The sun is finally out! It’s time to dust off your sunglasses, slather on the sunscreen, pack a compact umbrella (because: reality check) and head to the best rooftop bars in London.
From Shoreditch to Soho, we’ve found a little something for everyone in the capital.
Whether you seek grand views and city suits or whimsical décor and a hip east London crowd, roll up, roll up, and let us whet your appetite for an alfresco cocktail or five as we take you on a tour of the city’s finest rooftop bars for 2022…
If you fancy something swankier than Frank’s, Peckham’s latest date night hot spot is Forza Wine. Located on the top floor of the Market building just opposite Peckham Rye station, the Italian bar serves up a mean Ameretto Sour alongside a selection of delectable small plates. Plus, for those needing more than a cocktail to cool off in the heat, they serve banana ice cream on draft (!).
Floor 5, 133A Rye Lane, Peckham, London, SE15 4BQ
020 7732 7500
For those wanting a slice of New York in London, look no further than The Rooftop at the Standard Hotel. Located on the 11th floor, the King’s Cross-based bar offers panoramic views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot for snacks in the sun. For those feeling adventurous, The Standard’s famous Spicy Margarita promises to be a truly mind-blowing experience.
10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
+44 20 3981 8888
Despite being one of the coolest rooftop spaces in the city (and one of its worst-kept secrets), you shouldn’t struggle to find a space at Frank’s. The huge space covers the entire roof of a multistorey car park, and offers airy panoramic views across London. A strictly casual affair, the BBQ on offer is more than decent and the drinks are reasonable and plentiful.
10th Floor, Peckham Multi-Story Carpark, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
It’s worth pre-booking for this east London spot – and once you’re in, you’ll want to stay all afternoon for their excellent food and drinks. We’d recommend the sharing menu, although you might not want to share…
2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD
020 7729 1051
At the top of one of London’s most famous Brutalist buildings, this garden, which began as a partnership with The Eden Project, is one of the most surprising spots in the city. Surprising because you can find fruit trees and wildflowers in the middle of one of London’s most developed areas, as well as stunning views over the river and a cracking café bar. Find yourself a piece of turf and watch the world go by. Open from 12 noon in April.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1
020 7960 4200
The ever-evolving rooftop space at Queen of Hoxton is perfect for those wanting tasty burgers, casual cocktails and wrap round views of the Shoreditch skyline. Open 7 days a week, Queen of Hoxton also hosts a Sunday Rooftop Sesh, meaning bottomless prosecco starts from 12 pm.
1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX
020 7422 0958
Sitting atop Hackney’s Netil House, Netil360 is one of the city’s best places to knuckle down in the sunshine – during the day, this venue offers workspaces, yoga and good café food. But the real news is the post-6pm vibe. Last orders are at 10.30pm and you can’t book, but it’s worth trying your luck for the views and friendly, relaxed vibe.
1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
If a party on the roof is all you seek this summer, look no further – the weekend DJ lineup at the Prince of Wales is sure to please, while the three bars serve nicely as a one-venue bar crawl during the week. It gets very busy in the sunshine but the prices are good and you’ll likely make friends in the queue for the bar.
467-469 Brixton Rd, London SW9 8HH
020 7095 1978
High above east London’s office buildings, Aviary is the perfect place for a well-deserved post-work cocktail. Take a seat in the outdoor lounge, watch the sun set over the city and leave work far, far below. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their indoor restaurant has the same killer views as well as a seriously amazing steak selection. You can even book a private terrace just for you (and whoever else needs a Friday cocktail).
Montcalm Royal, London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
This seriously central rooftop is the drinking spot of choice for Mayfair’s well-dressed crowd. Have a Japanese bite to eat at the delicious Aqua Kyoto or experience the true taste of Ibiza at the authentically Spanish Aqua Nueva. Either way, be sure to head out to one of the gorgeous terraces – we recommend their new Ibiza-inspired Formentera Terrace – for a really decent cocktail. Warning: it might be a bit of a squeeze at sundown, and space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (Entrance 30 Argyll Street), London W1B 3BR
Everyone will feel at home on One New Change’s rooftop. Sunday is a good time to visit for a boozy brunch and live music. Or if you’re feeling a little more saintly, you can enjoy a rooftop yoga session every Tuesday. The view of the city is really something to write home about (or, you know, Instagram), too.
One New Change, St Paul’s, London EC4M 9AF
020 3693 5160
Enclosed in glass at the very top of the Walkie Talkie building, this is an ideal option for anyone who loves a rooftop but has a healthy distrust of British weather. You do have to book in advance but it’s free and, once you’re up there, you have access to five different restaurants and bars to suit any kind of evening. All five bars guarantee unparalleled views, though, and you’ll stay dry if the typical British summer does make an appearance.
1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Downsides of this central rooftop drinking hole include the £5 entry fee and the cocktail prices. But the views are second to none and (possibly because of the aforementioned price list) it doesn’t get too overcrowded, which sets it apart from most of the best rooftop spaces in the city.
2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS
020 7870 2904
At 39 storeys high, it’s one of the loftiest rooftops in the city so vertigo sufferers should steer clear. (Although if you suffer from vertigo and are reading a guide to rooftop bars, it’s likely you’re a daredevil.) The It crowd migrates here for the summer for the outstanding cocktail collection, so prepare for a lot of “Yah darlings” and air kisses with your Sambatini. Natch.
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
0203 640 7330
Beach away from the beach, anyone? This rooftop bar is the perfect place to get your fix of the seaside. With games and activities to keep you entertained and wide variety of food stalls you really can’t go wrong here.
7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB, 07436 253180
This place is paradise and the very Instagramable backdrop looks especially beautiful in summer. Beautiful views and food, that’s Friday’s after work drinks sorted.
Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8UL, 020 3892 8166
Take a look at this beautiful rooftop bar in Peckham. A glorious option to soak up the sun and atmosphere. It also has wheelchair access and you can bring your dog!
Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST, 020 7635 6655
With locations in King’s Cross and Brick Lane, the Big Chill is a fun, lively option if you looking for atmosphere East. Think Palm Springs decor – tropical, bright and pink with their new rose-tinted roof-top hangout venue. The bar also features live music on Thursdays – Saturdays.
257-259 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL, 020 7427 2540
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