The Rooftop, Canterbury

The Rooftop, unsurprisingly, is a rooftop bar and terrace with great views towards the cathedral. The large open plan space with seating feels like it used to be an office full of desks, however there are a couple of dartboards as well as a two central shuffleboard tables. The counter at the far end serves drinks on right-hand side where premium keg and Stella were available, and Notorious B.R.G. burgers on the left-hand side. While ordering a pint of Stella my enquiry regarding food ordering didn’t receive the reply I was expecting. The barmaid said that I must order food directly from the two burger guys, and that there have been several issues, so when I come to make a complaint make sure that it goes to the bar staff rather than the burger company. This is the strangest marketing technique I’ve ever encountered, and as such I decided to just stick with just the pint. The major draw is obviously the terrace, which was a great spot for a quiet pint while admiring the views. Worth a look, but one drink will probably be enough.

A rooftop cocktail bar and all-day café on the 5th floor of a refurbished building. There is a large balcony terrace which gives an impressive wide view over the rooftops towards the Cathedral, while the interior is a single, modern lounge bar with a counter along one side and bright tables and chairs throughout, some of it set up for restaurant dining. Entry is via a small lift from the ground level, or for those fit enough, the stairs. No real ale, just Guinness and Moretti on keg and various bottled options including Meantime IPA. Cocktails and an overpriced wine list to match the overpriced food complete the menu. Probably fine for eating and the view, but by no means a drinkers’ pub.