#WeAreTesting Sustainable Venues: Sisu London Rooftop Retreat

Bag-laden Oxford Street shoppers can rejoice this summer, for finally a rooftop retreat has opened that doesn’t involve navigating the perfume section of John Lewis. A security man, an un-marked door and four flights of stairs are the only things lying between you and your next summer drinking hole, but is it worth the climb? 

Words: Kyra Hanson @kyra_sian

Sisu London off Oxford Street. 

Sisu describes itself as a 'utilitarian nature reserve' with a 'greenhouse' restaurant offering 'organic vibes' and 'Scandinavian surrounds'. After reading the press release I was all but ready to grab some binoculars and settle in for a bird watching session. However, rather than the 'smörgåsbord of leafy green plants' promised, the spider plants were dry as a bone and the poor potted plants on our table were dead beyond recognition. The shrivelled leaves flaked off in my hand as I sipped a very strong Old Fashioned from the coin-operated cocktail tap – the most expensive drinks vending machine you’ll encounter at £8 a token. So, nil pois for green fingered bar staff.

If it’s cocktails you’re after opt for the Swizzle, a fizzy mix of Appleton Estate Signature blend, pineapple juice and Velvet Falernum (a spiced-citrusy-sweet liqueur). It’s a little on the sweet side but doesn’t arrive in a jam jar, so you get more booze for your buck. There’s also a drinks selection from Camden Town Brewery. Food was perfect for a light bite but I wouldn’t recommend turning up here ravenous. Before ordering, I searched the food and drinks menu for those 'organic vibes' to no avail. The aubergine taco with chili and fried onions would have benefitted from some sauce. The cauliflower cheese arancini was tasty but titchy, at least the chicken waffle was free range.

We were informed via email “the whole menu is not entirely organic, however the food mainly uses organic ingredients, and the drinks also strive to use organic produce whenever possible.” If this is the case why not make mention of it on the menu? Surely it’s a selling point for the health conscious, eco-consumers of today?

This rooftop is surrounded by taller buildings, which hogged the sun on our visit, however the RetrEAT (design by DENLDN) was a welcome addition. More shed than greenhouse (it being constructed of wood not glass), the thick blankets, chilled playlist and use of natural materials did manage to meet the relaxed, Scandi-cool brief. Heated concrete seating was a nice surprise though not exactly ethical. And there are two tiny toilets in which no matter where you stand you will set off the hair dryer.    

"More shed than greenhouse (it being constructed of wood not glass), the thick blankets, chilled playlist and use of natural materials did manage to meet the relaxed, Scandi-cool brief." 

So, does Sisu get any sustainability points at all? Well, we were told the plates are biodegradable and the furniture has been upcycled by the Sisu team. This is a well-located urban hideaway, which you’d be pleased to stumble across after navigating the snap-happy tourists and queues of Primark shoppers below, just don’t turn up for the organic vibes. 

Sisu serves food and drink between noon and 10pm every day, from now until late September.

http://www.sisu.london/

From the Spirit of Rio to Alex Katz: Your July Culture Guide

Go: Kew Gardens, The Hive – Beauty and science come together at Kew’s exploration of the British Bee. The Hive is an open-air structure standing at 17 meters high and weighing 40 tonnes. The Hive captures the story of the honeybee and the valuable role of pollination in feeding the planet. Visit to discover the secret life of bees.  

See: Alex Katz until 11th September 2016, The Serpentine Gallery. To top off an already pleasant day in Hyde Park, drop into the Alex Katz exhibition at The Serpentine Gallery. Don’t miss this chance to see paintings by a modern American master. 

Alex Katz at The Serpentine Gallery

Visit: Alex Eagle, Lexington Street. The newly opened Alex Eagle store on Soho’s Lexington Street offers a carefully curated selection of home ware and fashion. Go to see the Luke Edward Hall x Alex Eagle collaboration and the exquisite Le Monde Beryl shoes. 

Eat: The Continental Pantry, W11. The Continental Pantry offers a delightful blend of European cuisine and wine.  Perfect for after work on a Friday, indulge in the hand sliced 42 month aged Iberico ham and an impeccably chilled glass of Rose. 

Read: In the Spirit of Rio, Assouline. Ahead of this summer's Olympics, In the Spirit of Rio outlines a guide to the best hotels, restaurants, shopping, art galleries and attractions.  Bursting with dazzling imagery celebrating this lively city.

Bruno Astuto's In the Spirit of Rio, Assouline 2016