Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-store-oxford"><a href="https://thestoreoxford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Store</a>, Oxford  </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="999" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Store-rooftop-bar.jpg" alt="The Store Hotel, rooftop bar " class="wp-image-163147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Store-rooftop-bar.jpg 999w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Store-rooftop-bar-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Store-rooftop-bar-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Store-rooftop-bar-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></figure>



<p>Psst. This stylish new boutique hotel also has a chic rooftop bar overlooking the dreaming spires. With its sleek minimalist decor, The Store lets the view and signature cocktails and smoked dishes do the talking. If you&#8217;re a dedicated martini gal, you&#8217;ll be spoilt for choice with eight tipples, each slightly different. Mojitos, Margaritas, and Daiquiris also come with a fab selection of flavours, some made with in-house gin and vodka. And if that doesn&#8217;t get you gathering the girls for a sip and natter, it&#8217;s open seven days a week all year round. We&#8217;ll take a glass of red, thanks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unity-sky-lounge-milton-keynes"><strong><a href="https://www.unityplace.co.uk/food-drink/unity-sky-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unity Sky Lounge</a>, Milton Keynes</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Sky-Lounge-Cocktail.jpg" alt="Unity place sky lounge rooftop bar " class="wp-image-163152" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Sky-Lounge-Cocktail.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Sky-Lounge-Cocktail-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Sky-Lounge-Cocktail-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another new kid on the block, Unity Place, is set bang in the center of MK and is home to premium workspaces, restaurants, retail outlets, a gym, barbers, and &#8211; to top it all &#8211; a chic rooftop bar. As you&#8217;d expect from the seventh floor, you&#8217;ll breathe in sweeping views of Milton Keynes while sipping signature cocktails (Cosmo, Aperol, Negroni — you name it) or toast ales from the on-site microbrewery. Alongside the drinks menu, Unity also has a brilliant British tapas menu, whipped up using sustainably sourced ingredients. Plus, it&#8217;s available for exclusive hire for your summer soirees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-victors-oxford"><a href="https://www.victors.co.uk/venue/oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victors</a>, Oxford </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Victors-Oxford.jpg" alt="victors, oxford rooftop bar " class="wp-image-146970" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Victors-Oxford.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Victors-Oxford-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Victors-Oxford-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Victors-Oxford-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just along from The Alchemist on Westgate’s highest floor, Victors can also claim to have its own outdoor bar area, with dreamy views of Christ Church and Pembroke College. Victors rocks a Hamptons vibe, serving East Coast-inspired plates and cocktails dripping with Americana. It does a fab weekend breakfast, dubbed Breakfast #TheVictorsWay. Its take on bottomless brunch includes a bottle of Prosecco or Veuve Clicquot. Or go for signature spritzers (Muddy calls them breakfast cocktails). Choose from Watermelon Caipiroska, Raspberry Beret, Pornstar Martini, 365 Days of Summer and Candy Shop Marg. Available from 11am on Fridays and 10am every Saturday and Sunday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-manor-aylesbury"><a href="https://themanoraylesbury.co.uk/rooftop-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Manor</a>, Aylesbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Manor-rooftop-Bar-.jpg" alt="The manor rooftop bar aylesbury " class="wp-image-163161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Manor-rooftop-Bar-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Manor-rooftop-Bar--800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Manor-rooftop-Bar--400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/The-Manor-rooftop-Bar--500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sitting atop Hale Leys Shopping Centre in the middle of town, this three-floor venue houses a restaurant, cocktail bar and a rooftop bar complete with fire pits, heaters and fantastic views over the Chiltern Hills. Not up for cocktails? Well, the wine list is sourced from Waddesdon Manor. Oh, apart from the Prosecco &#8211; that comes directly from an Italian family supplier in Treviso. Or try the bottomless brunch on a Saturday (12pm &#8211; 3pm). One dish comes with unlimited drinks for 90 minutes. Well, Muddy does love a challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-alchemist-oxford"><a href="https://thealchemist.uk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alchemist</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="643" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist.jpg" alt="The alchemist oxford bar, interiors" class="wp-image-114262" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist-300x193.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist-720x463.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist-150x96.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Alchemist-816x525.jpg 816w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perched on the top of Westgate Oxford, The Alchemist serves up imaginative cocktails, as the name suggests, along with a fusion food menu. Take your time reading the cocktail menu, which recommends drinks under headings like <em>Chemistry</em> and <em>Theatre</em>, and generally includes dry ice for a dash of drama. Grab yourself a spot on the gorgeous outdoor terrace and enjoy. Make it a late one on Fridays and Saturdays (until 1am) c/o resident DJs on the decks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-six-by-nico-oxford"><a href="https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/oxford/the-chippie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Six by Nico</a>, Oxford </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Six-By-Nico-Westgate-Oxford-CGI-2560x1440px-WEB-1000x563.jpeg" alt="Six by nico, oxford, interiors " class="wp-image-159100" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Six-By-Nico-Westgate-Oxford-CGI-2560x1440px-WEB-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Six-By-Nico-Westgate-Oxford-CGI-2560x1440px-WEB-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Six-By-Nico-Westgate-Oxford-CGI-2560x1440px-WEB-400x225.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Six-By-Nico-Westgate-Oxford-CGI-2560x1440px-WEB.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another Westgate wonder, Six By Nico is a great option for equal parts scoffing and quaffing. Recently opened, marking the chain&#8217;s 15th location, the name nods at the restaurant&#8217;s concept of a six-course tasting menu (£50pp) that changes every six weeks. The current theme is classic chippie-inspired. That&#8217;s elevated chips and cheese, fish supper, steak pie, and deep-fried mars bars (remember those?) served with optional wine pairings (£39pp). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-varsity-club-oxford"><a href="https://tvcoxford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Varsity Club</a>, Oxford</h2>



