There are very few better ways to spend an evening than on a London rooftop, pairing your drink with some pretty intoxicating views – and seeing as the sun currently has its hat on, it’s the perfect time to explore London’s extensive array of them.
Luckily for us, our beloved capital is full to the brim with rooftop spots where you can enjoy a pint or a cocktail whilst surveying the city’s skyscrapers. Here’s our rundown of the very best rooftop bars in London for sky-high sipping.
How we handpick the best rooftop bars in London
Each bar on this list has been carefully chosen by a member of our team. Our editors and the Secret London team rely on personal experiences, recommendations, editorial reviews, customer feedback, and thorough research to bring you the finest dining spots in the city. We are constantly on the lookout for new places with delicious food, tasty drinks and excellent service. This list is regularly updated as we discover new openings and revisit established favourites.
Table Of Contents
Best rooftop bars in Central London
1. Madison, St. Paul’s
Madison Rooftop is where you’ll find one of the most iconic views of St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a great place to kick back with a cocktail, indulge in a fancy dinner, and get some cracking Insta content. Head there on the weekend and you can also enjoy a bottomless brunch with free-flowing bubbles. Who could possibly resist?
📍 You’ll find Madison at the Penthouse of One New Change, EC4M 9AF.
🚇 Nearest stations are St Paul’s and Mansion House.
2. Savage Garden, City
This glossy rooftop bar opened in 2018, twelve floors above the Hilton DoubleTree hotel in Tower Hill, and offers views of Tower Bridge from their fine terrace. Expect ‘savagely Portuguese’ wines, top-notch nibbles and – let’s face it – a price point to match at Savage Garden. You are in the City after all, darling.
📍 You’ll find Savage Garden on the 12th Floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF.
🚇 Nearest station is Tower Hill.
3. Coq D’Argent, Bank
Immaculately manicured lawns, cute hedges, wisteria draped across the terraces… the next addition to this roundup of rooftop bars in London makes a serious claim to be the most beautiful of them all. Feast on views of the City of London as you feast on the delicious food at Coq D’Argent, hot off the grill.
📍 You’ll find Coq D’Argent at 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Bank.
4. Aviary, Finsbury Square
A vast expanse of comfy sofas make this an attractive option any time of day. However, Aviary truly comes into its own when the sun goes down and the city lights up. The warm summer breeze does make those sofas look suspiciously like beds though. You have been warned…
From now until September 14, you can enjoy a three-course meal with a glass of Chandon Brut NV at Aviary for just £27.50 (or £24.50 for two courses). Just ask to see the Secret London menu.
📍 You’ll find Aviary at Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX.
🚇 Nearest station is Moorgate.
5. Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, Oxford Street
Never one to be outdone, on top of everything else they offer, Selfridges also boasts a well-regarded rooftop restaurant with a lovely al fresco bar area called Alto. There’s even a retractable roof for those days when the British summer inevitably lets us down. The perfect place for you to enjoy the gorgeous views of Soho and Central London.
📍 You’ll find Alto at 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB.
🚇 Nearest station is Bond Street.
6. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Oxford Street
While we’re on the topic of Oxford Street department stores, the John Lewis flagship store located on London’s most iconic street has its very own rooftop bar. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen brings a gorgeously green garden to the heart of the capital, nestled high above the high street shoppers and bustling boutiques. For more information, click here.
7. Radio Rooftop, Strand
This radio won’t necessarily play the latest beats, but it will bring you cocktails, nibbles, and incredible views of Somerset House and the river (for a fairly hefty per-person minimum spend, we should probably add). It certainly is a popular one though, so you’ll definitely need to book in advance.
📍 You’ll find Radio Rooftop at ME London, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA.
🚇 Nearest station is Temple.
8. The Rooftop, Trafalgar Square
We were never going to declare any of these as the champion of rooftop bars, so we’d usually be pretty irked by a place anointing itself ‘The Rooftop‘, but when it overlooks Trafalgar Square and looks this stunning at night, we’re prepared to let it slide.
📍 You’ll find The Rooftop on the 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
9. Los Mochis, The City
Nestled among the towering skyscrapers of the City of London, Los Mochis is a tantalising tequila bar with a whole lot of fabulous flavour. The vibrant and immersive interiors, along with the fantastic cocktails, will transport you across to the Mexican coast without stepping outside of London. We recommend sticking with the staples and getting one of their famed Margaritas, or treat yourself to one of the cocktails of the moment: a Paloma.
