Looking for the best places to sip sky-high drinks in London? Add these rooftop bars to your little black book.
One of the best ways to see London is from a rooftop. And what’s the best kind of rooftop? A rooftop bar of course.
Whether it’s at the height of summer, on a balmy evening or an afternoon when the sun is shining, or cosied up under a blanket and a heat lamp in the depths of winter, you can’t beat the joy of drinking with a view.
In case you didn’t already know, London does this well. From the swanky spots like the Nest, high above the city to spacious hangouts like Netil 360 that perfectly embody the uber-cool, down-to-earth atmosphere of east London, you’re spoilt for choice.
And don’t worry, bars in the city know the score, so many are heated or covered, and a couple even have fancy retractable roofs to keep you dry while you take in the skyline.
Prices for food and drink obviously vary, but we’ve assessed how expensive each of these bars are on a rough scale as follows:
£ – cocktails or mixed drinks under £10
££ – cocktails or mixed drinks £10-15
£££ – cocktails or mixed drinks over £15
Best Rooftop Bars in London
The Nest Rooftop Bar
Fitzrovia
£££
Grabbing a drink at The Nest, the rooftop bar of the Treehouse Hotel in Fitzrovia, is like hanging out in an enchanted forest – If Mr Tumnus was more into mid-century modern decor, that is.
Inside is warm and inviting, but the real jewel here is that rare thing, a London outdoor bar with amazing panoramic views of the city. It’s partially covered and heated, so the British weather won’t get in the way of you enjoying the vista or the upmarket nibbles and cocktails offered at the bar.
Food includes charcuterie boards, miso baked aubergine, and a wagyu beef burger, while Nest signature cocktails are adventurous and on-trend without getting too wild or losing mass-market appeal.
The Pink Apple, for example, is Tanqueray gin, granny smith apple, and pink pepper. Why not sip on one while you take a look through the terrace’s resident telescope?
Glasshouse
Holborn
££
Sweeping views of central London, quirky pop art, delicious cocktails? Sign us up. On top of the NYX Hotel, you’ll find Glasshouse – a groovy bar that ticks boxes for sky-high drinking in every season thanks to its retractable roof.
The drinks are playful twists on classic cocktails, but if that’s not your cup of tea you’ll also be able to get your hands on a bit of nice champagne by the glass or bottle depending on how much of a night you’re about to get into.
Their playlist of retro disco and funk usually signals the start of a party. Better go for the bottle…
OXO Bar
South Bank
££
The OXO tower on the South Bank is a landmark that’s not to be missed. Its terrace isn’t as large as some in London, but it offers views across the river to St Paul’s and fantastic cocktails mixed by experienced bar staff.
In fact, the OXO Bar has been open for two decades, so they certainly know what they’re doing.
Cocktails range from classics like Negronis and Manhattans to vintage delights like a Brandy Alexander and the 50s Americana-inspired Vanilla Chocolate Malt.
If you’re looking for a quintessential London experience, with a cocktail in hand, definitely grab a drink at the OXO Bar. You’ll really feel like you are in the beating heart of the city.
Fancy something to eat? There’s a reason we’ve also named it as one of our favourite London restaurants with a view.
Radio Rooftop
ME London, The Strand
£££
If you’re looking for interesting, well-crafted cocktails with a view then you’ll probably like Radio Rooftop. We’ve reviewed this bar before and really enjoyed the drinks and service.
The views are also, for want of a better descriptor, epic. You can see half of London from the top of Covent Garden’s ME building, which is probably why Radio Rooftop makes the cut in this guide.
If you’re visiting, or have visitors to impress, then this is one to hit. During the winter months, you can even hire a private igloo, so you can enjoy the views and excellent drinks no matter what the weather is doing.
Aviary
Moorgate
££
One of the best rooftop bars in the City of London, Aviary is usually abuzz with unwinding office workers enjoying small plates and cocktails as the sun goes down over glinting glass tower blocks.
Cocktails lean towards the traditional, with Old Fashioneds, English Martinis and Amaretto Sours all popular. Likewise, you can also grab a private igloo at the Aviary throughout winter and stay cosy as you look out over London from the two terrace bars on the ninth and tenth floors.
Sabine Rooftop Bar
St Paul’s
£££
Sabine Rooftop has managed to keep its ethos of being a secret garden in an Oasis of the city. Surprise your friends or keep this one up your sleeve for that special date spot, it truly is a hidden gem.
Not only are the views over St Paul’s completely breath-taking, the outside terrace and glass domed roof make it a rooftop bar above all others.
This spot isn’t afraid to push the boundaries with their cocktails. If you’re a gin lover, you’re in for a special treat. They’ve got a menu dedicated solely to G&T’s.
John Lewis Roof Garden
Oxford Street
£££
The John Lewis Roof Garden is a sanctuary above the mayhem of Oxford Street, a safe haven from the chaotic shopping street below with a perk or two to be had all year round.
