SUNSHINE, SNACKS AND RIVERSIDE VIEWS? SAY LESS

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know that we’re big fans of The Westin London City. We’ve visited their Heavenly Spa, had multiple visits to one of their restaurants, Hithe+Seek, and attended some masterclasses. So, when I heard they had opened a new riverside summer pop-up called Waterfront, I was curious to see their newest offering.

On arrival, we were directed to the riverside bank of the hotel, where the Waterfront is set up. I will admit, on first glance, I did wonder, “Is this it?”. Tucked along the edge of the building is a simple row of tables, each with two chairs, facing the water. It’s cute, don’t get me wrong, but it’s definitely more understated than I expected. It didn’t take long to realise that was entirely the point, because sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones.

CHARCUTERIE, CHAT AND CHILLED PROSECCO

Taking a seat, we perused the menu, which is exactly what it should be for a space like this. You’re not coming here for an elaborate three-course dinner where you’re studying the menu for twenty minutes. Waterfront is instead somewhere you stop, unwind and graze for a while. Somewhere to meet a friend after work, catch up over a drink, and enjoy a slow sunny London evening.

Naturally, we ordered a glass of Prosecco each because… well… would you expect anything else from me at this point? Alongside this we shared the charcuterie board, which included a selection of cured meats, olives, crackers and chutney. I’m a sucker for picky bits so this was a winner for me. There’s just something about slowly grazing whilst chatting that feels so much more relaxed. Throw in a riverside view and a glass of bubbles, and I was one happy girlie.

A PEACEFUL LITTLE POCKET BESIDES THE THAMES

What surprised me most wasn’t really the food or the drinks; it was just how peaceful it felt. You’re still in central London, but sitting right beside the Thames somehow makes the city slow down a little. Listening to the water gently lapping against the pebble shoreline while London carries on around you is very relaxing. It’s somewhere you can quite happily lose track of time. Chatting, people watching and realising you’ve been sat there much longer than originally planned.

What I liked most about Waterfront is that it doesn’t feel like somewhere that’s trying too hard. There are no gimmicks, no huge installations screaming for your attention and no pressure to turn your visit into an all-evening affair. It’s not trying to compete with London’s rooftop bars or become the next Instagram hotspot. It simply offers a peaceful little pocket beside the Thames, and that’s exactly why it works.

DON’T BLAME ME IF YOU END UP STAYING ALL DAY

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a quiet drink after work, catch up with friends or simply make the most of the sunshine while it lasts, Waterfront is well worth adding to your summer list. It might not be the biggest or flashiest pop-up in London, but that’s never what it set out to be. Sometimes all you need is a glass of Prosecco, a sharing board and a riverside view, and Waterfront delivers exactly that. Safe to say, it’s another win for The Westin London City.

It’s also worth checking out what else The Westin London City has going on when planning a visit. Alongside Waterfront, The Westin hosts a number of events, giving you even more reasons to make a day (or evening) of your visit. Whether you fancy stopping by for a riverside drink before heading upstairs to Hithe+Seek or exploring one of their other experiences, plenty is happening beyond the pop-up itself.

Waterfront is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 12PM – 8PM, until the end of August

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