The Midnight Apothecary: London's Enchanting Rooftop Cocktail Bar
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
The Midnight Apothecary is a unique rooftop cocktail bar located in London’s SE16 area, known for its intimate atmosphere, botanical-inspired cocktails, and charming fire pits. Set atop the Brunel Museum, it offers visitors a cozy, magical experience blending handcrafted drinks with a touch of nature and history. The venue is celebrated for its seasonal garden produce, warm lighting, and a memorable tour of the historic tunnel shaft beneath.
A brief summary to The Midnight Apothecary
- Railway Ave, London, SE16 4LF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 5 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 5 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Book your visit in advance as seating is limited and the bar operates only on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Don’t miss the guided tour of the historic tunnel shaft beneath the bar for a unique blend of history and fun.
- Try the seasonal botanical cocktails garnished with fresh herbs and flowers grown on-site.
- Enjoy the cozy fire pits and bring a light jacket as rooftop evenings can get chilly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Midnight Apothecary location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Midnight Apothecary
A Rooftop Oasis Above London’s Historic Brunel Museum
Perched atop the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe, The Midnight Apothecary offers a secluded retreat from the city bustle. This rooftop bar is nestled in an intimate setting where fairy lights and flaming torches create a warm, inviting glow against the night sky. The venue’s connection to the museum adds a layer of historical intrigue, with the opportunity to explore the fascinating tunnel shaft that once formed part of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Thames Tunnel project.Botanical Cocktails Crafted with Seasonal Flair
The Midnight Apothecary is renowned for its botanical cocktail menu, crafted using seasonal ingredients grown in its very own garden. Award-winning gardener Lottie Muir curates the produce, ensuring each drink bursts with fresh, natural flavors. Guests can expect cocktails garnished with herbs and flowers, perfectly complementing the cozy outdoor fire pits where marshmallows can be toasted, enhancing the sensory experience.An Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere for Memorable Evenings
With a focus on creating a relaxed and intimate vibe, the bar features limited seating that encourages socializing in small groups or romantic pairs. The ambience is enhanced by chilled music that blends seamlessly with the gentle crackle of fire pits, making it an ideal spot for date nights or quiet gatherings. Despite its cozy size, the venue’s charm lies in its thoughtful design and attention to detail.Engaging Tours and Hidden Historical Gems
Beyond the cocktails, visitors can join a guided tour of the tunnel shaft beneath the bar, an adventurous journey into London’s engineering past. This unique feature adds a playful and educational element to the visit, making The Midnight Apothecary more than just a bar but a cultural experience entwined with local heritage.Seasonal Operation and Exclusive Evenings
The Midnight Apothecary operates primarily on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 5 pm to 10 pm, emphasizing exclusivity and a curated guest experience. This limited schedule ensures that each event feels special and well-attended without overcrowding. The bar’s seasonal nature also means the cocktail menu evolves, reflecting the freshest garden harvests.A Hidden Gem for Cocktail Enthusiasts and History Lovers
Combining the allure of handcrafted botanical cocktails with the intrigue of a historic site, The Midnight Apothecary stands out as a distinctive London destination. Its blend of nature, history, and mixology offers visitors an enchanting night out that is both relaxing and culturally enriching, perfect for those seeking something off the usual tourist track.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
0.4 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
The Captain Kidd
0.4 km
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Execution Dock House
0.6 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Execution Dock
0.6 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Roman Wall of Londinium
1.7 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
1.8 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
London Wall
1.9 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
1.9 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
2.0 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
2.0 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
2.1 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
Mitre Square
2.2 km
Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Custom House
2.3 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
2.3 km
Explore the rich Roman heritage at Billingsgate Roman House & Baths, a fascinating museum revealing ancient life in the heart of London.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
2.3 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
0.1 km
An 18th-century riverside church in Rotherhithe with deep maritime roots and Mayflower connections, offering quiet reflection and centuries of history by the Thames.
Thames River Police Museum
0.4 km
Explore the historic Thames River Police Museum in Wapping, showcasing over 200 years of pioneering river policing on London’s iconic Thames.
Prospect of Whitby
0.6 km
Step into London’s oldest riverside pub, where centuries of maritime history, pirate tales, and royal visits blend with stunning Thames views.
Shadwell Basin
0.7 km
Historic London dock transformed into a vibrant waterside community hub for leisure, water sports, and scenic urban living.
Shadwell Basin
0.9 km
Historic London dock turned vibrant waterside community offering scenic walks, water sports, and rich maritime heritage.
Ornamental Canal
0.9 km
A serene 1.2 km canal in Wapping preserving London's dockland heritage with historic walls, art, and tranquil waterside walks.
Cable Street Mural
1.1 km
A vivid, monumental mural in East London commemorating the 1936 Battle of Cable Street and the community’s defiant stand against fascism.
Ratcliff Beach
1.2 km
Discover Ratcliff Beach, a hidden pebble shore on the Thames with stunning Canary Wharf views and rich maritime history in East London.
The Kernel Spa Road
1.3 km
Discover The Kernel Spa Road: London's vibrant brewery taproom blending craft beers with Japanese-inspired comfort food in a stylish industrial setting.
Shad Thames
1.4 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
Brew By Numbers Tasting Room
1.4 km
Discover innovative craft beers and a relaxed vibe at Brew By Numbers Tasting Room, a must-visit for beer lovers in Bermondsey.
St Katharine Docks Marina
1.4 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
Jack The Ripper Museum
1.5 km
Explore the chilling history of Victorian London's infamous Jack the Ripper murders in a hauntingly immersive museum experience.
Ropewalk
1.6 km
Discover Ropewalk, the vibrant and historic heart of Maltby Street Market where London’s industrial charm meets world-class street food.
Tower Bridge
1.6 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
1.7 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
2.0 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
2.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
2.2 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
14 Hills
2.3 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
2.5 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Nomadic community
2.6 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
George
2.6 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Billingsgate Market
2.8 km
Experience the bustling heart of London’s seafood trade at Billingsgate Market, a historic wholesale hub alive with tradition and fresh catches.
Lyle's
3.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mercato Metropolitano
3.2 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Da Terra Restaurant
3.2 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Madison
3.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Brawn
3.3 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
3.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
1.9 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
2.0 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Hay's Galleria
2.2 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Petticoat Lane Market
2.3 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
2.3 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Fashion St
2.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
2.5 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
2.5 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Backyard Market
2.5 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
DPUS Designer Outlet
2.5 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Sclater Street Market
2.6 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
The Truman Brewery Markets
2.6 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Spitalfields Market
2.6 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
2.6 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Royal Exchange
2.7 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Midnight Apothecary
0.0 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Nine Lives
2.0 km
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Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
2.1 km
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The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
2.1 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Bell
2.2 km
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Moonshine Saloon
2.3 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Discount Suit Company
2.3 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
2.4 km
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The Bootlegger
2.4 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Old School Yard
2.4 km
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
2.5 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Astronomer, EC1
2.6 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
2.6 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Dirty Dicks
2.6 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
Demon, Wise & Partners
2.7 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly