Visit One New Change – Rooftop Bar and Dining for All Seasons

Excellent views and service – experience these at Madison’s restaurant and bar on the roof of One New Change mall. Completed in 2010, the plate glass ‘stealth bomber’ design received widespread criticism for its architectural style in stark contrast to St Paul’s Cathedral nearby. However, plate glass remains the post-war medium filling in the blitzed patches between historic City buildings, like the acrylic artist’s impressions of broken archaeological treasures.

However, architectural styles aside, many of us feel this kind of space truly represents modern London. What finer aspect of this epitomises global connection and power than the rooftop terrace? Unlike the Shard or Sushi Samba and Duck & Waffle in the Heron Tower, there is no obligation to actually visit the bar and restaurant. In fact, to the left of the lift is a wide open terrace. Sit on benches and view St Paul’s, across to the river and the London Eye. Bring your sandwiches just to stick it to the man.

Underneath, the mall is full of a variety of chain and more individual shops and restaurants.

Madison’s Restaurant and Bar

This makes a surprisingly welcoming spot all year round. Visiting a rooftop bar like this in Winter is a treat if they have heaters and blankets as few people will be crowding the air outside. The outside seating has elegant lounges with faux fur cushions. Basically, you can pretend this penthouse is your rockstar abode. Secretly, each conformist suited man here is sharing this mental image.

Of course, we are used to the image of packed terraces on sunlit afternoons. However, the view on a cloudy winter’s day can be all the more of an experience. This is what no website or city guide will show you. And do they somehow photoshop out the cranes? It’s quite disappointing when you first get up there. But what more could remind you of a living, breathing modern city than the sights of demolition and reconstruction?

 

See skyscrapers rising from the mist. Sky and concrete are united in a dystopian harmony.

Food and Drink

To really embrace the ‘I’ve made it’ mentality, order from the cigar menu. Alternatively, bring your own for a fraction of the price. However, the cocktails and hot drinks seem excellent and well priced. The fairly conservative cocktail menu offers exotic variations on classic drinks, including the irresistible ‘Sex on the Roof’. For a bourgeois group display of excess, the `Jager Blast` sharer serves up to six.

For dining inside, with the ‘penthouse’ view, there are two set menus of £20 and £25 for two courses. Alternatively there is a broad and generous a la carte menu. This demonstrates quality without overlooking such simple pleasures as a fish pie.

Unlike certain establishments of this kind, Madison service is relaxed and friendly. They really appreciate you being there. They uphold a strong service mentality, rather than quizzing your choice of outfit. It is refreshing that you can simply get the lift up and have a wander, rather than being faced with a velvet-roped anonymous door back on ground level. Even hotel bars can be daunting. This is definitely the place for a calm and relaxed Sunday brunch with warm heaters and the open air.

 

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