Trafalgar Square’s New Rooftop Gem Opens for Summer
A Fresh Addition to Central London’s Dining Scene
Nestled just steps away from Trafalgar Square, Kitty Hawk has emerged as one of our neighbourhood’s most sought-after summer destinations. Located on the sixth floor of Page8 Hotel at 8 St Martin’s Place, this all-day rooftop lounge sits perfectly positioned between the cultural heartbeat of the West End and the iconic views towards Nelson’s Column—making it an ideal spot for both tourists and locals seeking respite from the bustling streets below. The venue’s new summer transformation matters because it brings quality hospitality to an area already rich with london attractions like the National Gallery and other West End venues. For those familiar with the neighbourhood, particularly residents and workers around Covent Garden and Leicester Square, Kitty Hawk represents a sophisticated alternative to typical high-street chains. The rooftop location itself is special: at this elevation, you’re removed from street-level noise whilst remaining connected to the pulsing energy of central London. This seasonal opening reinforces how the West End continues to evolve as a destination for dining and leisure, not just shopping and theatre-going. The venue’s commitment to creating a curated experience—from its carefully designed terrace to its seasonal programming—signals confidence in the area’s ongoing appeal as a place where Londoners genuinely want to spend time and money.
Meet the Team Crafting Your Summer Experience
Head chef Simone Auer has brought significant expertise to Kitty Hawk’s kitchen, with a proven track record of celebrating seasonal produce and Mediterranean influences. Her appointment represents a deliberate choice to elevate the dining offering, moving beyond typical rooftop fare into something with genuine culinary ambition. The new menu draws inspiration from Eastern Mediterranean and Southern European traditions—think properly prepared mezze platters, charred seafood, and grilled meats with authentic spicing rather than sanitised versions. For the local business community, this redevelopment has ripple effects. The Page8 Hotel team, along with suppliers of quality ingredients and artisanal producers, benefit directly. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur’s partnership in designing the drinks menu and terrace aesthetic demonstrates how premium brands are investing in neighbourhood venues as destination experiences. Local hospitality staff will find employment opportunities, and neighbouring businesses—from transport providers to late-night venues—gain from the additional footfall. The events programming (DJ sessions, brunches, golden hour sessions) creates reasons for Londoners to venture into the area beyond typical tourist attractions. For regular visitors to the neighbourhood, whether you work in Whitehall London’s government offices or study at nearby institutions, Kitty Hawk becomes a known quality option worth recommending to colleagues and friends.
What Local Residents Should Know and Experience
If you’re based anywhere in central London—Soho, Bloomsbury, the South Bank—Kitty Hawk’s summer season warrants a visit. The redesigned Le Jardin Soleil terrace, decorated in coastal blues with lemon trees creating an almost Mediterranean streetside feel, addresses something many Londoners crave during summer: outdoor space that doesn’t feel squeezed or compromise quality. The menu encourages sharing: butterflied seabass with roasted pepper esme, lamb shoulder with pomegranate and pistachio, warm handmade pittas with courgette and fennel—this format suits post-work gatherings or weekend celebrations. The dessert menu (tahini tiramisu, charred pineapple pavlova) shows thoughtful execution beyond the basics. For those planning a cultural outing—visiting a London museum or catching an exhibition—this rooftop provides the perfect ending to your day, with views that remind you why London’s skyline matters. The events programme runs through autumn, so bookmark their social channels for updates. Accessibility-wise, the central location near public transport and established London attractions makes it convenient. Budget accordingly: this is premium dining with premium views, pitched at those wanting to invest in a proper summer experience rather than grab-and-go eating. Whether you’re a central London resident, work nearby, or visit regularly for culture and entertainment, Kitty Hawk represents the kind of neighbourhood evolution worth supporting—quality hospitality that enhances rather than exploits its location.
Source: Embrace Summer On This Chic New Terrace Overlooking Trafalgar Square
