An Evening of Cocktails at Sabine London

There are few rooftop spots in London that tick every box – views, atmosphere, and cocktails worth writing about. Sabine, tucked just above St Paul’s, does exactly that. Lily and I arrived at 8pm, catching golden hour as the dome of St Paul’s lit up against the skyline. Joe, our waiter and accidental comedian, instantly set the tone – witty, welcoming, and quick with a joke.

We kicked off with two very different signatures. Sol Fuego, with Casamigos tequila, pandan cordial and a flicker of chilli, was tropical and playful like pandan cake with attitude. Velvet Bloom, made with Sabine’s very own gin, went the opposite way: soft, floral, and delicate. That first round made one thing crystal clear…Sabine takes flavour very seriously.

Sabine London offers an extensive cocktail menu, with Fuego Sol and Emeral Dawn being two of the most popular.

But it was Emerald Dawn that stole the show. Rum, walnut liqueur, Moroccan mint tea and maple syrup, served sparkling. It was refreshing, clever, and dangerously moreish. Speaking – or writing – as a Moroccan myself, the mint tea instantly felt familiar, like home in Marrakesh. I was impressed by how uncannily close it was to the mint tea my grandmother brews! Lily and I laughed about our recent trip to the Atlas Mountains while ordering a second Dawn (because who wouldn’t want two sunrises in one night?)

After two rounds of standout cocktails, we couldn’t resist exploring Sabine’s bites menu – and it more than held its own. The mac ’n’ cheese croquettes with truffle mayo vanished almost instantly; the arancini with pistachio romesco were rich and indulgent; and the buffalo chicken taquitos brought just the right kick. For two people easing into an evening of cocktails, three small plates were the sweet spot: enough to leave us happily satisfied without tipping into too full.

The bar menu at Sabine London includes delicious bites such as arancini with pistachio romesco,
mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes, anchovies and tortilla chips with green salsa.

The night wasn’t over yet. I opted for the Elysian Glow – a sparkling raspberry gin blend that felt like a toast in a glass – while Lily went bold with the Verdant Sunset. When Joe suggested it, we both hesitated; vermouth has never been our drink of choice. But, in the spirit of duty (our Editor-in-Chief did send us to sample as much of the menu as possible), Lily took on the challenge. Sabine’s version, brightened with basil, cucumber and lemon, surprised us both. Verdant Sunset was luxurious, balanced, and unexpectedly refreshing.

By then, tipsy and merry, we returned to our favourite: Emerald Dawn.

If you ask me where to go in the City for that post-work ‘just one drink’ that inevitably turns into three, I would honestly recommend trying Sabine. It’s a little bit luxury, a little bit fun, and exactly where you want to be when the laughter flows as freely as the cocktails – all of it with St Paul’s lighting up the night right in front of your eyes.

SABINE LONDON
10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
Make your booking, HERE.

Author: Yanis Mardel

A fan of cocktails? In London, I-M Inquisitive Minds also recommends the K Bar at The Kensington and Scarfes at the Rosewood.