In London’s wonderful cosmopolitan setting, rooftop bars represent a constantly growing trend, particularly among happy hour enthusiasts.
Rooftop bars are modern establishments typically located on the terrace of a tall building—ideally a skyscraper—where you can order refined finger food or sip a cocktail whilst enjoying striking city views, preferably panoramic ones, allowing guests moments of leisure and relaxation.
Service is predominantly outdoors, amongst small tables or sofas, shaded from the sun during the day, often surrounded by hedges and beautiful ornamental plants. However, some rooftop bars may enforce a dress code—specific guidelines on the most appropriate attire for the venue’s character.
Below, we’ve listed London’s 10 best rooftop bars.
With three terraces overlooking Regent Street, Aqua Spirit offers an accessible luxury experience. The wine selection ranges from approachable bottles to Dom Pérignon Rosé, whilst the gourmet snacks are genuine culinary masterpieces.
Wild mushroom croquettes, a selection of Iberian cured meats, and pistachio churros with dark chocolate sauce exemplify the kitchen’s high quality. Non-alcoholic cocktails are particularly well-crafted, allowing non-drinkers to feel part of the celebration.
On the Southbank, the Roof Garden of Queen Elizabeth Hall stands out as one of the city’s most picturesque terraces. It’s not a typical rooftop bar, but rather a true roof garden with fruit trees, vegetable patches, and grassy areas where you can relax in the sun. Vibrant, colourful flowers provide the perfect backdrop to the London Eye dominating the horizon.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making this green space an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the Southbank.
In the heart of Knightsbridge, the Berkeley’s rooftop represents the pinnacle of London luxury. Open to non-residents from May, it offers privileged views spanning from the red brick of historic residences to the verdant expanses of Hyde Park. The sparkling pool creates a resort-style urban atmosphere, whilst the cocktail menu impresses with creations like the Hyde Park Spritz and Pool Party.
Gourmet snacks surprise with their generosity and refinement: watermelon and feta salad with mint offers a refreshing contrast of flavours, whilst seared beef with truffle pesto and artichokes represents the heartier option. Snack portions are surprisingly generous, standing out from the typical minimalist offering of hotel bars.
An icon of Peckham, Frank’s Cafe perfectly embodies the alternative spirit of London’s rooftops. Situated atop a multi-storey car park, this unconventional space has gained cult status in the city’s cultural scene. Open only during summer, from May to September, the venue is famous for its Campari cocktails, served with views of a raw, authentic urban panorama.
Art is integral to the experience, with installations that change regularly and add a cultural element to an already unique atmosphere. The menu is simple yet well-executed, with accessible prices reflecting the venue’s democratic spirit.
Forza Wine has elevated the wine bar concept to new heights—literally and figuratively. This elegant Peckham space offers one of the city’s finest natural wine selections, accompanied by spectacular views across the London skyline. The snack menu has received the same meticulous attention as the wines: deep-fried aioli has become legendary in the neighbourhood, whilst crostini with cherry tomatoes and garlic pesto embody refined simplicity.
The ability to move indoors during bad weather without losing the view makes this venue perfect year-round. The lemon sorbet with vodka and prosecco (sgroppino) is a must-try when available.
A nine-flight walk might deter some, but Netil 360 rewards the effort handsomely. This Hackney space offers panoramic views across the city, creating an informal, welcoming atmosphere that attracts a young, creative clientele. Artisanal pizza and local beers are served at reasonable prices, whilst rooftop saunas add an unexpected element to the experience.
At sunset, the space transforms with a disco ball reflecting the last rays of sun, creating a magical atmosphere. From October to March, heated indoor spaces allow you to enjoy the views during the colder months.
In the vibrant Spitalfields neighbourhood, The Culpeper reinvents the concept of urban sustainability. The rooftop isn’t simply a bar, but a genuine urban garden that supplies fresh ingredients to the restaurant below. Views of the Gherkin create a fascinating contrast between nature and modern architecture. The menu changes weekly based on the garden’s harvest, emphasising a commitment to sustainability.
Cocktails incorporate fresh herbs grown on-site, creating unique, seasonal beverages. The relaxed atmosphere and farm-to-table approach attract a conscious clientele passionate about gastronomy.
Located within Sea Containers London, 12th Knot offers an experience blending nautical luxury with contemporary design. Full-height glass walls deliver breathtaking views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral, whilst velvet-lined interiors create a sophisticated atmosphere. Weekly musical events featuring funk and soul DJ sets transform the space into a vibrant meeting point for a refined clientele.
The cocktail menu is innovative and well-executed, with particular attention to presentation details. The outside terrace offers an even more immersive experience of the London landscape.
Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch constantly reinvents itself with bold, creative seasonal themes. For 2024, a Latin atmosphere dominates, with authentic tacos and tequila-based cocktails. The terrace is so expansive that finding a spot is never difficult—a rarity for London rooftop bars. Unlimited brunch events are particularly popular at weekends, whilst evenings come alive with DJ sets and themed parties. Views over Shoreditch’s brown brick and street art create a perfectly urban atmosphere.
