London’s Best Rooftop Bars & Terraces
By Ellie Smith
3 months ago
A guide to drinking up in the clouds
London’s rooftop bar offering is unrivalled. You’ll find sky-high spots scattered across the city, offering a buzzy atmosphere and panoramic views – from glitzy hotel bars to trendy hangouts atop car parks. We’ve rounded up the city’s highest bars and rooftop terraces. Where will be your celebration spot of choice?
Roof Terraces in London
12th Knot
Formerly Rumpus Room, 12th Knot is the rooftop bar sitting atop chic hotel Sea Containers London. Although the outdoor space is smaller than some of the city’s sky-high terraces, its prime position on the River Thames means iconic views of the city – also visible from the plush indoor seats.
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD, seacontainerslondon.com
Skylight
If you’re partial to a game or two, head to Skylight in Tobacco Dock, where you can take your pick from croquet, ping pong, shuffleboard and more. Alongside this, enjoy a food menu from Head Chef Karan Ghosh and seasonal cocktails – our pick is the Gin Basil Smash, mixed with gin, apple, cucumber and elderflower.
Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF, tobaccodocklondon.com
Bōkan
In the Canary Wharf area, Bōkan is your best bet for rooftop drinks. It’s spread over three floors with floor-to-ceiling glass to ensure that no matter where you sit, you’ll be able to enjoy the panoramic view of London’s skyline. The 39th floor boasts an all-weather, all-occasion open-air terrace where you can relax with a cocktail, listen to lounge music and kick back on the daybeds. It’s a surprise there aren’t more rooftop hangouts on this side of town, as the vantage point is particularly good.
40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP, bokanlondon.co.uk
Sky Garden
As the highest rooftop gardens in London, Sky Garden is an oasis of green calm with unparalleled views across the capital, and the perfect spot to get away from the heat this summer. Entry to the gardens is free (though you should book well in advance), and while there you can enjoy breakfast, a light snack, an aperitif or one of their fabulous cocktails inside the glass pod or on the outdoor terrace. Spread over the top three floors of the skyscraper there are various dining choices including the Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant, while you should keep an eye out for special activities taking place year-round, from early morning yoga with a view to live music sessions.
1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london
Angler
Angler, South Place Hotel’s Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, boasts a lovely roof terrace, open for cocktails and snacks during the evenings.
South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF, anglerrestaurant.com
Market Hall Victoria
Spicing up London’s rooftop bar scene is Market Hall Victoria, perched at the top of the three-storey food market – formerly the Edwardian arcades of Terminus Place. An ideal central location for meeting friends after work, the sun-trap spot serves up British beers, independent spirits and cocktails – and when you get hungry, just head downstairs for a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls.
191 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE, markethalls.co.uk
Radio Rooftop
Perched atop ME London on The Strand, Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most glamorous rooftop spots. It’s open year-round: a magical winter terrace in the cooler months, an Ibiza-style hangout in summer. Spectacular views justify the high drinks price.
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA, melondonhotel.com
Skylark Roof Garden
A lesser-known spot on London’s rooftop scene is Skylark Roof Garden, perched over Notting Hill with views of the West London skyline. Settle into one of the day beds with a sundowner – their frozen cocktails will go down a treat on hot summer days.
10th Floor, 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD, skylarkroofgarden.co.uk
SUSHISAMBA City
Like its taller sister Duck & Waffle, the spectacle of the iconic SUSHISAMBA Liverpool Street begins from the panoramic glass lifts, which whisk you up to the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower. It boasts one of the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, but during the winter months you can admire the views from indoors thanks to the restaurant’s three glass walls. A glamorous New York City import, the menu fuses together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines, and you can guarantee great sushi, cracking cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.
Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com
Buck Street Market
Buck Street Market was only open for ten days before the pandemic meant it had to close – but it’s back. Boasting the title of Camden’s largest rooftop, the space has reopened with two new rooftop bars, alongside a wide selection of food outlets and retail traders. Think sustainable pallet sofas, living moss walls and a pink terrace – millennial heaven.
192, 198 Camden High St, London NW1 8QP, buckstreet.market
Lost In Brixton
Brixton’s jungle-inspired rooftop hangout brings all the party vibes with Latin American-inspired cocktails and market food. Tucked away behind Brixton Village, Lost In Brixton is the first of its kind to offer food deliveries from the market below, alongside freshly brewed beer from the nearby Brixton Brewery. With traders including Franco Manca, Jalisco and Thunderbird Fried Chicken, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS, lostinbrixton.com
Madison
Enjoy magnificent views of St Paul’s Cathedral at Madison, a glitzy bar and restaurant in the Penthouse spot of One New Change. Drawing inspiration from the sky-high bars of Manhattan, Madison hosts parties all day long at weekends, from brunch to late.
Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF, madisonlondon.net
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
One of the few non-member rooftops in the heart of Shoreditch, this new kid on the block promises panoramic East London views accompanied by a fun and glamourous Palm Springs theme. With a Latin music backdrop, expect pink décor, sleek marble and terrazzo, lush succulents and cacti, along with champagne, cocktails, and retro Californian cuisine.
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ, onehundredshoreditch.com
Aviary
As its name might suggest, Aviary bar is bird-themed, but you won’t need wings to see the London skyline here as iconic buildings such as The Gherkin and The Cheese Grater are within sight from the amazing roof terrace. It has a buzzy vibe, with chic décor and creative cocktails, such as ‘The Crouching Tiger’, made with Ojo de Tigre mezcal with agave syrup and yuzu. Enjoy alongside oysters and steaks.
Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX, aviarylondon.com
Bussey Rooftop Bar
With 360 degree views across London, Bussey building’s rooftop bar is rather spectacular come sunset. It’s one of Peckham’s buzziest venues throughout the summer, especially on weekends when the party continues late into the night.
Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST, busseyrooftopbar.com
Tim CharlesThe Standard Rooftop
Pretend you’re in New York at The Standard Rooftop, situated above the hotel’s 10th floor. The rooftop bar has just reopened for the season, offering a relaxed festival-style atmosphere, with great city views. Look out for taco truck Decimiño, which serves up Mexican street food and margarita slushies, alongside a line-up of DJs for Sunday sessions.
10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8NP, standardhotels.com
14 Hills
Enjoy views of The Shard, Tower Bridge and the River Thames at 14 Hills’ terrace, situated on the 15th floor of 120 Fenchurch St. Open daily from 11am until midnight, it’s set to be the perfect spot for all-day drinking and dining in the city this summer. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and French-inspired dishes like monkfish tail with prosciutto, charcuterie and seafood platters.
14th floor, 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5AL, 14hills.co.uk
The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James
Tucked away beside Trafalgar Square, you can’t beat this rooftop on location. Big Ben, The Shard and The London Eye are all in view from its glamorous sky-high terrace, which sits on the seventh floor of the hotel. From here you can enjoy a European-inspired summer food menu featuring a mix of small plates, sharing platters and mains, from seafood dishes to salads and burgers. Think Korean fried cauliflower, halloumi fries and smoky aubergine with coconut tahini. Naturally, it’s idyllic in the sunshine – but blankets and heaters ensure you stay cosy on cooler days too.
7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, London SW1A 2TS, trafalgarstjames.com
Sabine
Sabine is perched on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel. Lots of sky-high bars have stellar views – but Sabine’s USP is its proximity to St Paul’s, which feels so close you could almost touch it. The lush, plant-filled terrace is idyllic on a summer’s evening – though if it’s a bit chilly, the inside-outside conservatory makes a good compromise, complete with a retractable roof. Inside is equally pretty too, with tropical greenery and living walls continuing the botanical theme. Cocktails are seasonal, which means the current menu is filled with light summer tipples, like the Sabine Garden: gin mixed with rose liquor, pressed cucumber juice and elderflower cordial. Partial to a Pornstar Martini? The City Tropic is Sabine’s version, made with Eminete Rum and fig liquor. On the food side, the menu offers a mix of small and larger plates, with influence from a range of different cuisines. Think goat’s cheese arancini, miso mushroom skewers, baked focaccia and braised short ribs.
10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ, sabinelondon.co.uk
8 at The Londoner
One of the capital’s most stylish hotels is The Londoner: a 16-storeyed venue located right on Leicester Square. Naturally, there’s a rooftop bar: 8 at the Londoner, an izakaya lounge that reimagines the traditional Japanese style of dining and drinking. There’s both an indoor restaurant and a covered garden space, with striking interiors by Yabu Pushelburg set against the London skyline. In the outdoor area, a sculptural rope installation suspended above a contemporary fireplace forms the centrepiece. Here you can enjoy a small dining menu of light bites – think grilled Padron peppers with miso, wagyu gyoza tacos and sea bass carpaccio – alongside a wide selection of champagne, sake, Japanese whisky and cocktails. Expect Japanese twists on classics: the Jasmine & Yuzu Margarita is flavoured with yuzu kosho and timur pepper syrup; while the Sakura Royale is mixed with Roku gin and Sencha green tea cordial.
38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX, 8atthelondoner.co.uk
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club should be your go-to for rooftop cocktails and bites in Chelsea. Part of private members’ club The Sloane Club, it’s a plant-filled, stylish space complete with both canopies and heaters to ensure maximum comfort whatever the weather. A vibrant menu celebrates British summer flavours – think Thai green papaya salad, English green asparagus ceviche and wild garlic burgers, to be enjoyed alongside a glass of crisp rosé. Head there on a Friday evening to hear live music.
