From endless cocktails and al fresco destinations to party vibes, these are the London rooftops you’ll want to be enjoying the sunshine in.
One Hundred Shoreditch
After a successful launch last summer, One Hundred Shoreditch is the spot everyone’s flocking to this sunny season. Head upstairs to the bar and terrace and look forward to dreaming marble tables, foliage draped from the ceilings and panoramic views over East London.
100 SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET, SHOREDITCH, LONDON E1 6JQ
Treehouse London
Feel like a big kid as you explore London’s Treehouse Hotel, home to jungle-esque and lively interiors. Hidden upstairs is The Nest, their rooftop bar that offers unrivalled views over the capital.
Perch up here and sink into the sofas listening to DJs spinning the decks, tucking into bar bites and sipping on playful cocktails.
14 – 15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
Seabird
Alfresco dining doesn’t come much better than Seabird. Hidden above The Hoxton Southwark, this rooftop serves up seafood delights and is home to London’s longest oyster list, marble raw bar and views that look out over the city.
Head here for cocktail memories or book in for dinner to sample a few of their legendary oysters and delicious sharing boards of whole boneless sea bass with smoked honey butter and mojo verde or whole lobster rice with manchego and porto blanco.
The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY
Aqua Nueva and Aqua Kyoto
One of London’s best terraces, overlooking Regent Street and perfect for outdoorsy dining, Aqua Nueva and Aqua Kyoto is perfect for summer dining.
Head to Aqua Nueva for authentic Spanish fare, from small plates and tapas to croquettes and Spanish desserts you can’t fault. While Aqua Kyoto will see you nip to Japan in an instant with a delicious menu featuring everything from sushi to robata.
30 ARGYLL STREET, CARNABY, W1F 7EB
Laurel’s on the Roof
London’s rooftop lovers need to know about this not-so-hidden secret. Laurel’s on the Roof is a stylish restaurant and bar sat atop the Mondrian Shoreditch.
Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in LA, this dining spot serves up Californian-inspired dishes and cocktails, from dawn through to after dusk. Expect the space to be clad with long-hanging rattan chandeliers, lounge seating and a playful neon ‘Laurel’s’ sign.
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45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT
Alto by San Carlo
Hidden above Selfridges, Alto by San Carlo offers you an escape from Italy, serving up cocktails, spritz and food inspired by the country.
Located in London’s Little Italy, the rooftop is charming, abrim with foliage and white linen lined tables. Expect Italian-style dishes, from burrata with parma ham and black truffle to tartare di tonno; duck salad with rocket, Melinda apples from Trentino and pancetta to vitello Milanese.
Selfridges, Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
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Queen of Hoxton
Every summer Queen of Hoxton receives a seasonal transformation, and this year’s edition is inspired by the Spanish city of Barcelona.
Created in collaboration with Estrella Damn, expect all of the city-coastal vibes to come to life. Sip into the night on sangria slushies and cocktails, tuck into Spanish-inspired dishes and soak up the rays at this suntrap.
1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Cavo
A hidden gem tucked away on top of the futuristic Now Building by Tottenham Court Road tube, you will wander through a giant immersive LED display in the atrium before hopping into an elevator to the 4th floor. Part chic restaurant, part lounging terrace, Cavo is a Mediterranean oasis complete with olive trees, marble-topped furniture and perfect sundown views over the West End. Half of the venue is dedicated to alfresco rooftop seating where you can indulge in classic sundown cocktails, small bites or go all in with the indulgent Taste of Cavo tasting menu.
The Now Building Outernet Denmark St London WC2H 0LA
The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James
Set overlooking Trafalgar Square and the rest of London’s iconic skyline, this is the perfect spot to unwind, relax and soak up those memory-making moments this summer.
Seasonally changing, The Rooftop serves up a European-inspired menu and a long list of curated cocktails. This summer they have partnered with Whispering Angel for a season filled with culinary delights and, of course, a lot of crisp blush pink rosé moments.
2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS
AllBight Mayfair
Female members’ club, AllBright Mayfair has transformed its summer rooftop terrace into a tequila lovers haven. The members’ club has partnered with female-founded premium tequila cocktail brand Pimentae to launch ‘Casa del Paraiso’, home to award-winning cocktails and a beach-style aesthetic.