<p>The Varsity Club’s roof terrace in central Oxford (access from High Street) offers far reaching views across the dreaming spires. Thanks to awnings, heaters and heated seats (yes please), you’ll be able to play outside even if the weather doesn’t play ball. Cocktails are classic and reasonably priced and the menu is simple but effective. Tables on the roof terrace can be booked but there are also several available on a first come, first served basis if you haven’t planned ahead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fourteenmk.co.uk/sky-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fourteen Sky Bar</a>, Milton Keynes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="793" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n-793x1000.jpeg" alt="fourteen sky bar milton keynes " class="wp-image-146079" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n-793x1000.jpeg 793w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n-634x800.jpeg 634w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n-317x400.jpeg 317w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n-416x525.jpeg 416w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/296149810_165064289418275_8072919010274385684_n.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px" /></figure>



<p>Impressive 360-degree views of Bucks and Bedfordshire come courtesy of the Fourteen Sky Bar, found on the (you guessed it) fourteenth floor of the Hotel La Tour. The 180-cover venue serves contemporary, seasonal British cuisine over breakfast, lunch, dinner and light bites. Think classics like ribeye steaks, but with a bit of a twist &#8211; and the cocktail list is much the same. Classics are available but the signature drinks are where Fourteen really excels, so expect some lovely pairings. There&#8217;s Champagne, lemon gin and elderflower, pink gin (rose and raspberry), dry ice and flames galore. Food is served all day, with cocktail menu coming into play from midday until late. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmshop-bicester-village"><a href="https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en/dine/farmshop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmshop</a>, Bicester Village</h2>



<p>A welcome outpost from the Soho House brand that doesn&#8217;t require membership (*thud*). This restaurant and café to the west of Bicester Village has a large first-floor outdoor terrace that is perfect for sundowners. As a bonus, it&#8217;s gratifyingly close to the train station and car park too, so no struggling with your retail therapy purchases after you&#8217;ve wound down.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/cafe-and-restaurant#collapse2498676" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ashmolean</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/345445259_288591453522824_2528075652814461070_n.jpeg" alt="cocktail in a glass, the ashmolean rooftop bar " class="wp-image-146080" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/345445259_288591453522824_2528075652814461070_n.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/345445259_288591453522824_2528075652814461070_n-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/345445259_288591453522824_2528075652814461070_n-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/345445259_288591453522824_2528075652814461070_n-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Came for the museum, stayed for the views (and the cocktails). Atop the world’s oldest museum in central Oxford is the very modern and spacious Rooftop Restaurant and terrace, the perfect spot to refresh after getting a dose of culture. (I know, any excuse). Stay for lunch or a spot of afternoon tea &#8211; often with themed dishes tying in with an exhibition &#8211; with a classic cocktail menu to match. Members receive a 10% discount on lunch and tea but not on alcoholic drinks. Although it is not a late night drinking spot (the restaurant closes at 5pm), you can book out the space for special events.</p>



<p><strong>Not so keen on heights? Here are some options with terraces closer to street level…</strong></p>



<p><strong><a href="http://www.crazybeargroup.co.uk/beaconsfield/terrace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crazy Bear</a>, Beaconsfield</strong>. The most eccentric hotel in Beaconsfield has a poolside terrace where food from the hotel’s English menu and bar menu can be served in fine weather. The perfect place to enjoy a warm evening.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://bacchusbeaconsfield.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacchus</a>,</strong> <strong>Beaconsfield</strong>. This family-run wine bar and restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine and excellent wine. You can eat and drink al fresco should the weather be kind.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford/chez-mal-brasserie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malmaison Oxford</a></strong>. Having decked out the old prison building with a rather luxe hotel, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Malmaison’s terrace for outdoor drinks and dining sits in the old prisoners&#8217; exercise yard. There&#8217;s also a fabulous roof terrace for private parties.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Gees</strong></a>, <strong>Oxford</strong>. This central restaurant and bar has a cool Victorian conservatory and Secret Garden terrace, so even if the weather&#8217;s not playing ball you can still sip alfresco. </p>


Cocktail hour! The best rooftop bars for stylish summer drinking

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