Located in the heart of the City, Sophie Ritchie swoops up to the 12th floor of DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London for a night of drinks, dishes and decadent views at Savage Garden
Arriving on a Friday evening, Savage Garden is already heaving with the post-office crowd letting their hair down for the weekend when we walk through its stylish hallways through to the busy main bar area.
Redesigned by Grapes Design in 2019, interiors are contemporary to the core, featuring an urban design that contrasts marbleised floors with minimalist decor. The statement bar is the jewel of the space, styled with a glazed crackled lavastone top and gold fixtures galore.
There are plenty of hand-drawn glass ceiling panels to admire, but expect your attention to be fixated elsewhere. With views sweeping across the River Thames with a showcase of Tower Bridge, the tower of London, the Shard and more all in one eyeful, this rooftop venue is ideal for an impressive tipple. We grab a seat by the window and stare like first-time tourists across the buildings before the menu steals our gaze once more.
What we drank
Already serving a range of intriguing cocktails, Savage Garden has recently partnered with the Ocean Conservation Trust, a global Ocean conservation charity working towards a vision of a healthy Ocean, where £1 from the sale of two new signature cocktails will support their ocean protection and restore efforts.
Here’s where “Satori” featuring Plymouth Gin, Amaro Santoni, Doragrossa Chinotto, Campari, Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda, topped with Gattertop Damson Liqueur air comes in.
Inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhism, “Satori” refers to a sudden moment of enlightenment. In other words, if you’d had a terribly stressful day in the email trenches, one sip of this and you’ll be sorted.
There’s also the new “Marinehades,” for those, like me, staying tee-total – an alcohol-free rendition of “Aphrodite’s Garden,” crafted with Everleaf Marine non-alcoholic aperitif. More savoury than sweet, the tipple features a mix of Everleaf Marine, tomato water, capers brine and oak smoke.
I’ve tried Everleaf’s range before and loved every drop – and the non-alcoholic cocktail proved just as worthy, particularly if you’re a fan of the classic Bloody Mary.
If you’re a sweet tooth through and through, then give the equally 0% alcoholic Pygmy Puffs a go – composed of Everleaf Forest infused pandan leaf, lychee juice, Greek yoghurt (yep, you read that correctly) and raspberry crystal.
Served in a highly unusual plastic bag, the drink is a deliciously creamy blend of sweetness and refreshing flavours. I’m still not convinced the plastic vessel scores high on the sophistication stakes though, and would definitely avoid ordering it twice if I found myself on a date (I can hear my mother’s ears perk up simply writing that) in such a suave setting.
What we ate
Onto the snacks. Whether you’re ravenous or pretending that salad tastes better than a burger, Savage Garden has a wide range of small and large plates to sample. With plenty of options for both veggies and carnivores, there’s enough versatility on the menu to enjoy a selection of items without anyone feeling left out (and hungry).
I highly recommend the crunchy “Bang” Cauliflower Wings, served with a moreish Gunpowder spices and coconut raita. Deep fried and delicious, I’m tempted to try a second plate before my stomach can stop me.
We also split the Grilled Halloumi, which arrives with an apricot-rich dip and presented as two large triangular slabs of the Cyprian cheese. It’s still warm when it arrives at the table and I waste no time in getting stuck in, but my friend notes that unless you’re already a serious fan, you’d probably prefer a smaller or differently sliced portion.
We round off our second round of drinks with a side of the SG Fries too – after all, it’s Friday. Covered in spice rub and served with a side of creamy black garlic aioli, the cup is empty sooner than it can runneth over with weekend calorie guilt.
The Wordrobe Verdict
The cocktails at Savage Garden attempt to push visitors out of their comfort zones with a versatile and experimental menu that goes against the standard conventions. There’s still enough classical creations within the mix to keep everyone’s taste buds satisfied, with a thoughtful range of non-alcoholic tipples too. And if that doesn’t do the job, the mouth-watering dishes certainly will.
Come for the drinks and stay for the views – whether you’re a tourist or a hardened City creature, Savage Garden is well worth a visit this summer.
Make it happen
Where: Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, London EC3N 4AF
How: Find out more and make a booking via savagegarden.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
