John Lewis Oxford Street – A Rooftop of Chicken – Cocktails and Music – Review

Update: Nanny Bills has taken over the food and offers dishes including burgers and gravy. We haven’t tried it, but we really really want to.

Three of my favourite things have come together for a compelling mix summer fun on the rooftop of John Lewis. Yes, fried chicken, cocktails and music ON A ROOFTOP in central London.

 

Inspired by the capital’s love of music and probably selling even more premium headphones, The Gardening Society at John Lewis Oxford Street has had a makeover.

Yes , of course, it wouldn’t be John Lewis without a commercial tie-up, this one comes with three immersive studio spaces curated by audio heavyweights Sonos, Ruark Audio and Naim. It’s very tastefully done and not rammed down your throat, I wish I’d had more time to explore them.

This summer’s roof garden features live gigs, DJ sets and acoustic music set against the panoramic backdrop of the capital’s skyline (if you’re tall enough).  

I was particularly excited to finally eat the award-winning fried chicken by Butchies. There was also a Fever Tree Gin & Tonic Garden which we didn’t get to visit and more cocktails from Background Bars.

Though a little windy, we managed to bag a seat outside on a slightly raised terrace that gave us better views of the city, in the main area it felt more like a beautiful oasis away from the craziness on Oxford Street. 

With Butchies buttermilk fried chicken, being a long time (why have we never been?) regret.

We tried The Original served with skin on fries £10, complete with fried buttermilk chicken, Butchies garlic & herb mayo and pickles.

Freddie Mercur-Bee £13 fried buttermilk chicken smoked streaky bacon. Pickies and chili-infused honey.

We recommend replacing one of the fries with their halloumi fries for £3 and shared them., it’s a low-cost way of adding something a little extra . If you love fried chicken and never tried Butchies “What is WRONG with you?” go, it’s that good. The chicken is full of flavour, the chips were excellent and the halloumi fries were an added extra treat.

The cocktails by Background Bars were good, but not as good as the chicken. They were fairly simple and understated, not what you’d expect in our snap-happy Instagram world.

We tried The Big Chill that was a bit too sweet for my partner’s palette and I had The Eastern Promise and a Rhubarb Negroni, which was easily my favourite.

I’d 100% recommend a visit as long as the weather is nice, it felt like an indulgent, but not overly expensive treat after hours of shopping. Perhaps my favourite thing was just how quiet it was, it felt like a world away from the busy streets below.  

For more information visit the John Lewis website