Around the festive period, it’s a great spot to catch the lights and watch Oxford Street turn into a winter wonderland, mulled wine in hand. And over the summer it’s a great location to soak up some rays and sip on a cold drink after a romp around the city.
The fact that they only opened a few years ago means they’re not as established as some of the other places in this guide, but that also means you won’t have to battle the crowds for a good seat. Don’t go shouting about it or you’ll ruin the secret.
The Standard
King’s Cross
£££
One of London’s hippest hangouts, The Standard Hotel boasts a pretty cool rooftop. They only open it in the warmer months but when they do it’s a bit of a hotspot.
Apart from views that boast a front-and-centre look at the neo-gothic facade of St Pancras Station in all its glory, as well as much of the rest of central London, you’ll find a great selection of summery drinks on offer and regular BBQ cookoffs over the weekends.
They also have a thing for getting in DJs and other live musicians to crank the vibe up a bit. Though this place being as cool as it is means that it’s often hard to get a table – you may end up loitering for a while before you can sit down.
Netil 360
Hackney
£
Netil 360 has everything. A panoramic bar, cafe, coworking areas, dining options and sometimes even a cinema. They were even once known for running an on-site sauna but sadly they had to close it.
There’s still plenty to love though. Netil are lucky enough to have one of the best rooftops in London. It’s huge.
Though with no bookings taken, you have to just turn up and hope you’ll get a chance to see the views of London while sipping on their very well-mixed Aperol Spritz. You might have to queue but it’s definitely worth it.
NT’s Loft
London Fields
£
If you want a real East London night out, with the joys of a rooftop bar thrown in for good measure, NT’s Loft in Hackney is a great choice.
The industrial bones of this old warehouse building are softened by modern touches and splashes of greenery but views onto railway tracks and out over East London from the heated terrace bar mean you never forget where you are.
During the day, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, and vegetable-forward vegan dishes like kale caesar salads and miso mushroom bowls from Palm Green’s, and by night it’s all craft cocktails and local DJs.
Queen of Hoxton
Hoxton
£
The Queen of Hoxton is a rooftop bar we find ourselves going back to again and again. Maybe because it’s one of East London’s best party spots. Obviously, there’s stiff competition in Hackney so The Queen of Hoxton has something special going on.
The views are great, but you’ll probably be distracted by the bright decor, ever-changing DJs and events, reasonably priced cocktails and wine slushies, and a succinct but satisfying burger menu.
A little rough and ready, and very pink, the Queen of Hoxton is all about having a good time as often as possible for as long as possible.
Skylight
Tobacco Dock, Wapping
££
Another huge rooftop bar, Skylight offers covered booths, a sunshine-soaked garden, and a wide expanse of outdoor tables.
It’s a reasonably priced cocktail bar for the area, with drinks running at 11 or 12 quid and they even offer cocktail masterclasses for groups, and games like croquet, petanque and table tennis.
Skylight is well located, just down the river from the City of London, so it’s equally popular with the after-work crowd and visitors to the city, and a great place to while away a few hours sipping on drinks and taking in the views.
The Culpeper Roof Garden
Whitechapel
££
We’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for The Culpeper. A while back we reviewed their excellent restaurant and had lots good to say about it. The cooking is excellent and the ingredients super fresh. That’s because much of it comes from the pub’s rooftop garden.
You don’t have to go for a sit-down meal here to enjoy the space (though we recommend that you do) – the cocktails are reason alone to go. They’re creative takes on classic drinks that remain simple and pack a punch.
You’ll also have run of a great wine list. Don’t know what to go for? Ask one of the waiting staff, they’re all super knowledgeable about what’s on the list.
If you want to know the best time to go, make it spring or summer when the garden will be in full bloom with all the vegetables.
Bussey Building Rooftop
Peckham
££
The weather in Peckham doesn’t always comply, but come rain or shine tropical vibes are plentiful at this ever-popular southeast London hotspot.
The covered, heated terrace holds a bar that serves relatively cheap cocktails, beers, wine and pizzas from midday to 11pm on weekends, and 5pm to 11pm Monday to Friday,
Best of all, the above comes with some of the best barside views in London – one that sprawls right up to the centre of the city.
All of this sits on top of the Bussey building, a south London institution, with craft and art markets on weekends, a whole host of restaurants and bars on-site, and some of the best club nights in the capital.
Frank’s
Peckham
£
Frank’s has long been a favourite haunt of both cocktail lovers, architecture lovers and ourselves for quite some time. Grab a surprisingly cheap margarita or a bicicleta and settle down to gaze at the view and maybe at the excellent food menu too.
The cafe at Frank’s offers brunch at weekends, and lunch and dinner every day. Hot smoked salmon, potato tortilla and scotch bonnet hot sauce with a michelada or a melon cooler, anyone? An excellent brunch option, and just as good value as the cocktail menu.
Lost
Brixton
££
Aptly named, because you haven’t really been to Brixton until you’ve got yourself lost in the massive, labyrinthine of a market below the bar, Lost is a brilliant rooftop bar turned jungle.
