Heady Heights: Cocktails at Eighteen Sky Bar

Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining with a view. We love nothing more than a sea of twinkling city lights below us as we devour luscious drinks and nibbles – think Fenchurch Street’s Sky Bar, Searcy’s at The Gherkin and of course Aqua Shard. But sometimes it’s the less sought-after gems that shine the brightest. Enter, Eighteen Sky Bar.

Located at the Intercontinental Hotel, a stone’s throw from the O2 arena, this opulent space gives breathtakingly clear views of the Canary Wharf and Docklands skyline – throwing in the O2 arena and Thames Barrier for good measure. Hustled into the venue, you’ll find an eclectic mix of guests – those city bankers winding down with a whiskey Old Fashioned, passionate fans wetting their vocal chords after a night of screaming back lyrics to their favourite bands and those, like us, drinking in the atmosphere and pouring over the views whilst catching up with the nearest and dearest.

The best bit? Walk ins are welcome (and encouraged)!

Sky Bar cocktails with a view overlooking the O2

Drinks range from £7.50 for a 175ml glass of Argentinian white (£29 for a bottle), through to £880 for an erm, slightly boujee-er Krug “Grande Cuvée” Brut NV. For us though, it was all about the whiskey and if you know your Blends from your Lowlands, you’ll be in for a treat. Their impressive collection includes 14 variations of the sweet stuff – everything from Vatted Malt, Islay and Welsh, through to Japanese, Bourbon and Speyside. If you ask nicely enough, the team will treat you to a personalised tasting session, so you’ll be able to identify your rye, barley and wheat balances in no time!

Eighteen Sky Bar by the O2 offers cocktails with a view

Keen to avoid that empty-stomach drinking trap? Hit them up for some of their light bites. Surprisingly, nothing on this modest, munchies menu will set you back more than £11. A welcome change in a set up of this calibre. We leisurely picked at the Italian and French style deluxe burger with provolone & Parma ham, foie & caramelized red onion (£9), BBQ Slow cooked pork belly on steamed bun (£10 and to DIE for) and the Coconut crumbed tiger prawns with lime and chilly dip (£8).

For us though, the driving force of this place is its atmosphere. During your lift journey from upmarket hotel lobby through to the Sky Bar entrance, your transported to this low lit, sophisticated space, leaving the day to day London troubles behind. And, if you’re looking to head down at the weekend, you’ll be treated to some seriously suave, swinging live jazz – for no extra charge!

  • Sophia Mead

    PR girl who loves nothing more than a great adventure, great food and (most importantly) a great Porn Star Martini. All, of course, to be enjoyed with friends, family, the other half and the cat. Never forget the cat.

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