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Skylight at Tobacco Dock reopened for the summer earlier in May 2018. Having been a popular and imaginative London rooftop destinations last winter thanks to the team at Interact, we at Vada were keen to find out what the new summer additions and improvements were like.
Ascending (via stairs only) through an unassuming, converted carpark to the roof of Tobacco Dock in Wapping, Skylight has three floors of bars, street food and some indoor seating on the lowest level, live entertainment, croquet, pétanque, screens, and DJs on the mid-level, and a further bar and seating area on the top floor that has doubled in size since the winter. Skylight boasts an unobstructed views of some of London’s most iconic buildings, including The Shard, The Gherkin and The Walkie Talkie, so is definitely a rooftop with a view.
The croquet lawn and pétanque proved the most popular on our Saturday visit, with almost all seating pre-booked for groups. Prices start from £15 for a 30 minutes on the outdoor Pétanque court. For those football fans (yes there are many within the LGBT community), there is also be a penalty shoot-out football game for those in the World Cup spirit.
Bars offer a seasonal cocktail menu (we tried the Muscat Caipi made with Leblon Cachaça, lime juice, sugar syrup and Orang Muscat) alongside spritzes, pitchers (of Pimms – yes please), bubbly and wine. On the lower level, street food trader Yiro is back and will serve the summer dishes served in greek pittas. Alongside is the rather disappointing Flip Side, from whom we got a very sloppy confit bbq pork burger and an average beef burger.
Overall thoughts
Skylight has all the core components parts to make an idyllic venue, all it’s missing, frankly, is the LGBT community to make it fabulous – perhaps this article will prompt an LGBT night as part of Pride month? Whilst needing some improved food options (other than a burger or pitta), this spacious hang-out spot is colourful, lively and has a good balance of vibe between party and chill.
Entry to Skylight is free, and is open Thursday & Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday – 12pm – 11pm.
For full information (including prices) and to book a table, visit skylightlondon.com.
The entrance to Skylight is at Pennington St. Car Park Entrance, Tobacco Dock, London, E1W 2SF.
