The Best Rooftops Bars In London
This week London has been blessed with sunshine and warm weather and we don’t know about you, but we have no interest in being indoors!
Thankfully we are lucky enough to have some of the world’s best rooftop restaurants and bars right on our doorstep, so there really is no need to stay inside.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite London rooftops, from quirky and cool to ultra glam and chic. So whether you want a wild night out on the tiles, or a civilised supper under the stars, get booking!
South London
No. 32 The Old Town
Overlooking Clapham Common, No32. The Old Town is an independent neighborhood bar and restaurant with a contemporary interior providing a backdrop for socialising. It’s a lively all-day hangout, from Monday morning to Friday evening, with music and a buzzing atmosphere for post-work drinks. The alfresco sun trap fills up fast and has a menu that spans everything from coconut chia pudding to a full-on steak and chips with truffle macaroni cheese.
Where: 32 The Pavement, Clapham, SW4 0JE
Book now: www.no32theoldtown.co.uk
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Perched atop the iconic Bussey Building in the heart of bustling Peckham, Bussey Rooftop Bar literally stands head and shoulders above the rest as the highest drinking spot in the neighbourhood. Their menu is chock-a-block with a wide selection of tasty hard & virgin cocktails and beers, complimented by Share a Slice’s menu of socially good pizza. Rain or shine, the covered bar offers a unique drinking and dining experience with 360-degree views of London’s skyline.
Where: Rooftop Unit 133, Peckham, SE15 4ST
Book now: https://busseyrooftopbar.com
12th Knot
Formerly known as Rumpus Room, this colourful roof top boasts stunning views across the South Bank thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. A true reflection of South Bank’s vibrant energy, expect bright, striking décor and an open-plan layout which puts the panoramic views center stage. So whether you’re curled up on a window seat, relaxing on the balcony, or mingling at the bar, London’s breath-taking skyline is the main attraction. The terrace also offers striking views of the world’s longest public art commission, Illuminated River
Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
Book now: https://www.seacontainerslondon.com/eat-drink/12th-knot
West London
The Rooftop At Trafalgar
Situated in the heart of the city and at one of London's most iconic landmarks, The Rooftop, is an oasis set high in the sky overlooking Trafalgar Square and London's spectacular skyline. Offering a seasonally changing menu of delicious European-inspired dishes and a carefully curated cocktail and drinks selection, The Rooftop is the perfect spot to unwind, relax and soak up those London views. Visitors are given a choice between either al fresco or canopy-covered seating, with the terrace featuring cosy banquette seating and a marble-streaked bar. Head here for classic cocktails and by-the-glass wines, as well as a menu of Alpine-inspired small plates and mains.
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS
Book now: www.trafalgarstjames.com/the-rooftop
Radio Rooftop
Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most iconic venues situated on the 10th Floor of ME London, with striking views across the River Thames and London’s impressive skyline. From sunrise to sunset guests can enjoy the changing views of the capital stretching from the Shard and St Paul’s downstream, to the London Eye and Big Ben. It’s a lovely setting for a casual lunch or early evening drinks watching the sun setting over the London skyline.
Where: 336-337 The Strand, Charing Cross, WC2R 1HA
Book now: https://radiorooftop.com
Sky Pod Rooftop
Sky Pod is an all-day drinking and dining rooftop space, with live music. It is a naturally ventilated space, and so we recommend dressing appropriately on warmer and colder days. Signature cocktails include a tangy Fresh Mary, combining gin with notes of cherry tomato and basil (£11.50), alongside reasonably priced classics, a range of wines and spirits, and sharing platters for snacking. No evening reservations make Sky Pod great for impromptu stargazing, just remember to dress for the temperature.
Where: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
Website: www.skygarden.london/restaurants/sky-pod-bar/
East London
The Queen of Hoxton
This kitsch rooftop terrace is open Thursdays – Sundays serving up mouth-watering burgers, drinks and iconic views of Shoreditch. It’s perfect for date nights, catch-ups and weekend sessions. The vibrant design throws it back to childhood with an Art Attack-style rainbow colour scheme, along with coloured bunting and communal wooden tables.
Keep an eye out for the new immersive experience that will be opening on the rooftop in spring/summer 2022!