📍 You’ll find Los Mochis at 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT. Not to be confused with their Notting Hill branch which, while lovely, won’t have the rooftop vistas you’re after.
🚇 Nearest station is Liverpool Street.
10. Kitty Hawk, Covent Garden
Watching over London’s West End, Kitty Hawk boasts stunning views from the top of Page 8 Hotel. Gaze over at Nelson’s Column, cocktail in hand – or treat yourself to a delicious dinner in elegant-though-understated surroundings.
From now until September 14, you can enjoy a three-course meal with a glass of Chandon Brut NV at Kitty Hawk for just £24.50 (or £19.50 for two courses). Just ask to see the Secret London menu.
📍 You’ll find Kitty Hawk at 8 St. Martin’s Place, London, WC2N 4JH.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
11. The Rooftop, Leicester Square
Also billed as ‘The Rooftop‘, this swanky spot sits above the Hippodrome Casino smack bang in the middle of Leicester Square. So, if you’d like to sip libations in the beating heart of the West End, look no further.
📍 You’ll find The Rooftop at Cranbourn Street, WC2H 7JH.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
12. Sabine, St. Paul’s
Sabine will put you tantalisingly close to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Perched on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Sabine’s retractable roof will unfurl on summer days to catch the sunlight glinting off the dome of St. Paul’s. Not that the interior views are to be sniffed at, mind you: hanging baskets and artfully draped plants provide a botanical interior accented by wood and tiles.
📍 You’ll find Sabine at 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ.
🚇 Nearest station is St. Paul’s.
13. 8 At The Londoner, Leicester Square
Sitting peacefully eight floors above the hustle and bustle of tourist-town is the ultra swanky Japanese izakaya rooftop bar, 8 At The Londoner. Serving up deliciously creative cocktails and sensational Japanese small plates that will make you forget you’re in London altogether. That is, until you clock eyes on the sweeping views of London’s skyline.
📍 You’ll find 8 At The Londoner at The Londoner Hotel, 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX.
🚇 Nearest Station is Leicester Square.
14. Florattica, Aldgate
At Florattica, guests can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces, with inside seating that flows out to an expansive, covered outdoor terrace. They’ve given careful thought at Florattica to making sure that guests can enjoy the view in complete luxury. And what a view it is: stretching across iconic London landmarks from St. Paul’s, to Canary Wharf, and the Thames. That’s if you can tear your eyes from the bar’s impressive interiors; with eye-catching ceilings adorned with floral installations inspired by East London’s textile industry and silk woven floral patterns from the 17th century.
📍 You’ll find Florattica at Level 11, Canopy by Hilton London City, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX.
🚇 Nearest Station is Aldgate.
15. Aqua Nueva, Soho
If you’re yearning for a holiday to sunny Spain, this might be just the spot for you. Aqua Nueva is a delightful spot, marrying Regent Street glamour with traditionally inspired Spanish cuisine. Delicious tapas and cracking cocktails served up on a charming roof terrace overlooking Regent Street. If you manage to visit on a day when the sun is shining, it’s just like perching on a rooftop bars in Valencia, except you’re in Soho.
📍 You’ll find Aqua Nueva at 30 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR.
🚇 Nearest station is Bond Street.
16. Market Halls Victoria, Victoria
Gorge your way through this delicious food hall and then soak up some sunshine on its stunning London roof terrace. With a view over Victoria station, you won’t be able to resist feeling slightly smug at the sight of London commuters rushing about whilst you’re sipping sensational cocktails in the sky.
📍 You’ll find Market Halls Victoria at 191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE.
🚇 Nearest station is Victoria.
Best rooftop bars in North London
17. The Rooftop at The Standard, King’s Cross
Situated on the 11th floor of The Standard hotel, above Decimo restaurant, The Rooftop at The Standard aims to bring ‘the vibe of New York’s iconic rooftop bars to London’. While you may not get to bump heads with the Empire State Building as you look out, you will get a beautiful view of our own iconic city, including a pretty spectacular backdrop of the city’s famous St Pancras Clock Tower.
📍 You’ll find The Rooftop at The Standard at 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St Pancras.
