By
4 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. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for a sunny drink this week or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, these are the capital’s highest bars and rooftop terraces. Where will be your celebration spot of choice?
You know summer is here when Shoreditch bar Queen of Hoxton opens its rooftop for the season. It’s sporting a fresh new look for 2025, inspired by the beachy vibes of Mar Del Cabo in Mexico – think lush greenery, natural textures and whitewashed wood. There’s also a new menu of cocktails and spritzes, plus eats from Club Mexicana, such as tacos, nachos and burritos.
Opens 21 May 2025, 1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX, queenofhoxton.com
ADVERTISEMENT
Broadwick Soho is one of London’s most talked about hotels right now, attracting a string of A-list visitors including Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. It’s home to a suitably chic rooftop bar named Flute, which has a wraparound rooftop terrace overlooking the capital. But if the weather isn’t playing ball, inside is a great spot for a drink too, renowned for its maximalist interiors (think animal print and mirrored ceilings). Cocktails are inspired by iconic films shot around Soho, such as Night And The City, a blend of Sauvelle vodka, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and raspberry.
20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8TH, broadwicksoho.com
ADVERTISEMENT
Last year buzzy East London hotel One Hundred Shoreditch 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
Perched atop 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Of course the trendy 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Eco-minded members’ club The Conduit is home to a rooftop restaurant: Rucola. Hailing from Brooklyn in New York, the 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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. Sip cocktails like the Lunar Lush, a twist on the Porn Star Martini, alongside dishes like burrata and black truffle tortellini, mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes, and wagyu beef burgers.
10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ, sabinelondon.co.uk
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 crispy prawn bao buns, cider poached chorizo, and treacle cured salmon. 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Pretend you’re in New York at The Standard Rooftop, situated above the hotel’s 10th floor. Back soon for the summer season, the rooftop bar offers 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
ADVERTISEMENT
With 360 degree views across London, Bussey building’s rooftop bar is rather spectacular come sunset. Set to reopen this April, 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
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 classic cocktails including picantes, martinis and mojitos.
Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX, aviarylondon.com
ADVERTISEMENT
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
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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Perched atop ME London on The Strand, Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most glamorous rooftop spots, and it’s looking better than ever following a snazzy recent makeover. The venue is 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
As the highest rooftop gardens in London, Sky Garden is an oasis of green calm with unparalleled views across the capital. 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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
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
ADVERTISEMENT
