1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen debuts on Oxford Street’s John Lewis store

Oxford Street’s skyline welcomes a new addition as the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen opens its doors on 22 May at the John Lewis flagship store. The establishment is set to become this summer’s go-to al fresco drinking and dining spot, offering panoramic views of central London, a range of seasonal cocktails, and a delicious menu of small plates.

Named after the year John Lewis & Partners was founded, the venue combines history with modern luxury, accommodating up to 200 guests. Visitors can look forward to enjoying their food and drinks in an array of settings including private greenhouses, an indoor bar, or the outdoor terrace. The design features bespoke fabric accents by Colours of Arley and a selection of aromatic greenery curated by Underleaf, including wildflowers, climbing plants and a variety of herbs found reflected in the seasonal cocktails, creating an inviting environment for socialising.

The menu promises a mix of classic and unique drinks, such as the Oaxaca Martini, made with Del Maguey mezcal, Olmeca Reposado tequila and Cointreau liqueur, and Gypsy Martini, featuring Martin Millers gin infused with the flavours of raisin and rosemary, alongside a carefully curated selection of snacks, salads, and desserts. Highlights include Lobster Rolls, Seaweed Tempura Monkfish, and a vegan Chocolate Mousse.

Ben Warner, founder of Benugo the company behind the concept, expressed excitement over the new venture: “We’re thrilled to now be able to offer customers a completely different experience, with the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen being a place where they can relax, unwind and let their hair down amongst friends on the building’s impressive rooftop.” Katie Papakonstantinou, Director of Services and Hospitality at John Lewis and Partners, also shared her enthusiasm for adding the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen to the store’s offerings, aiming to attract both regular and new customers.

Founded in 1998 in Clerkenwell, by brothers Ben and Hugo, Benugo brand stretches from award-winning high street stores to cafes and restaurants within some of the most iconic public spaces and high-volume visitor attractions such as Natural History Museum, V&A, The British Museum, Science Museum, ABBA Voyage, BFI Southbank.

Food Desk
Image: Dan Burns

For further information and reservations, visit the bar and kitchen’s website here.