From endless cocktails and al fresco destinations to party vibes, these are the London rooftops you’ll want to be enjoying the sunshine in.
The Lane
For champagne, cocktails and wine with a view, head to the alfresco Naked Wines terrace at The Lane. There’s a stunning brunch menu on the weekend which includes some elaborate sharing boards – choose between a cheese board with everything from Oxford blue to Montgomery cheddar or go for the meat board with hand-carved honey roast ham, pork pie, chicken liver parfait and more.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF
thelane.co.uk
Treehouse London
Hidden upstairs is The Nest, their rooftop bar that offers unrivalled views over the capital.
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
www.treehousehotels.com
Kioku by Endo
With a gorgeous wraparound terrace, Kioku by Endo offers stunning views across St James’s Park. Launched by Michelin-starred chef Endo Kazutoshi this May, the rooftop restaurant offers luxe Japanese dining and is centered around an east meets west concept. The menu features a selection of nigiri and sashimi alongside dishes like pork ramen ravioli, native lobster with fregola, shiso oil and sancho, and a bespoke “tuna experience” served at your table.
6th Floor, The OWO, 2 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
www.theowo.london/kioku-by-endo
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.
Head here for cocktail memories or book in for dinner to sample a few of their legendary oysters and delicious sharing boards.
The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY
www.seabirdlondon.com
Rucola at The Conduit
Right in the heart of buzzy Covent Garden, The Conduit’s new rooftop, Rucola, is a perfect place to enjoy longer evenings and panoramic views in central London. Whether you are seeking after-work aperitivo, an intimate dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch with live music, this rooftop terrazza is open seven days a week throughout the summer months.
6 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA
theconduit.com
Coq D’argent
You’ll be spoilt for choice here, with four terraces to choose from and a lovely rooftop garden with views over the City of London. When it comes to al fresco spaces, Coq D’argent offers some of the best in London. From oak-smoked salmon and teriyaki-glazed octopus to beef tartare and burrata, the menu has some elegant dishes to choose from while you soak up the sun. The perfect place for anything from date night to after-work nibbles, Coq D’argent makes the ideal summertime escape.
From oak-smoked salmon and teriyaki-glazed octopus to beef tartare and burrata, the menu has some elegant dishes to choose.
No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
www.coqdargent.co.uk
Radio Rooftop
Radio Rooftop serves up a menu of modern Asian sharing plates alongside expertly crafted cocktails, with the spectacular views of London’s skyline as the backdrop to the perfect city escape. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday DJs curate a sophisticated selection of music, evolving their sets to create a soundtrack featuring, South African, Afro, Deep and Melodic House.
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
radiorooftop.com
The Standard, London
Spread across the 11th floor of the hotel, The Rooftop is perfect for cocktails with a view and bubbles on tap. Order your pick of pizza, and soak up the sun while you enjoy some great London views. PS: Don’t miss ordering some spicy margs! This one’s a great spot to head to with a group of friends for some weekend fun in the sun.
10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
standardhotels.com
Broadwick Soho
This vibrant luxury hotel in the heart of London’s West End channels the glamour and spirit of Soho with its artistic decor. But the best part is the fabulous rooftop bar, Flute, that offers glorious views of the London skyline, best enjoyed over a cocktail or two. Flute offers a landscaped wraparound outdoor terrace, and inside, the bar imbibes maximalist glamour with mirrored ceilings, a palm-frond carpet and an onyx-topped bar. Perfect to head to for a nightcap or to enjoy some summer sunshine, some of the favourites here include fried chicken and caviar and a Hereford beef tartare that’s lovely with a glass of rosé on a sunny afternoon.
Perfect to head to for a nightcap or to enjoy some summer sunshine, some of the favourites here include fried chicken and caviar.
Where: 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
Website: www.broadwicksoho.com
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, and dressed with foliage and white-lined 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
www.sancarlo.co.uk
View this post on Instagram
Queen of Hoxton
Queen of Hoxton’s Terraza Del Sol, a Hispanic-inspired, sun-drenched oasis in the heart of Shoreditch, is a legendary London rooftop. Expect refreshing Latin-inspired cocktails on the menu including Olmeca Altos tequila-based cocktails like frozen margaritas, spicy Picantes and crisp Estrella Damm beers. Sip on sangria slushies and tuck into soft shell corn tacos filled with slow-cooked pulled pork; braised beef brisket and spicy five bean served with crisp lettuce, Pico de Gallo salsa, sour cream, guacamole and tomatillo hot sauce and loads more.
1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
www.queenofhoxton.com
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.
Floor 12, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
www.savagegarden.co.uk
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.
There’s also a 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 the cheeky burger, piddaji and papa chulo.
Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE
www.roofeast.com
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.
BOLD TENDENCIES, 7TH-10TH FLOOR MULTI STOREY CAR PARK, 95A RYE LANE, PECKHAM, SE15 4ST
WWW.BOLDTENDENCIES.COM
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.
On Saturdays book in for their luxury bottomless brunch, complete with classic brunch cocktails, Prosecco and tasty dishes.
