27 Rooftops Perfect For Soaking Up London’s Sublime Skyline

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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]

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 at only £26. Standouts include the Strawberry Cobble cocktail and their sushi board.