Sip into the afternoon on Pimentar’s signature spicy margarita, a menu of tequila, lime, chilli and agave – the perfect summer serve.
Non-members can book tables for drinks, dinner or brunch on Fridays and Saturdays – enquire by emailing [email protected]
24-26 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 1PP
Savage Garden
Take to the sky and head up 12 floors to Savage Garden, London’s best-kept secret skyline bar. Set in the heart of the city, the bar brings together decadent décor, dramatic cocktails and delicious foodie options to Tower Hill.
The views are unmatched, with a panoramic vista of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including The Shard and the Tower of London.
When you aren’t soaking up the views, head inside and discover the contrasting interiors. Think brutal yet sultry, urban yet opulent with savaged surfaces contrasting with plush velvet finishes and marble floors. Plus their weekend brunch is a must-visit.
Floor 12, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
Roof East
You know it’s summer when London’s outdoor pop-ups start showing up. This season Stratford’s rooftop haven, Roof East, has returned and it going all out – think crazy gold from Birdies, Sluggers batting cages and disco antics from Glitter Bowls.
New for 2023 is the new free games area where you can challenge your friends to a game of giant Jenga, Kub, Connect Four, cornhole and table tennis. Or catch a film at the Rooftop Film Club, showing everything from cult hits and classics to new film favourites.
There’ll be plenty of food and drink options too, including highlights like Cheeky Burger, Piddaji and Papa Chulo.
Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE
Skylight
Renowned for its rooftop games, cocktails and legendary themed events, Skylight now boasts two wonderful locations, in Tobacco Dock and Peckham.
Head over to Tobacco Dock and challenge your friends to a game of pétanque, shuffleboard, or ping pong or just grab a cocktail and catch up with views overlooking the capital. Or, try their newer sister venue in Peckham for bottomless brunch, live music and good times.
Tobacco Dock & Peckham
Frank’s Cafe
Sometimes all we need is a cocktail in hand to have a good time, and at Frank’s Cafe in Peckham, that’s what you’ll find served up. Situated at the top of a multi-story car park, the drinking spot has been popular since it opened up in 2009, with London residents from all over coming here to sip into the sunset.
On the menu you’ll find brunch, lunch and dinner served up, all focusing on simplicity and seasonality. As well as plenty of booze to go around too, from beers to spritz.
Unfussy drinking and dining at its finest.
BOLD TENDENCIES, 7TH-10TH FLOOR MULTI STOREY CAR PARK, 95A RYE LANE, PECKHAM, SE15 4ST
Radio Rooftop at ME London
Those hitting the glamorous West End on a Saturday night should begin their evening at Radio Rooftop, located at the top of the iconic ME London hotel on the Strand.
A favourite amongst celebrities, city-breakers, and art & culture enthusiasts, Radio Rooftop offers the perfect place for sundowners and delicious all-day dining small plates whilst boasting panoramic views of London’s city skyline.
ME London, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA
Wagtail
Another London rooftop bar to explore this summer is Wagtail. Boasting views over the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Shard to London Bridge and St Pauls, this bar serves up innovative cocktails and a seasonal changing menu.
On Saturdays book in for their luxury bottomless brunch, complete with classic brunch cocktails, Prosecco and tasty dishes.
68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR
Sabine
Sabine became an instant favourite when it opened its doors in 2021, and it’s hardly surprising when it’s a rooftop that looks out over St Paul’s Cathedral.
Home to sky-high dining and a glass-domed roof, the bar is filled with botanical-inspired plants and interiors, and this theme leaks into the cocktail menu too.
You’ll find them serving up a selection of small plates, from BBQ jackfruit tostadas to tandoori prawn skewers, mac n cheese bon bons to shitake mushroom gyoza.
7TH FLOOR, LEONARDO ROYAL HOTEL LONDON ST PAUL’S, 10 GODLIMAN STREET, THE CITY, EC4V 5AJ
Century Club
You might need a membership for this one but we promise you the views from the rooftop terrace are enough of a reason to get yourself one.
