London’s First 1920s Rooftop Bar Debuts in Scintillating, Sky-High Style!
A century after The Great Gatsby was published, 1 Leicester Square brings jazz, decadence and speakeasy splendour to the West End
London – 11th April 2025 – A century to the day after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby first captivated readers, a new chapter of elegance and showmanship has been written in the skies above Leicester Square. Marking the grand debut of London’s first 1920s-themed rooftop venue, Criterion Hospitality unveiled 1 Leicester Square Rooftop Bar and Restaurant - a seductive new addition to the capital’s nightlife scene perched atop the legendary Hotel Indigo.
The VIP launch event transported guests into a full-blown Gatsby fantasy. Beguiling black and gold drapes adorned with sequins, plush velvet, ambient Art Deco lighting and geometric flourishes created an spellbinding speakeasy above the skyline - marrying historical grandeur with a modern sense of occasion. Among the attendees were celebrities, influencers, renowned filmmakers, leading production studios, high-profile business leaders, and members of London's social set, all adding to the evening’s glittering allure.
Positioned above the beating heart of London’s red-carpet district, the venue offers panoramic views across the city’s landmarks - from The Shard and The London Eye to Nelson’s Column and the Houses of Parliament - with the added thrill of overlooking star-studded film premieres below.
The evening pulsed with Jazz Age sophistication as Silk Street Jazz Band and their tasselled Silk Street Flappers delivered high-energy performances that brought 1925 roaring back to life. Their presence - a group with a glittering résumé including appearances for royalty, A-listers, and major TV and film productions - underscored Criterion’s commitment to prestige-led, immersive experiences.
Guests sampled cocktails from the new bar menu, which brings Prohibition-era glamour into the 21st century. Favourites included the tantalising Gatsby’s Garden, a citrus-forward blend of Brockmans orange gin and blood orange soda; The Roaring 20s, with tequila, chai, and ginger; and Prohibition Cuban Crush, a non-alcoholic mix of blueberry, cranberry and almond that is anything but tame. These were paired with delicious bites from the new food menu: bold and playful plates like salmon and salsa verde, smoky chicken and scallion, and the signature Skyline Burger sliders with crispy shallots and tangy relish.
Adding a sense of playful extravagance, the rooftop featured a vintage photo booth to capture the sparkle, and a roulette wheel where guests could win sensational prizes — from complimentary sunset lunches on the outdoor terrace, to curated wine pairings and bespoke tasting menus.
"The opening of 1 Leicester Square is a love letter to London’s legacy of entertainment and a tribute to 100 years of Gatsby’s timeless charm", said Halima Aziz, Head of Hotels at Criterion Hospitality. "We set out to honour the glamour of the West End's past while offering something wholly fresh and contemporary - and the response has been phenomenal!"
This latest venue adds to Criterion Hospitality’s growing portfolio of experiential concepts, including their innovative in-house Zedwell hotel brand, which debuted in Piccadilly Circus and is on track to scale to 8,500 rooms across the UK by 2028. With 1 Leicester Square, the group reclaims a storied site once home to legendary music venues and MTV Studios, reinventing it as a destination that celebrates flamboyance.
The rooftop is now open to the public, with a line-up of regular programming designed to keep the party going all year round. Fridays and Saturdays will feature resident DJs bringing modern energy to vintage charm. Saturdays from May will host a West End-themed brunch with bottomless Pornstar Martinis, while Sundays will offer a more refined experience with an indulgent afternoon tea. A two- or three-course pre-theatre menu will also be available - perfect for those catching a show in London’s iconic West End.
As Fitzgerald once wrote: “Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can!”
And at 1 Leicester Square Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, you most certainly can - with style, sparkle, and sky-high spectacle.
ENDS
KEY CONTACT
Saskia Jiggens
Group Head of Communications and Engagement
saskia.jiggens@criterioncapital.co.uk
VENUE DETAILS
Address: 1 Leicester Square Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, Hotel Indigo, 1 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7NA
Opening Hours:
Monday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Tuesday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday 12:00pm -11:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm - 12:00am
Friday 12:00pm - 1:00am
Saturday 12:00pm - 1:00am
Sunday 12:00pm - 10.30pm
The venue is available for semi-private or exclusive hire, offering the perfect setting to bring your event dreams to life.
Our private dining room can also be hired for breakfast meetings before we open.
Group Bookings: salesmanager@criterionhospitality.com
For more information, please visit www.1leicestersquarerooftop.com or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/1leicestersquarerooftop