Please note, Notch has now changed names to Sisu, opening in summer 2017.
When this little roof space opened up several storeys above Oxford Street last year, social media went mad for sipping its jam-jar cocktails as the buses went slowwwwwly by. Then, as all self-respecting central London rooftop bars do, Roofnic, as it was then called, closed its doors, tweaked its look and changed its name to Notch for summer 2016 (way to shit on our SEO game, guys).
Although we like its new industrial look – edgy metal chains and dusky brown benches – there are now only a handful of sunny spots poking out from under the white canopy that’s survived from last year. You’ll have to squabble for a swing in the sun. And do you know what’s worse than swings in bars? Suits on swings in bars, smoking cigars. A reminder that Notch is attached to the Marriott Hotel, Park Lane.
On the upside, those cocktails in jam jars remain: a clever way to whip up summery drinks at speed (just add ice, and shake). Our iced tea with rum, gin, Aperol, Cynar and crème de pêche was fairly successful as well as sizeable. On the food front, they’ve upgraded the offering to incorporate all the things the kids are eating: bao buns, ceviche, wings and tacos; I was genuinely surprised at the absence of kimchi from the list. Give the nachos topped with ceviche a swerve and go for the excellent wings, which come with a sticky, caramelised coating.
On top of all these enticements, you can buy Negronis and old fashioneds in tuna cans. If that doesn’t get your Instagram thumbs twitching, we don’t know what will.