Hidden on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Century Club is one of London’s best-kept secrets. It looks over Soho and the West End and serves up a delicious selection of dishes.
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The Century Club is one of London’s best kept secrets.
61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, W1D 6LQ
Boundary Rooftop
Whether you’re after a lazy lunch, cocktails or something cosy for catch-ups, Boundary Rooftop is the perfect place. Throughout the summer the menu offers Londoners an escape to the Mediterranean, serving up grilled meats, fish, fresh salads and southern French delicacies to boot, while come the winter, expect a visit from the Alpine regions.
2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DD
Ham Yard Hotel
Ham Yard Hotel’s alfresco hideaway will make you feel like you’ve stepped outside of London into the country. It’s home to leafy greenery, bee hives and a kitchen garden. Expect to find plenty of cosy corners to lose yourself in for the afternoon, where you can sip cocktails from lunch through to the night.
Head to the rear of the garden and you’ll find the two bee hives. Kept by their resident beekeeper, Camila, the hotel uses eco-friendly methods for bee management and the honey is used in some of the bar’s cocktails.
1 Ham Yard, Soho, W1D 7DT
Bōkan
Make your way up to floor number 39 and experience some of the best views over East London. Bōkan serves up some of the best European-style dishes and cocktails you won’t want to miss.
Sip into the sunset on the likes of New Rogers Sour, a mix of Bullet Rye, Chinotto, orange brandy, pumpkin spice, rioja and egg white; Clementina, a blend of Tanqueray Sevilla, apricot brandy, lemon and 0% prosecco; and Pleasured, with Bacardi Oro, Pierre Ferrand Amber, caramel and lime.
Floor 37-39, 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
Angler
Hidden inside South Place Hotel, you’ll find Angler, the Michelin-starred restaurant that’s home to a stunning rooftop terrace. The perfect place to soak up the best of London’s seafood scene whatever the weather thanks to its retractable roof and heaters, making it perfect for every weather.
The menu, led by executive chef Gary Foulkes, cannot be faulted, featuring seasonal and carefully sourced produce.
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SOUTH PLACE HOTEL, 3 SOUTH PLACE, EC2M 2AF
PocketSquare
PocketSquare, located on the ninth floor of the Hyatt Place London City East, is a skyline bar and terrace that’s awaiting your discovery. It might look simple in its style but it looks out over London’s twinkling skyline, best experienced at night.
Grab a cocktail from the bar’s innovative infusions and concoctions, from the Practically Perfect, a blend of Tiramisu Makers Mark, pomegranate port and inverted sugar to the Kushty featuring Hendrinks Gin, mint lazzy, pineapple and fair passionfruit.
9th Floor, Hyatt Place London City East, 45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU
Allegra
Restaurant, bar and terrace, Allegra ticks all of the right boxes. Situated on the seventh floor of The Stratford, you’ll want to venture out onto the terrace for a relaxed menu from Happy Burger.
Begin with market oysters served three ways, before chowing into their burget menu. Think fried chicken sandwiches stacked with pickles and secret spices; the Happy Burger featuring grilled onion and American cheese; and the ‘Symplicity’ Happy Burger, a plant-based alternative.
The Stratford, 20 International Way, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 1FD
12th Knot
Tucked inside Sea Containers London, 12th Knot is the rooftop bar to know about. Expect stunning views over the Thames, DJ sets and live music, as well as cocktails that celebrate each season.
Expect plenty of cocktail action, with highlights such as the Port Tai, featuring Bacardi 8, port, Gosling’s and Orgeat sherbet; the Spicy Voyage made with grapefruit sherbet, Pomelo gin, Patrón Silver and vindaloo hot sauce; and the Cider Berry, a mix of blackberry and raspberry cordial, cranberry essence, Beefeater London Dry and apple cider.
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
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The Roof Terrace at The Sloane
The Sloane Club has partnered up with the iconic rosé brand Whispering Angel for a summer of dining and elegance.
Head to King’s Road to find this hidden gem to indulge in the summer menu featuring the likes of a seafood platter for two; toasted club sandwiches’ and tamarind glazed crispy fried corn-fed chicken with vine tomatoes, peanuts and curry leaves.
60 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1W 8BP
