The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James

On the seventh floor of The Trafalgar St. James, a Curio Collection hotel on the south side of Trafalgar Square, The Rooftop sits level with Nelson's Column and looks out across Whitehall and the wider London skyline. It works across the seasons: a retractable roof, heaters and blankets keep the open-air terrace and its glass-sided conservatory in use through winter, while the warmer months open the whole floor to the sky.

The space divides into distinct areas. The Gallery holds the clearest outlook over the square; The Deck, a sheltered conservatory, runs alongside a marble-topped bar; and a glass-walled private room seats a smaller party. The drinks list pairs signature and classic cocktails with a considered wine selection, and the kitchen sends out a seasonal European menu of small plates through lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

For private events the rooftop takes a partial-area booking or a full buyout of the floor, holding up to 180 guests for a standing reception. Its position over one of London's landmark addresses makes it a natural fit for a summer reception, a launch or a milestone celebration.