52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BS, sloaneclub.co.uk
Rucola at The Conduit
Eco-minded members’ club The Conduit has welcomed a new rooftop restaurant: Rucola. Hailing from Brooklyn in New York, the new London outpost continues the club’s focus on sustainability, spotlighting zero-waste cooking and carefully sourced ingredients. There’s a terrace area where you can enjoy a glass of natural wine while soaking up the impressive city views. And don’t worry: although Rucola is located within the club, it’s open to non-members too.
6 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA, theconduit.com
Savage Garden
Head to Tower Hill to discover Savage Garden, a rooftop bar boasting 360-degree views of London landmarks like The Shard and The Gherkin. You can enjoy an array of cocktails such as the delectable ‘Devil’s Advocate,’ a tequila-based drink featuring Olmeca Blanco, Merlet crème de cassis, pink grapefruit, fresh sage and lemon. Pair it with nibbles including citrus buttermilk chicken sliders for a night of unbeatable flavours and stunning scenery.
Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, London EC3N 4AF, savagegarden.co.uk
JOIA Rooftop
One of the buzziest hotel openings of 2023, art’otel London Battersea Power Station is home to a rooftop bar. Found on the 15th floor, the terrace sits above JOIA, the hotel’s Iberian restaurant, offering skyline views, cocktails and small plates. It draws inspiration from Lisbon’s lively rooftop scene, serving seasonal cocktails like the Aventurina, a gin-based tipple with mint, cucumber and lime, and the Pimenta, a mix of tequila, agave and chilli. Pair with sharing-style dishes from JOIA such as octopus salad with red pepper and potato, alongside rooftop signatures including a steak sandwich and a green salad with tomatoes and figs.
16th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8BJ, joiabattersea.co.uk
Kutir
Just a stone’s throw from Sloane Square, this refined Indian restaurant is home to a secret suntrap terrace away from Chelsea’s al fresco crowds. From chef to the stars Rohit Ghai, expect vibrant dishes and ice cold drinks, from cocktails to a crisp glass of rose (what better when the sun shines?). Think silky smooth baked scallops, crispy and moreish masala prawns, indulgent paneer parcels, and fresh pan seared sea bass amongst plenty more – best enjoyed with a side of the chef’s selection of breads, poppadoms and chutneys.
10 Lincoln Street, Chelsea, London SW3 2TS, kutir.co.uk
Sessions Arts Club
Housed within an 18th century courthouse in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club is one of the capital’s most aesthetic restaurants. But if that isn’t reason enough to lure you there, this might: the venue is also home to a rooftop terrace. Diners can head there for small plates and seasonal spritz cocktails: think honeymoon melon and San Daniele Prosciutto; and brown crab with sea purslane and chilli, paired with drinks like the peppercorn and basil Pisco Collins.
The Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, EC1R 0N, sessionsartsclub.com
Yasmin
Just arrived on the rooftop of 1 Warwick in Soho is Yasmin, a restaurant and bar helmed by chef Tom Cenci (who also heads up Nessa downstairs). Nab a seat on the pretty wraparound terrace, a small but perfectly formed space kitted out with yellow-and-white striped parasols and foliage, and tuck into a menu of Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates and cocktails. Dishes are packed with flavour and presented beautifully: think sumac smoked duck with grilled corn salad, za’atar mushroom skewers, fresh tomato salad, and spinach and feta borak, alongside signature tipples such as At the River, a twist on an Aperol made with rose liquor and citrus. Be sure to try the baklava ice-cream sandwich too – heaven.
1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR, 1warwick.com
Villa Minuty at Rosewood London
Lusting after a trip to the south of France? Have a taste of the Riviera lifestyle at Rosewood London, where rosé brand Minuty has taken over the terrace, transforming it into a coastal restaurant inspired by the Côte d’Azur. Enjoy summer dishes of tomato and burrata salad, saffron risotto and grilled octopus alongside plenty of rosé – plus cocktails such as the Prestige Martini, a blend of Belvedere, peach, lemon and Minuty Prestige.
May – September 2024, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, rosewoodhotels.com
Kaso
Buzzy East London hotel One Hundred Shoreditch has recently opened a new rooftop bar and restaurant, Kaso. Whizz up to the seventh floor to enjoy Eastern Mediterranean small plates while soaking up views of the city. Chef Ilknur Celik has curated an impressive menu inspired by her Istanbul heritage – think grilled lamb cutlets with pistachio, roasted aubergine with zhoug and tahini sauce, feta cheese borek and harissa chicken with gem lettuce. There’s a great cocktail menu which includes a harissa-infused margarita and a yuzu mule, plus a DJ keeping things lively on weekends.
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ, onehundredshoreditch.com