18. The Big Chill, King’s Cross
If you’re looking for the ultimate chill-out session in the heart of the capital, it doesn’t get much better than The Big Chill. Boasting three levels of fun and an awesome rooftop patio, it’s a popular hotspot for students, as well as partygoers come the weekend. From their brilliant brunch to other weekly specials, it’s a great place to eat, work or play. But obviously, play reigns supreme, especially when the sun is shining and their retractable roof is wide open.
📍 You’ll find The Big Chill at 257-259 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St Pancras.
Best rooftop bars in East London
19. Roof East, Stratford
An expansive space in Stratford, Roof East is a giant playground for adults. Lawn bowls, baseball batting cages, karaoke and crazy golf are all popping up there this summer, along with a whole array of delicious street food to gorge yourself silly on.
📍 You’ll find Roof East at Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE.
🚇 Nearest station is Stratford.
20. Netil360, Hackney
Charmingly rustic, and all the more popular for it, this is one of East London’s favourite rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of Shoreditch, Aldgate and beyond. A great list of craft beer and pizza adds to the laidback atmosphere of Netil 360, which also boasts a cafe, gallery, and a workspace too – after work pint anyone?
📍 You’ll find Netil 360 at 1 Westgate Street, E8 3RL.
🚇 Nearest station is London Fields.
21. The Boundary, Shoreditch
Mediterranean vibes in spades at the rooftop bar of swanky Shoreditch hotel, The Boundary. The rosé will be chilled, so fingers crossed the weather will be warm.
📍 You’ll find The Boundary at 2-4 Redchurch Street, E2 7DD.
🚇 Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
22. Wagtail, Monument
Wagtail is a pretty spectacular spot to soak in the skyline; putting 360-degree views of the city on a platter for us lucky Londoners. Throw in a stellar dining and drinking experience on top of that, and you’ve got yourself a pretty dreamy evening in the capital. Prepare to get an eyeful 0f iconic landmarks such as the Shard, Tower Bridge, and even Battersea Power Station on a clear day.
From now until September 14, you can enjoy a three-course meal with a glass of Chandon Brut NV at Wagtail for just £34 (or £29 for two courses). Just ask to see the Secret London menu.
📍 You’ll find Wagtail at 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR.
🚇 Nearest station is Monument.
23. Jin Bo Law, Aldgate
Asian-inspired cocktails are the order of the day at this swanky Aldgate hangout, atop Hotel Saint. They’ll also throw views of London’s skyscrapers into the bargain, courtesy of the 14th-floor roof terrace at Jin Bo Law. We’ll drink to that.
📍 You’ll find Jin Bo Law at Hotel Saint, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH.
🚇 Nearest station is Aldgate East.
24. Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Queen of Hoxton, everyone’s favourite Shoreditch rooftop bar, always delivers the goods with their summer pop-ups. Previous themes have included the Wizard of Oz, Mexican female wrestling, a dystopian Las Vegas and a ‘Little Barcelona’. They seem to have gone more low key this year, but it’s still a super spot for a sip.
📍 You’ll find the Queen of Hoxton at 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX.
🚇 Nearest station is Liverpool Street, Old Street or Shoreditch High Street.
25. The Culpeper, Aldgate
Part bar, part urban garden, you won’t find many rooftop bars like this one in London. The roof terrace of lovely East London boozer The Culpeper is an utterly charming collision of modern and rustic. Bonus points if you can find the bar’s giant light-up cucumber.
📍 You’ll find The Culpeper at 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP.
🚇 Nearest station is Aldgate East.
26. SUSHISAMBA, Liverpool Street
Rooftop bars in London don’t come much higher than this. Spanning the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower, Japanese-Brazilian fusion restaurant SUSHISAMBA serves cocktails with dramatic views of the city skyline and beyond. Taking the Insta-appeal of their foliage-filled sister restaurant and bar in Covent Garden to new heights.
27. BŌKAN, Canary Wharf
Got a real head for heights? This Canary Wharf rooftop bar is perched way up high on the 39th floor, and also offers a specialist gin bar, daybeds and Sunday jazz sessions. There’s also a high-end restaurant and another bar at BŌKAN too.
📍 You’ll find BŌKAN at 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP.
