With a heat-wave, closely followed by a week of rain and cooler weather, behind us, it’s clear that British summertime is on its way. But in classic British fashion, the weather might be a bit unpredictable. Nonetheless, we’re stretching our legs, slapping on the SPF, and looking to al fresco terraces and rooftops for all of our drinking and dining needs in the near future. And one East London spot, Solaya, is standing head and shoulders over the competition (quite literally) to make a case for being a must-visit as the weather warms up.
Solaya is a gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant and bar that launched just last year atop the art’otel London Hoxton. Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Old Street station, it’s a sky-high hideaway in East London for skyline-watching, cocktail sipping, and seafood munching. As a matter of fact, it’s the highest restaurant in Shoreditch, with stunning 360° views.
It’s a venue that is equally suited for a proper meal as you watch the sun set over the city, or intimate drinks at dusk. Both the bar and restaurant offerings are impeccable, with gorgeous food and drink, as well as cheery and attentive service to match.
What to eat
The menu changes at Solaya depending on seasonality, so be sure to ask what’s new, what’s popular, and what’s recommended. But after a recent visit, dining atop London, I can certainly make some timely recommendations.
Do not miss the seafood at Solaya. Whether it’s the Marinated Scallops or the King Prawns as a starter, or the Roasted Octopus, you’ll want to gorge yourself on the bright, zingy dishes. But the likes of the Cheese Croquettes and the Risotto with Aged Parmesan are hearty, satisfying dishes – perfect for London’s ever-changing weather. Oh, and definitely get a side of the Ratte Potatoes. That’s a must.
Come hungry, and you’ll almost definitely want to split the sharing 1kg Côte de Boeuf. The menu specifies a minimum of 2 people to order it, but you’ll likely feed up to 4 with the beef-y behemoth.
Sips at Solaya
And then there are the drinks. Kick things off with the shockingly light Tomatini, which will disappear from the glass in no time. Then you’ll want to sip at the Spicy Margarita (a perpetual Secret London go-to) or the house Paloma.
There’s also an impressive selection of wines – with surprisingly reasonable by-the-glass prices – as well as beers, ciders, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks and sodas.
But I would highly recommend heading to the bar for Golden Hour. That’s because every evening, between 5-7pm, Solaya serves up a special menu of martinis as the sun begins to set. Choose from the likes of the Petit Dry, the Petit Vesper, the Petit Martini au Champagne, and more, for just £8 each.
The view from Solaya
Arguably, though, despite how wonderful the food and drink are, the main attraction at Solaya is THAT VIEW. And no wonder, since it’s perched high above the streets of London on the 25th floor. Thanks to the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows, alongside terraces and intimate balcony seating, Solaya offers 360-degree views of the London skyline from every single vantage point the building can offer.
Whether you’re here for a meal, a solo post-work drink to unwind, or on an intimate date, it’s a good idea to excuse yourself from the table for a wander. Take in the sights of London, and ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ when you spot famous landmarks, as you move in a loop through the venue’s ringed room.
Take a trip to Shoreditch, and take a trip to the sky. Take a trip to Solaya.
📍 25th floor, art’otel London Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3DT.
🚇 The nearest station is Old Street.
😋 Book your visit here.