Festooned with greenery, the venue has a retractable roof and becomes an outdoor terrace cocktail bar when the sun shines.
Drinks are Latin American inspired – Cancun margaritas, plenty of rum punch – and you can get food delivered from any of Lost’s partners and friends in Brixton market. Perfect for an eclectic evening discerning what SW has to offer.
Skylight Peckham
Peckham
££
Skylight Peckham has made a name for itself with its Sunday BBQs, bottomless brunches and live music on Thursday.
They run a bunch of different events so make sure you check their website to see what they’ve got coming up, we’ve got our eyes on the bottomless drag brunch and comedy nights.
Skylight Peckham is also a great spot for hot desking if you’re tired of working from home for just £10 a day, we couldn’t think of a better backdrop for your calls.
The Corin
Tooting
£££
The Corin has put tooting back on the map in recent months. An elegant rooftop bar, decked out with quirky interiors (there’s even a giraffe standing in front of a leafy wall if you fancy spicing up your Instagram page).
This is the place to go for an after-work drink or to unwind with soft Jazz on Thursdays and Sundays.
Classical cocktails are available but if you’re feeling adventurous (and a little healthier than normal), you could try their infamous ‘Kale Me Now’. A real kale-infused gin & lime.
Bar Elba
Waterloo
££
Bar Elba is a favourite location of ours if we’re near the Southbank and fancy a drink with a view but don’t want to drop twenty quid on a cocktail and wouldn’t mind some good, fun vibes to go with our reasonably priced drink.
You’ll be treated to views nestled in among the rooftops of the neighbourhood, making for a location that somehow manages to feel cosy in spite of being outdoors. And talking of cosy, throughout winter they turn the place into a veritable apres ski heaven, igloos and all.
When the sun starts to show itself again for spring the spot turns into a brunch haven with parties that run through the day and late into the night.
Forza Wine
Peckham
££
If you want a relaxed rooftop bar where the only thing taken seriously is the drinks menu, look no further. The team from Peckham’s ultra-popular Forza Win (yes, they drop the E) recently broke into the rooftop bar trade with Forza Wine (this time they keep the E).
They describe it as the ‘the younger, taller and better looking sibling of Forza Win’ and that pretty much hits the mark. If you liked the original spot you’ll find much to love here too.
The wine programme stays ridiculously on point with a concise menu of bottles that leans heavy on the natural/orange side of things. Cheap beers and reasonably priced cocktails are also here to stay, as is the menu of snacks to line the stomach for all that drinking.
The Abbey Tavern
Kentish Town
£
Right on Kentish Town Road, The Abbey Tavern is a classic London boozer with the unexpected twist of a fantastic roof terrace.
An already tempting prospect, this pub is made more of a must-visit north London destination by its killer happy hours and reputation as a jumping-off point for any gig night in Camden.
Oh, and we can’t forget the extremely solid pub food – from lamb chops to halloumi burgers – and regular DJ sets and events at the weekends.
The Castle
Angel, Islington
££
Locals know to head to The Castle if there’s even a hint of sunshine because this spot is an absolute suntrap.
Luckily, there’s also a covered area as the weather in this country doesn’t always play ball. Nonetheless, come rain or shine, you can grab excellent cocktails and food.
The Beefeater martini is particularly great if you like your cocktails strong and, on a Sunday, they do an excellent Vegan roast.
Lyric Rooftop Bar and Grill
Hammersmith
££
A surprisingly well-kept secret, the Lyric Theatre’s rooftop bar and grill in Hammersmith offers a great spot for after-work drinks on the terrace bar, London skyline views, and a pre-theatre menu.
Obviously, this is the only rooftop bar to frequent if you’re going to see a show at the Lyric, but it’s a great spot to pop into as well.
The terrace is planted with greenery, so you can escape the glass tower blocks that surround you and get some fresh air in the heart of West London.
601 Queen’s Road
Wimbledon
££
If you find yourself in Wimbledon at a loose end, or anywhere nearby in fact, then definitely check out 601 Queen’s Road.
At night, the wraparound roof terrace at this bar twinkles with fairy lights, offering a comfortable chillout spot, great cocktails, and fancy pub food with high-end ingredients like steamed mussels, dry-aged Dexter beef and a great dish of smoked salmon on sourdough.
Inside, a circular bar means everyone gets views out the panoramic plate glass windows, though watching a mixologist knock you up a Berry Negroni or a Capiroska might prove equally diverting.
Pergola Paddington
Paddington
££
A great spot for birthdays and to go in big groups, not quite the place if you’re looking for a quiet date spot, Pergola Paddington has a fun weekend buzz to it and is proud to stand as one of the defacto cool rooftop bars in the area.
You could even combine a visit to Pergola Paddington with a walk down Portobello Road or explore Notting Hill beforehand and use it as a spot to wind down a little after your shopping spree or day of posing in front of Notting Hill’s iconic colourful townhouses.
The place functions much like a food hall, with multiple vendors slinging street-food bites and bars mixing up a range of drinks so you can count on a good bit of variety.
