Vista at the Trafalgar– a peek into London’s life

Perfect view of the Trafalgar Square

Elevated on the top of the Trafalgar Hotel, Vista bar is one of my favorite rooftop bars. Offering the clearest view over one of London’s most targeted tourist destinations –The Trafalgar Square – this hotel bar is a great choice for having a true London experience. Just be prepared with a selfie stick…I know how they look, especially in a fancy bar, but trying to capture a photo of yourself which includes all major sights in the background – like the Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, London Eye and of course the impressive square itself – is not an easy task for your arm and let’s be realistic: you will want to take that selfie.

While on the topic of Vista’s view – it’s probably best to visit, say mid or late afternoon hours, when the weather is nice enough, of course. Many tourist wandering around Trafalgar Square tend to climb to Vista bar, understandably, and in later time of the day it gets a bit too crowded and this really is a downside when it comes to such venues. And in addition, each guest is charged a £5 entry fee (before even taking the lift) after 4 p.m. which is in a way pretentious – when you own a bar, not merely a tourist site, it is seems logical to figure out how to include the view’s price unnoticeably in the menu list rather than asking for a fee as if on the entrance of Mesozoic caves in Peru.

Vista Bar

As for the prices in the menu list, they are not too thin either…Their cocktails will cost you £12-13-14 while not being that incredible and below most of them you are offered the choice of tasting them with another ingredient for additional £3-4 which is again not my type of bargain. Still, most places offer similar prices and once you’ve climbed to Vista for its view it’s a nice, relaxing experience to spend your stay chatting on the terrace over drinks. Vista’s signature is the Movista and if you are accompanied by some more people you can go for the shared cocktails. If are one of the people having trouble to make up their minds on what to order – you are in luck, Vista’s menu is very detailed, makes you feel certain about what you’re about to taste.

You can take a  look at it here – Drinks Menu

Vista also offers a short Lunch menu with some very delicious vegetarian meals. If you follow my advice and show up around noon (preferably after), in particular between 12-5 p.m. – it would be the best time for Vista’s food; you can have a meal for the price of £10 or something very close.

Check out the menu here – Lunch Menu

Every summer a different brand of alcohol becomes Vista’s sponsor and a significant amount of objects with the brand’s name written over them becomes a part of the bar’s design. Apart from this, the décor is elegant, calming and strangely fresh. The booths lining the inner side of the terrace are best suited for intimate or business talks which require privacy and if you would like a more lively experience – better perch on a bar stool overlooking the square (if your vestibular system is prepared of course). The background music also contributes to the calming feeling.

And not the miss the service quality – you can be sure you’ll leave satisfied with the staff’s work. Orders are taken and executed rapidly, your waiter is amiable and attentive, the food and drinks are decorated with care.

Vista Bar

As a whole, Vista at the Trafalgar undoubtedly has the advantage of a top view, chill décor and great service. If you are not bothered by the mentioned details about fees and prices, book a table for your lunch or evening going out (there is a minimum spend though), buy a selfie stick, charge your camera’s battery and head to Vista!