68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR
www.wagtaillondon.com
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
WWW.SABINELONDON.CO.UK
Century Club
The Century Club is one of London’s best kept secrets.
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.
61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, W1D 6LQ
www.centuryclub.co.uk
View this post on Instagram
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
www.boundary.london
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
www.firmdalehotels.com
Devonshire Terrace
Never has there been quite so much hype about a London pub before…The Devonshire’s newly opened roof terrace is the talk of the town and makes a lovely summertime escape. The 40-cover space on the third floor of the restored public house in Piccadilly serves its signature beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding and you’ll also find Ibérico pork, lobsters and langoustines sourced directly from fishermen on the Isle of Skye.
Never has there been quite so much hype about a London pub before.
where: 17 Denman Street, London, W1D 7HW
website: devonshiresoho.co.uk
The Berkeley Rooftop Bar
For tacos, tequila and a taste of London’s skyline, this gorgeous rooftop offers sweeping views of Hyde Park. With poolside tables and loungers, this is the perfect summertime retreat with unrivalled views of the city. The menus are Mexican-inspired, and include moreish tacos with smoked salt marsh lamb and saffron aioli, barbeque jack fruit, coconut and coriander cream, and spiced Dover Sole. If you like your tequila, this is the place for you – order the tropical Tequila Colada or the Hyde Park Spritz and you’re all set for a fine evening.
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1x7rl
www.the-berkeley.co.uk
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
www.bokanlondon.co.uk
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. Freshly launched for the summer is the Charles Heidsieck terrace, that offers the unlikely pairing of Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Angler’s gourmet popcorn!
The perfect place to soak up the best of London’s seafood scene whatever the weather
SOUTH PLACE HOTEL, 3 SOUTH PLACE, EC2M 2AF
WWW.ANGLERRESTAURANT.COM
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.
There are some fab cocktails on offer like the Bloom (made with Sauvelle vodka, Loganberry syrup, lemon and prosecco) and a tropical twist negroni made with discarded banana rum and strawberry Campari.
9th Floor, Hyatt Place London City East, 45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU
www,pocketsquare.london
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
www.allegra-restaurant.com
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
www.seacontainerslondon.com
JOIA Rooftop
This 16th-floor al freso terrace in Battersea makes a great spot for a summer sundowner. Open every day from 12pm onwards, the restaurant serves some delicious tapas, including a refreshing octopus salad with red pepper, potato and smoked paprika, or try the newly launched selection of Portuguese sandwiches, like the cuttlefish bun served in a squid ink roll with coriander mayonnaise or the traditional bifana with marinated Iberico pluma and mustard.
art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor. 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ
www.joiabattersea.co.uk/rooftop-bar
STK Stratford
Nestled in the heart of East London is a steakhouse perfect for any after-work drinks- think DJs, cool East London vibes and reimagined classic American cuisine. Classic cocktails and their set date night menu might be enough to sway a visit or two, but they also feature a lunch power menu. Standouts include the Strawberry Cobble cocktail and their sushi board.
40 Celebration Ave, London, UK, E20 1DB
www.stksteakhouse.com
Netil 360
This cosy rooftop bar and beer garden offers sprawling views across East London and with DJ nights every Friday and Saturday, it makes for a great night out in Hackney. Don’t miss the Neapolitan pizza that’s made with 48 hour fermented dough and topped with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Don’t miss the Neapolitan pizza that’s made with 48 hour fermented dough.
1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London, United Kingdom E8
netil360.com
View this post on Instagram
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
In partnership with Château d’Esclans, The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club, next door to Sloane Place, is a gorgeous summer terrace to head to this season. Choose between three exquisite rosés – the light and crisp Whispering Angel, the Rock Angel or the elegant Château d’Esclans. The food includes some colourful salads, classic grills and lovely sharing plates. Plus, there’s live music on the first Sunday of the month.
60 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1W 8BP
www.sloaneplace.com
Circes Rooftop
For frozen cocktails and great Mediterranean food with breathtaking views of the capital, head to Circes Rooftop. A buzzing space that promises some great entertainment, Circes offers theatrical mixology in the form of the lovely Perse’s Picante, a spicy margarita, and Heles Mels, which comes with a spell that magically combusts and disappears before your eyes. The food menu has some light, refreshing options like the bashed cucumbers with apricot harissa, toasted sesame, coriander and a coconut yoghurt dressing, serrano croquettes with chopped olives, grated manchego and romesco sauce and a vegan beef smash burger.
Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Rd, London, SE1 8UL
www.circesrooftop.co.uk
Piazza Terrace at the Royal Opera House
Offering lovely rooftop views over Covent Garden from the Royal Opera House’s fifth floor, the Piazza Terrace is a great place to head to for lunch, dinner or evening drinks. On the lunch menu, you’ll find a spiced aubergine bake, grilled bavette steak and beef carpaccio. You don’ t need to have a ticket for a show to dine here – just make a booking beforehand to make sure you get a table.
Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD
www.rbo.org.uk/eat-and-drink/piazza
