
The Aviary
Urban Sophistication Above London’s Skyline
London’s rooftop scene reaches new heights at The Aviary, positioned on the tenth floor of Montcalm Royal London House in Finsbury Square. This elevated venue transforms the concept of after-work socialising, offering panoramic city views that stretch across London’s evolving skyline whilst providing refuge from the urban pace below.
The venue’s strategic location makes it equally appealing for weekday business meetings and weekend leisure, with outdoor seating areas that capitalise on London’s precious sunny days. The cocktail programme reflects both classic techniques and contemporary innovation, whilst the bottomless brunch option has become particularly popular as summer days extend well into the evening.
Room rates at Montcalm Royal London House start from £265 per night, positioning the hotel as an accessible luxury option in London’s competitive hospitality market. The combination of central location and rooftop access creates significant value for guests seeking both convenience and atmosphere.
WIESERALM
Alpine Excellence at Austria’s Mountain Summit
WIESERALM offers perhaps the most dramatic setting in this collection, positioned at 1,500 metres altitude atop the Reiterkogel cable car in the heart of Austria’s Saalbach Hinterglemm region. This mountain restaurant transcends typical alpine dining, delivering award-winning cuisine that rivals the best city establishments whilst surrounded by some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
The menu showcases premium ingredients including top-quality beef tartare, perfectly prepared beef fillet, and fresh seafood—remarkable offerings given the remote location. The restaurant serves as a natural gathering point for cyclists and hikers exploring the region, though the quality of both food and service attracts visitors who appreciate fine dining regardless of their outdoor activities.
Accommodation at WIESERGUT starts at €381 (approximately £325) per room per night for two guests, reflecting the unique nature of this mountain retreat. The combination of altitude, cuisine, and panoramic views creates an experience that simply cannot be replicated at sea level.
The Varsity Hotel
Cambridge’s Academic Elegance
The Varsity Hotel’s Roof Terrace offers a distinctly English approach to elevated dining, perched above Cambridge’s historic skyline with commanding views across the River Cam and the city’s green spaces. This rooftop venue successfully balances the academic gravitas of its surroundings with contemporary hospitality, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and relaxed.
The terrace specialises in barbecue cuisine paired with both classic and modern cocktails, taking advantage of Cambridge’s surprisingly mild summer evenings. The venue’s positioning allows guests to observe the gentle flow of river life below whilst enjoying the tranquil views that have inspired centuries of scholars and visitors.
Double rooms at the hotel start from £222 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, making it an accessible luxury option for those exploring one of England’s most celebrated university cities. The combination of historic location and modern amenities creates a compelling proposition for both leisure and business visitors.
The Zafiro Club
Mallorca’s Exclusive Mountain Retreat
The Zafiro Club Bar & Private Pool at Zafiro Palace Andratx offers a refined escape just steps from the main pool area, creating an exclusive enclave within an already luxurious resort. This private pool concept has gained significant traction among guests who appreciate both privacy and premium service whilst maintaining easy access to the resort’s broader facilities.
The club’s bar serves premium cocktails alongside a carefully curated menu of gourmet dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients that reflect Mallorca’s rich culinary heritage. The surrounding mountain views provide a stunning backdrop that changes character throughout the day, from the soft morning light to the dramatic sunset colours that paint the landscape each evening.
Nightly rates at Zafiro Palace Andratx start from €513 (approximately £430) per night with the All Inclusive Redefined package, reflecting the resort’s commitment to elevated service and premium amenities. The private pool concept adds considerable value for guests seeking a more intimate resort experience.
Skybar Roof Terrace
Frankfurt’s Fashion District Heights
Ruby Louise’s sixth-floor Skybar Roof Terrace occupies a prime position in Frankfurt’s fashion district, offering guests a front-row seat to one of Germany’s most dynamic urban landscapes. The terrace comes alive at sunset, when the city’s architectural diversity creates a compelling backdrop for evening socialising.
The venue’s cocktail programme balances classic preparations with exclusive house creations, whilst Italian-inspired snacks provide the perfect accompaniment to drinks. The location within the fashion district ensures a sophisticated clientele and maintains an atmosphere that feels both cosmopolitan and accessible.
Rooms at Ruby Louise start from £120 per night for two people sharing, making it one of the more accessible options in this collection whilst maintaining high standards of service and style. The combination of central location and rooftop access delivers exceptional value in Frankfurt’s competitive hospitality market.
Ruby Stella
London’s Clerkenwell Character
Ruby Stella’s courtyard terrace captures the authentic spirit of Clerkenwell, one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods. The venue successfully transitions from morning coffee and breakfast al fresco to evening cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired snacks, adapting its atmosphere to match the rhythm of the surrounding area.
What distinguishes this venue is its commitment to showcasing emerging local bands through live performances, adding an authentic London edge that complements rather than competes with the food and drink offering. The terrace provides an intimate setting that feels genuinely connected to the local community whilst maintaining the standards expected of contemporary hospitality.
Room rates at Ruby Stella start at £130 per night, positioning it as an accessible luxury option in one of London’s most vibrant areas. The combination of local character and refined service creates a compelling proposition for guests seeking an authentic London experience.