A new rooftop bar, nestled above Kingston's Riverside Walk, officially opened its doors yesterday (Thursday, 10 July).

Sonnys Riverside is run by Sam Berry, who also co-owns Cento Uno in both Surbiton and Teddington, and the team behind Dropkick Ventures, a London-based hospitality group that has brought venues such as Barrio Bars, Disrepute, Pearly Queen and Richmond's favourite beer pub, the Tap Tavern.

Opening at 6pm on Thursday, locals were super excited to check out the new venue and soak up the sun while enjoying some delicious cocktails, created by Bone Idyll, a distillery in Kingston.

A popular cocktail among customers was the Soho Cosmopolitan, which, with its refreshing watermelon taste, I can confirm was absolutely delicious.

Sonnys offers a variety of cocktails (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Speaking about the Sonnys' opening, Joe from Bone Idyll said: "I'm so happy that this place is opening, you'll get some banging cocktails from us and some banging sunset views too."

Bone Idyll distillery were providing cocktails all night (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

With its grass flooring and riverside views matched with the heat of Thursday, Sonnys feels like you could be on holiday abroad but with the comfort of knowing that you are not far from your own bed.

The layout of Sonnys is great (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

And with its picturesque views, the younger generation will definitely enjoy getting some snaps for Instagram.

Sonnys has stunning views of the river (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

As well as flowing drinks, a chef from Poor Boys was serving yummy twice cooked fries and a DJ was blasting out tunes to give that summer holiday feel.

The twice cooked fries were delicious (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Thus, it was no surprise that the bar was packed with punters of all ages and that everyone was enjoying the new bar.

One local resident said: "The setup is beautiful, and Sonnys is just what Kingston needed. The drinks are reasonably priced and a lot cheaper than what you'd get from a bar of this kind in central London."

Sonnys was packed wit punters for its opening yesterday (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Another said: "I already absolutely love Sonnys and can tell I'm going to be here all summer – it's just what Kingston needed. I can't wait to see what it's like in the winter too."

Sonnys is planning to host Sunset Sessions from Wednesdays to Sundays. The sessions will include DJ sets, laid-back vinyl nights, and live music as the sun goes down, all creating the perfect backdrop for long summer evenings.

Speaking about Sonnys' opening, Sonnys team member Troy Rice said: "We're super stoked to be opening. Sonnys is quite unique, we've got a great view point, and I think it's going to be great for the community."

"We've got lots of events scheduled for the next couple of months, so Sonny's is going to be the perfect place for a new hangout."

Sonny's Amelia added: "For the Kingston community, Sonnys is really what people were asking for.

"There's so many pubs in the area but to go out for a cocktail and have views for the river, this is the perfect new spot to bring everyone together. I know that Sonnys will be just as good in the winter as it is in the warmer months."

Sam Walters was Sonnys' Project Manager (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Helping owner Sam Berry to open Sonnys was Project Manager, Sam Walters, who said: "It's a very exciting time for Kingston and it was lovely to have my hand in the conception of a rooftop bar by the river."

The opening yesterday was part of Sonnys' soft launch and an exclusive, official opening on Wednesday, 16 July.