Located in the former BBC building on Aldwych, Radio Rooftop combines urban elegance with cosmopolitan European style. The central location affords one of London’s most comprehensive panoramas: from the Savoy to Waterloo Bridge, from the South Bank to the Gherkin, to the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.
The atmosphere oscillates between City business and international glamour, with a clientele reflecting this duality. Cocktails are expertly prepared, and the Old Fashioned is particularly renowned. The 360-degree views make this venue perfect even for the dullest appointments.
The Boundary Hotel’s rooftop in Shoreditch represents a haven of refinement in East London. Chef Roberto Branca has created a Mediterranean menu that shines with authenticity and quality: grilled prawns with sesame mayonnaise and lamb köfte with fregola salad are just some signature dishes.
The expansive outdoor terrace and heated Orangery provide options for all weather conditions. The environment is sophisticated yet welcoming, with a wine cellar that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
Coq d’Argent is a masterpiece of landscape design by award-winning Arabella Lennox-Boyd. The roof garden, inspired by ploughed fields, offers privileged views of iconic monuments such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion House, and the Bank of England. During summer, live musical events transform Sunday afternoons into magical moments.
Refined French cuisine and an excellent wine list complete a premium experience in the heart of the City.
This rooftop bar inspired by Palm Springs brings a corner of California to East London. The interior design is a triumph of pink and gold, with cascading plants and expansive windows creating a resort-style urban atmosphere.
The lemongrass margarita has quickly become a signature cocktail, whilst the brunch menu—featuring Turkish eggs and buttermilk fried chicken—attracts food-loving crowds. Views range from the City to Dickensian London, offering two contrasting perspectives of the capital.
On the eleventh floor of this design hotel, the rooftop is a tribute to modernity with views of St Pancras International’s Gothic spires. The terrace with artificial grass comes alive with Afrobeats and house DJ sets, whilst a food truck serves authentic New York-style pizza.
The furnishings follow a colour palette inspired by Wes Anderson, creating a photogenic, contemporary environment. The cocktail menu is concise yet thoughtfully curated, with particular attention to revisited classics.
On the thirty-eighth floor of Heron Tower, Sushisamba represents the pinnacle of gastronomic luxury with a view. An illuminated tree at the bar’s centre creates an almost magical atmosphere, whilst panoramic vistas attract crowds worthy of Carnival. The fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine is reflected in creative cocktails.
On sunny days, the terrace fills rapidly with an elegant, international clientele. Booking is essential, particularly for outdoor tables with the best City views.
Above Netil House, NT’s Loft is an urban tropical oasis surprising with its relaxed atmosphere. Hanging plants and palms create a jungle-like urban environment, whilst live jazz events and DJ sets attract an eclectic, culturally vibrant audience.
The musical programme is carefully curated, spanning contemporary jazz to sophisticated electronic music. Cocktails use botanical ingredients that harmonise perfectly with the verdant surroundings.
On the sixteenth floor of the Treehouse Hotel, The Nest offers 360-degree views across central London. The outdoor terrace wraps around the building and is furnished with comfortable loungers, perfect for relaxing at sunset. Inside, a living flowering wall creates a natural atmosphere reflecting the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
The cocktail menu prioritises local and seasonal ingredients, whilst the musical selection creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Surprisingly located within One New Change shopping centre, Madison impresses with close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral. For summer 2024, a partnership with Aperol has transformed the terrace into a corner of Italian dolce vita. The fusion menu features ceviche and lobster tacos, whilst Friday evening live music attracts an elegant City professional clientele. Despite the strict dress code, the atmosphere remains lively and welcoming.
In a 1920s building near the City, Wagtail represents excellence in mixology and refined cuisine. Views of Tower Bridge backdrop dishes such as Devon scallops and crispy monkfish with celeriac purée. The upper level houses a bar where cocktails are true liquid works of art.
The environment is particularly magical at sunset, when the lights of surrounding skyscrapers begin to gleam. The clientele is a mix of City professionals and gastronomy enthusiasts.
Open exclusively from mid-May to August, Bloom offers one of the most spectacular views of Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Floral design curated by Wild at Heart transforms the space into a lush urban garden.
The signature Garden of Eden cocktail, with tequila, grapefruit, and chilli, perfectly reflects the venue’s exotic atmosphere. The menu includes delicacies such as beef carpaccio and goat cheese salad, served with the precision one expects from a Four Seasons.
On the roof of the Montcalm Royal House hotel at Finsbury Square, Aviary has established itself as the preferred refuge of City professionals. The sophisticated environment is characterised by strategically positioned lounge seating and carefully tended vegetation creating intimate spaces. The real stroke of genius is the heated igloos accommodating up to six people, perfect for cooler evenings.
The menu focuses on high-quality British produce, whilst the cocktail list offers both impeccable classics and innovative creations.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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