🚇 Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
28. Pergola on the Wharf, Canary Wharf
This foliage-filled street food and cocktail hub is billed as a ‘botanical waterside Eden‘ and is perched just far enough off the ground for us to sneak them into this round-up of the best rooftop bars in London, especially since it’s so beloved in Canary Wharf.
📍 You’ll find Pergola on the Wharf at Crossrail Place, E14 5AR.
🚇 Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and Poplar.
Best rooftop bars in South London
29. Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham
Peckham really is blessed with some of the best rooftop bars in London, and this one sits across the Overground tracks from the famous Frank’s Cafe. Whilst the views at the Bussey Rooftop Bar are special, don’t let them distract you from your mission: sampling the best frozen cocktails south of the river.
📍 You’ll find the Bussey Rooftop Bar at Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
🚇 Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
30. Forza Wine, Peckham
There are only two words you need to know about Forza Wine, my friends: frozen Negronis. The ‘taller sibling’ of Peckham Italian joint Forza Win, Forza Wine sits on yet another Peckham rooftop, and pairs their grown-up slushies with a menu of rustic Italian indulgence. They also run an al-fresco terrace at the National Theatre on the South Bank.
📍 You’ll find Forza Wine at 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
🚇 Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
31. Seabird, Southwark
Cue Nelly Furtado’s ‘I’m Like A Bird‘, because this dreamy rooftop bar will make you feel like soaring. As a restaurant, it boasts London’s largest oyster menu, making it more than deserving of its spot on our al fresco dining spots round-up. But simply visiting Seabird for drinks is an excellent decision too – just sip on a biodynamic and natural wine and relax amongst the lush Mediterranean decor…
📍 You’ll find Seabird at 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB.
🚇 Nearest station is Southwark.
32. London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge
No real style points for the name, but a plum spot between the Thames and the Shard is plenty good enough for us. Transformed with fairy lights and lush foliage, the London Bridge Rooftop is an excellent spot to catch up with friends over burgers and pints.
📍 You’ll find London Bridge Rooftop at Colechurch House, Tooley Street, SE1 2SS.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
33. Frank’s Cafe at Bold Tendencies, Peckham
A classic amongst London rooftop bars. Frank’s Cafe has served Campari-based cocktails and outstanding cooking for years now, and it’s only been enhanced by the creation of Peckham Levels. The drinks here face a fight for supremacy with the lush views, and of course that famous bubblegum pink staircase.
📍 You’ll find Frank’s Cafe at Bold Tendencies on the Top Floor of 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
🚇 Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
34. 12th Knot, South Bank
Not content with one world-class cocktail bar on the ground floor, the Sea Containers hotel has another on its rooftop called 12th Knot. A narrow outdoor terrace offers iconic views across the river, and yet the interior is almost as mouthwatering as the London skyline. The perfect spot to celebrate any special occasion.
📍 You’ll find 12th knot at 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD.
🚇 Nearest station is Southwark or Blackfriars.
35. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, South Bank
Neatly located in the middle of the South Bank, this is a slice of the countryside on a central London rooftop. Wildflowers, allotments, and lawns cover the whole space, as you’d expect from the team who also created Cornwall’s Eden Project. The bar brings the drinks, all you need to bring is a sunny disposition.
📍 You’ll find the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
Best rooftop bars in West London
36. The Broadcaster, White City
Rather appropriately named; The Broadcaster is the rooftop bar that sits atop the former BBC Television Centre building. Offering sofas to lounge on, a relaxed atmosphere, a wide variety of food and drink – and some pretty impressive views to boot. Like any rooftop, you’d hope that the interior matches the view, and the Broadcaster has well-and-truly delivered on that front.
📍 You’ll find The Broadcaster at 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX.
🚇 Nearest station is Wood Lane.
37. Skylark Roof Garden, Little Venice
Arriving on the London rooftop bar scene back in summer 2019, Skylark Roof Garden is proving quite the popular summer spot. Cocktails such as the White Chocolate Martini made it a firm favourite, and the return of their lavish day beds will allow for sunshine reclining. Plus, views of Notting Hill, Hyde Park, and Regents Park provide the cherry on top of this sundae.
📍 You’ll find Skylark Roof Garden at 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Royal Oak and Paddington.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best rooftop bars in London. So when the sun is beaming this summer (well hopefully), why not grab your mates, dates or colleagues and enjoy a tipple in sky?