Summer is in full swing, which means one thing: Aperol season is here. We’ve handpicked the most authentic Italian restaurants, rooftop bars, and Soho stalwarts serving up the best orange-hued aperitif in the capital. Here’s where to book now:

Oui Madame

Oui Madame feels tailor-made for Aperol spritz season. The terrace spills out onto the pavement with all the energy of a tiny Parisian bistro, where bright orange glasses appear endlessly throughout the afternoon alongside plates of fries, oysters and steak frites. It’s flirtatious, loud in the right way, and exactly the sort of place where one spritz somehow becomes four.

Where: 290 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LH
Website: www.ouimadame-restaurant.co.uk

The Arding Rooms

Take in panoramic views of South West London with a refreshing drink in hand. With an outdoor movie screen, a barbecue, and live music, The Arding Rooms terrace is the perfect rooftop spot to soak up the summer sun.

Where: The Arding Rooms, Arding & Hobbs, 7 St John’s Road, London, SW11 1QN
website: www.club.xandwhy.co.uk

12th Knot

Enjoy sunset views and expertly crafted cocktails at 12th Knot, Sea Containers London’s standout rooftop bar. The eclectic bar is a hotspot for socialising and admiring stunning views overlooking the Thames.

Don’t miss the DJ sets Saturday evening, playing everything from afrobeats to house.

where: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
website: www.seacontainerslondon.com

Theo’s on the Terrace

Celebrate the flavours of the Amalfi Coast and Sicily at Theo’s on the Terrace. With a lively and welcoming venue and a menu created by award-winning Chef Theo Randall, the terrace is a must-visit this summer.

where: Theo’s on the terrace, 1 Park Ln, London W1J 7QY
website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com

Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge

Savour the summer at Ginger Lily with a vibrant blend of Aperol and Grey Goose Vodka paired with fresh lemon juice, Champagne syrup and a silky foam.

Unwind in the welcoming lounge and enjoy comforting menu classics like the signature Triple Cheese Toastie, or visit the vibrant cocktail bar and partake in a selection of contemporary and classic cocktails.

where: Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge
website: www.panpacific.com

Lolo by José Pizarro

Experience Lolo’s modern take on Spanish cuisine with generous, shareable meals, from laid-back weekend breakfasts to late-night dinners.

Lolo, a playful nod to José Pizarro’s middle name, Manuel, is relaxed yet confident, and is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner and drinks this summer.

where: Lolo by josé pizarro, 102 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
website: josepizarro.com

The Rubens at the Palace

Visit two standout bars under one roof at The Rubens at the Palace.

Leopard Bar, set opposite Buckingham Palace, offers a classy, glamorous spritz moment with plush interiors and live music. Sip on an Aperol-led, citrusy Royal Spritz in this proper hotel-bar atmosphere.

Just next door, experience a new vibe at The New York Bar — think bold red interiors, live music, and an energetic crowd.

where: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
website: www.rubenshotel.com

Swingers West End

Make the most out of the summer sun by sharing a drink with friends at the Summer Terrace. Pair a refreshing spritz or chilled rosé with Swingers’ signature golf and carnival games for the perfect laid-back afternoon.

Don’t miss the new projector screen to view live sports and entertainment screenings.

where: Swingers West End, 15 John Prince’s St, London W1G 0AB
website: www.swingers.club

The American Bar Courtyard

Pop into the courtyard tucked beyond The American Bar for a relaxed, unhurried afternoon break in the sunshine. The calm and discreet courtyard vibe offers an idyllic summer escape and the ideal spot to sip on a well-made cocktail.

where: The American Bar, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
website: www.thestaffordlondon.com

Idalia Bar

Transport yourself to an elegant indoor English garden in the Idalia Bar, set on the ground floor of Pillar Hall. Dine on modern British dishes with European and Asian influences, with a menu that moves with the day.

