On what was the hottest day of the year so far, it seemed appropriate to sit back and admire the view at the Oxo Tower Bar of the city, while sipping on a delicious cocktail.

The main reason for visiting this gorgeously located bar and restaurant was to sample some summer cocktails involving Bloom gin . Each of the cocktails have been especially created by Oxo’s bartender Sophie Bratt, to showcase the light and almost flowery taste of the gin which is the ideal way to celebrate summer.

My friend and I spent some time deliberating on which ones to have, but in the end I selected Perfect Serve, which as well as the Bloom gin featured a combination of 2 strawberries halved, Bottle of Fevertree Tonic and 3 mint leaves. Meanwhile my friend decided to try the Pretty Peas (15ml Strawberry puree, 25ml Apple juice, a handful of pea shoots). Both were light and refreshing to have just as we needed to cool down!

Other cocktail options for the Bloom Terrace include: Honey Pot, Day Dreamer and Pomelo & Pink Gimlet.

The Oxo bar and restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere, that makes it a great place to socialise after a long and hard day at work. The staff are very much on the ball as well as being extremely helpful, making it an easy and relaxing experience.

If you do plan on visiting however, it is advisable to book a table in advance and if you do but end up running late – ring up and let them know as they can only hold your table for roughly 15 minutes.

It is clearly an immensely popular place, particularly around 6pm (which is when we went) so if you don’t like being around big crowds in a bar then try and avoid this sort of time.

If you wish to sample the cocktails on offer as part of the Bloom Gin Terrace, then you have until the 21st August in which to do so.

For more information on the Oxo restaurant and bar visit: http://www.oxotower.co.uk/who/oxo-tower-restaurant-bar-brasserie/