Where: 1-5 Curtain Road, Hoxton, EC2A 3JX
Book now: https://queenofhoxton.com
Savage Garden
Touted as London’s Wildest Rooftop Bars, Savage Garden is a study in experimentation and temptation that invites you to enter a decadent and twisted world, 12 storeys above, and far removed from the corporate streets of the city below. A bar where the atmosphere is unapologetically untamed, the cocktail serves theatrical and the food savagely good. Be aware that there is a dress code, so go smart casual to avoid disappointment at the door.
Where: 7 Pepys Street, Tower Hill, EC3N 4AF
Book now: www.savagegarden.co.uk
TT Liquor
TT Liquor is a multi-faceted establishment for all things related to cocktails, spirits, and high-quality alcoholic beverages. They offer an extensive range of experiences – from cocktail making classes and tasting experiences, to supper clubs and classic film nights. The Shoreditch home boasts a roof terrace with panoramic views over east London, an intimate cellar cocktail bar, and a specialist liquor store selling our handpicked selection of fine liquors, beverages and specialist equipment. If you walked past the unassuming front, you'd have no idea that this Kingsland Road cocktail bar was hiding a beautiful little rooftop. You can expect wooden decking and plenty of foliage to create a secluded garden feel and there are also covered and heated booths available for guests to enjoy the space all year round.
Where: 17b Kingsland Road, Hoxton, E2 8AA
Book now: https://ttliquor.co.uk
Allegra
Allegra is a restaurant, bar and terrace on the 7th floor of The Stratford, an extraordinary building from the team behind Chiltern Firehouse and St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Head Chef Patrick Powell invites guests to embrace convivial dining from long, lazy lunches through to late-night dinners. Celebrating authentic hospitality with inventive dishes using local, seasonal ingredients, bringing an exceptional dining experience to east London.
Where: 20-22 International Way, Stratford, E20 1GQ
Book now: https://www.allegra-restaurant.com
Central London
Garden Rooftop
A Rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views of London is situated in the heart of the West End. Vast floor to ceiling glass windows will frame the room, offering every seat in Garden Rooftop spectacular views across central London. Iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye, The Shard and Nelson’s Column, can be easily spotted providing an unmissable, stunning backdrop for dinner and drinks. Open for breakfast to late night, the rooftop menu comes filled with everything from classic and signature cocktails, wines and craft beers, to a large selection of tapas and cicchetti, which are savoury snacks or small side dishes, typically served in Venice.
Where: 10th floor, above Assembly Hotel, 31 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0LS
Book now: https://www.gardenrooftop.uk
Wagtail
This new luxury bar and restaurant opens on 12th May 2022 and is one of the first venues to provide a 360-degree view of the Capital’s skyline and the City’s most iconic landmarks including St Paul’s, London Bridge, The Shard, Monument and Tower Bridge. Delivering a new dining and drinking experience Wagtail is led by Executive Chef, Phil Kearsey and Bar Manager, Angelos Bafas, with menus curated in line with their ethos of showcasing the very best of the season, with the upmost respect shown to each and every ingredient.
Where: 68 King William Street, London, EC4N 7HR
Book now: www.wagtaillondon.com
Coq d’Argent Bar
Located in the heart of the city, Coq d’Argent is within close proximity to major attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Southbank. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views of our covered and heated rooftop terraces while indulging in our fine selection of wines, cocktails, spirits and traditional French dishes. With four terraces to choose from, ample seating around the ring for drinks only (no reservation needed) and their wonderful rooftop garden with unrivaled views over the City of London, they have plenty of alfresco space to suit all tastes.
Where: No.1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ
Book now: https://www.coqdargent.co.uk/at/terrace-garden-bank/
North London
The Rooftop at The Standard
Stretching over the 11th floor of the hotel, The Rooftop turns unparalleled views of the London skyline into the perfect backdrop for outdoor cocktails and bubbles on tap. Located in the heart of King’s Cross, next to Coal Drop’s Yard and minutes away from the St Pancras Station, it offers drinks and snacks on cheery green AstroTurf with stunning panoramic city views.
Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, United Kingdom
Book now: www.standardhotels.com/en-GB/london/features/the-rooftop-bar-standard-london
The Abbey Tavern
Rooftop bars are always difficult to get a table at, but thankfully the space at The Abbey Tavern is expansive enough to accommodate plenty of people. Another perk is that the roof terrace has its own bar, so there’s no need to head inside to order a pint, while a menu of street-style burgers will keep your hunger at bay all day. It’s also in close proximity to Kentish Town tube station, which helps!
Where: 124 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, NW1 9QB
Book now: www.abbey-tavern.com