Drink in the View

01 May 2011

No matter where you are in the world, there’s nothing like a breathtaking view to accompany your daily cuppa. From Los Angeles to Singapore, we recommend idyllic hangouts where you can shoot the breeze.

LONDON
BY DAVEN WU

Boundary Rooftop

London may boast many fine gastronomic pleasures, but finding a great view of the city to pair with your daily cuppa has never been easy – which makes the Boundary Rooftop such an unexpected pleasure. The timber deck rooftop of design maven Sir Terence Conran’s Boundary hotel in trendy Shoreditch comes alive in spring and summer as local residents turn up early with their weekend papers to sip their morning coffee in the sunshine. With just 48 covers, there are no bad tables here. From every side, there are 360-degree views of iconic London landmarks such as Canary Wharf, the Barbican and The Gherkin, the sixth tallest building in London. In winter, however, the best seats in the house are by the warm flickering fireplace flanked by two 100-year-old olive trees. Insider’s tip: call ahead and ask for pastries to be sent up from the Albion bakery downstairs.
Coffees from US$9.90, Teas from US$8.30
theboundary.co.uk

With its great views and inviting ambience, it’s no wonder the Boundary Rooftop fills up fast. A tip: show up early and have a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Set in the surrounds of a calm lake and framed by the majestic greenery of Hyde Park, one of the world’s most famous parks, the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen takes full advantage of its location. While the restaurant’s light-filled interior is a warm and cosy haven, when the sun’s out, it’s difficult to beat a table on the outdoor terrace overlooking the park and water. Sip a cup of ginger and lemon herbal infusion, or go the full hog with their English afternoon tea of cucumber sandwiches and freshly baked scones. While every table has a view, the most coveted is table 11, with its unobstructed views of boaters and swimmers in Serpentine Lake. David Beard, the restaurant’s general manager, recommends arriving early for a picture perfect snapshot of the morning mist sweeping across the water or at dusk as the glowing sun slowly sinks behind the trees. It’s not often this table comes up for grabs, so the early bird catches the worm!
Coffees from US$4.70, Teas from US$5.10
serpentinebarandkitchen.com

HONG KONG
BY NICK WALTON

South Bay Beach Club

Sited on one of Hong Kong’s lesser-known beaches, South Bay Beach Club offers stunning views across a tiny sun-kissed bay to Middle Island. The beach club offers 12 bean and strength variations of Nespresso coffee including ristretto grand cru and decaf; also popular are their espresso martinis and hot toddy cocktails. In summer, be sure to try the club’s signature iced tea. The most coveted seats are the corner booths that offer both comfort and shade. They’re first-come-first-served so get in early, but it’s all worth it once you’re lounging comfortably, watching the beautiful people arrive to strut their stuff. On weekend afternoons, the South Bay Sessions – chill-out DJ parties – take over; all the more reason not to give up your corner booth.
Coffees from US$3.90, Teas from US$5.80, Cocktails from US$7.70
The Terrace, South Bay, Tel: 852 2812 6015

Hong Kong’s South Bay Beach Club is the perfect spot to catch some sun and people-watch.

The Stoep

A great coffee spot for beach lovers is on Lantau Island’s The Stoep, a South African restaurant perched on the sands of Cheung Sha beach, one of the city’s prettiest stretches of coast. In fact, many of the tables are literally on the sand though local restrictions mean waiters can only pass you your meal from the patio. They serve lattes and cappuccinos made from organic Colombian beans, though as the mercury rises, you might be inclined to try their iced coffee blends, which can come with liquers like Tia Maria or Amarula. The Stoep is also one of the spots in town that serves Rooibos tea, a unique red tea that’s been popular in Africa for generations. The top spot to enjoy your cuppa is at a beach-side table under the awning. The restaurant fills up fast so it’s best to call ahead.
Coffees from US$4.50, Teas from US$5.20
thestoep.com