The editor was delighted to be invited to the launch party for an uprated roof terrace bar right next door to his old offices in Singer Street, close by ‘Silicon Roundabout’ and only a couple of minutes walk from Old Street underground station.

Launch party well under way at Golden Bee’s uprated all-weather rooftop terrace

Thus, Shoreditch venue Golden Bee has launched a new, split-level rooftop terrace, which will see its open-air space doubled in time for summer making it an ideal spot for al fresco drinks. The East London bar has long been the destination for sun-worshippers during the summer months, but will now become the only venue in Shoreditch with a retractable canopy, making the space usable throughout the year. One needs to be able to negotiate quite a few steps and staircases to get to the rooftop terrace, but that shouldn’t be too much trouble for the clientele at which the new bar is aimed.  It may be more of a problem exiting if one has partaken of too many of the excellent cocktails being served!

The terrace will alos feature a luxurious VIP section and the new custom-built, U-shaped bar where guests can enjoy views across the London skyline. The new mezzanine area also has its own bar and can be exclusively hired on any night of the week. And the space will become one of the capital’s most impressive cinemas, too – as Golden Bee has confirmed the return of its popular rooftop cinema sessions, along with a tie-in with Universal Pictures that will allow it to screen brand new releases as well as cult classics.

Customers were invited to celebrate the launch while enjoying one of six new signature cocktails – many of which will form part of the happy hour promotion – and DJs will play on the terrace throughout the year.

Speaking about the launch, Director Billie Chandler says: “After months of hard work and planning, I am extremely proud to welcome all customers old and new to our totally transformed and unique roof terrace boasting both a new VIP area and mezzanine floor.”

The terrace launched to the public on April 13th with an Absolutely Reverb night, before Singer Street Sessions, Love United, and an Easter Garage Special featuring Kisstory’s Neev took over the decks for the following three nights respectively.

Guests will be able to enjoy the rooftop between 5pm and midnight from Tuesday to Saturday, with the downstairs venue keeping the party moving until 3am. Happy hour runs from 5 -7pm, Tues to Thursday, with 2 for 1 cocktails and discounts on beer, wine and champagne.

Golden Bee is located on Singer Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9DD, a few minutes’ walk from Old Street tube station.  The roof terrace closes at midnight.  It is also closed Sundays and Mondays, but open til late on the other weekdays