Don’t miss a selection of cocktails and wine, as well as afternoon tea.

where: Idalia Bar, 5 Olympia Way, London, W14oey
website: www.pillarhall.co.uk

Fulham Pier

Watch the sun set over the River Thames with an Aperol Spritz in hand at Fulham Pier. Relax by the riverside and celebrate Happy Hour with £8 Spritzes Monday through Thursday.

where: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.com

Bar Jackie

While not officially on the cocktail menu, Bar Jackie is the perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz, especially on a sunny afternoon out on the terrace, right in the heart of Soho.

Don’t miss out on a free Spritz when you order a large plate from the new all-day menu, available daily between noon and 4:30 pm.

where: bar jackie, 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8TH
website: www.broadwicksoho.com

Stanley’s Rooftop Bar

Perched above the streets of Mayfair, Stanley’s brings a relaxed yet refined rooftop vibe, perfect for long, sun-soaked afternoons that turn into golden-hour drinks. The cocktail list leans into refreshing spritzes and seasonal serves, making it an ideal destination for Aperol lovers looking to sip in style.

Expect comfortable seating, a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and rooftop views that create that effortless “summer in the city” feel.

where: Stanley’s Rooftop Bar, 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
website: www.chesterfieldmayfair.com

Bbar

Sip a chilled Spritz crafted by expert mixologists at Bbar, a lively cocktail hotspot in central London.

Expect a buzzing yet laid-back atmosphere, where sun-soaked afternoons and crisp spritz cocktails set the tone for lingering longer than planned. Whether you’re stopping by for post-work drinks, weekend catch-ups, or pre-theatre aperitivos, it delivers that effortless summer-in-the-city vibe.

where: Bbar, 43 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PP
website: www.bbarlondon.com

STK Steakhouse – Stratford

Raise a glass this summer at STK Steakhouse and take in panoramic views of the London skyline.

Expect premium steaks and signature cocktails. Don’t miss out on the Sunset menu that offers two STK favourites for £21.

where: STK Steakhouse – Stratford, The Gantry, 40 Celebration Ave, East Village, London E20 1DB
website: www.stksteakhouse.com

CORD Café

Enjoy a perfectly poured Aperol Spritz in a relaxed, floral setting in CORD Cafés cozy and secluded terrace. The vibrant summer sanctuary offers a sophisticated escape for an authentic Italian bittersweet classic in the heart of the City.

where: CORD Café, 85 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AE
website: www.cordrestaurant.co.uk

Isabel Mayfair

Classic Mayfair elegance is reimagined through a more theatrical, Latin-leaning lens at Isabel Mayfair. Explore a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired menu nestled into an elegant pocket of Central London.

Sit at the front terrace, which offers a rare pocket of al fresco dining in the area, overlooking the street while retaining a sense of privacy and escapism from the city beyond.

where: Isabel Mayfair, 26 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4Hy
website: www.isabelw1.london

Fiume

For a sun-drenched Aperol Spritz moment in London right now, Fiume is hard to beat: set right on the Thames, this airy, riverside Italian spot delivers that effortless la dolce vita feeling with its new Italian Summer menu, where a perfectly balanced Aperol Spritz pairs seamlessly with light, seasonal dishes like fresh pizza, vibrant antipasti and simple pastas designed for sharing.

Want your Aperol to-go? Fiume’s new outdoor bar makes it easy to grab a perfectly chilled Spritz and take it out onto the Power Station.

where: Fiume, Sopwith Way, Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, London, SW8 5BN
website: www.fiume-restaurant.co.uk

Sartoria Liverpool Street

For a post-work Aperol Spritz in the City right now, Sartoria Liverpool Street brings a slice of Italian ease to the sharp edges of the financial district, where the new Italian summer menu is built for switching off in style. Pair your crisp bittersweet Aperol Spritz alongside refined plates that feel light but indulgent.

Plus, with their aperitivo hour, enjoy a £5 spritz as the post-work crowd spills onto the streets.

where: Sartoria Liverpool Street, 16 New Street, Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4TR
website: www.sartoria-liverpoolstreet.co.uk


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