There are very few better ways to spend an evening thanย on a London rooftop, pairing your drink with some pretty intoxicating views โ and seeing as the weather has finally decided to start playing ball, 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 acocktail 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. 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.
๐ You’ll find Savage Garden on the 12th Floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF.
๐ Nearest station is Tower Hill.ย
2. Summer Terrace at Madisons, St. Paul’s
Madison Rooftop is where youโll find on of the most iconicย views of St Paulโs Cathedral. Itโs 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?
๐ You’ll find the Summer Terrace at Madisons at Madison Restaurant,ย Rooftop Terrace,ย One New Change,ย EC4M 9AF.
๐ Nearest stations are St Paul’s and Mansion House.
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.
๐ You’ll find Coq D’Argent at 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ.
๐ 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…
๐ You’ll find Aviary at Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX.
๐ 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.
๐ You’ll find Alto at 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB.
๐ Nearest station is Bond Street.ย
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 an all-new rooftop bar. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchenย brings a gorgeously green garden to the heart of the capital, nestled high above the high street shoppers and bustling boutiques. With panoramic views of the city and quirky vibes, be sure to check out London’s latest addition to top-notch rooftop bars. For more information, click here.
7. Radio Rooftop, Strand
This radio won’t play the latest beats, but it will bring you cocktails, nibbles, and incredibleย views of Somerset House and the river (for a fairly hefty per-person minimum spend, may we add). It certainly is a popular one so you’ll definitely need to book in advance.
๐ You’ll find Radio Rooftop at ME London, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA.
๐ 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.
๐ You’ll find The Rooftop on the 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS.
๐ Nearest station is Charing Cross.ย
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 try something new and treat yourself to a Paloma.
10. 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.
๐ You’ll find The Rooftop at Cranbourn Street, WC2H 7JH.
๐ Nearest station is Leicester Square.
11. Sabine, St. Paul’s
Sabine will put you tantalisingly close to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, and we’re extremely excited to pop down for a visit. Perched on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Sabineโsย retractable roof will unfurl on summer days to catch the sunlight glinting off the dome of St. Paulโs. 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.
๐ You’ll find Sabine at 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ.
๐ Nearest station is St. Paulโs.ย
12. Garden Rooftop, Leicester Square
Plant-lovers with a penchant for cocktails should make this the first spot on their list. Billed as a ‘Living Bar’, the Garden Rooftop takes plenty of inspiration from the natural world for their cocktails, even going so far as inviting you to hand-pick herbs and botanicals that the Garden Rooftop’s bartenders will then use to infuse and garnish your cocktails.
.
๐ Nearest stationย isย Leicester Square.
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.
๐ You’ll find 8 At The Londoner at The Londoner Hotel, 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX.
๐ 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. Theyโve 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. Paulโs, to Canary Wharf, and the Thames. Thatโs if you can tear your eyes from the barโs impressive interiors, with eye-catching ceilings adorned with floral installations inspired by East Londonโs textile industry and silk woven floral patterns from the 17th century.
๐ You’ll find Florattica at Level 11, Canopy by Hilton London City, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX.
๐ Nearest Station is Aldgate.
15. Market Halls Victoria, Victoria
Gorge your way through this delicious food hall and then soak up some sunshine on the stunning central 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.
๐ You’ll find Market Halls Victoria at 191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE.
๐ Nearest station is Victoria.
16. 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, itโs just like perching on a rooftop bars in Valencia, except you’re in Soho.
๐ You’ll find Aqua Nueva at 30 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR.
๐ Nearest station is Bond Street.
Best rooftop bars in North London
17. The Standard Rooftop, King’s Cross
Situated on the 11th floor of The Standard hotel, above Decimo restaurant, The Standard Rooftop aims to bring ‘the vibe of New Yorkโs 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 iconic city, including a pretty spectacular backdrop of the cityโs famous St Pancras Clock Tower.
๐ You’ll find The Standard Rooftop at 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG.
๐ Nearest station is Kingโs Cross St Pancras.
18. Near & Far, Camden
Taking the Palm Springs concept to the next level, the Camden offshoot of Near & Far is set over four floors and includes a gorgeous covered roof terrace with views over the famous Camden Market.ย The whole venue is filled with pastel colours, hot pink lighting, palm trees and cacti, and there’s a banging cocktail list to boot too.
๐ You’ll find Near & Far at 48 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AJ.
๐ Nearest stations are Camden Town and Chalk Farm.
19. The Big Chill, Kings 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!
๐ You’ll find The Big Chill at 257-259 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL.
๐ Nearest station is King Cross St Pancras
Best rooftop bars in East London
20. Roof East, Stratford
An expansive space in Stratford, Roof East’s playground for adults offers exactly that: 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. From April 18, big kids of the capital city can head on over and have the time of their life.
๐ You’ll find Roof East at Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE.
๐ Nearest station is Stratford.ย
21. Dalston Roofpark, Dalston
Giving themselves a makeover for summer last year, this beautiful hidden oasis up high can be found at Dalston Roofpark. Whether it’s a cooling beer in the late evening sun you’re after, a boogie at their Disco nights every Friday, or a linkup with live DJs and JD cocktails in equal measure at their Apple Hideaway this summer โ this particular rooftop has got you covered on all fronts. You can even catch all the England games there during the Euros this summer… Find out more and plan your visit here.
๐ You’ll find Dalston Roofpark at The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL
๐ Nearest station is Dalston Kingsland
22. 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 beers adds to the laidback atmosphere of Netil 360, which also boasts a cafe, gallery, and a workspace too โ after work pint anyone?
๐ You’ll find Netil 360 at 1 Westgate Street, E8 3RL.
๐ Nearest station is London Fields.ย
23. KRAFT, Dalston
Situated right in the heart of Dalston on the bustling Kingsland High Street, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views of London’s stunning cityscape. Imagine yourself enjoying freshly-brewed beer, indulging in gin and tonics, and savouring Summery cocktails while surrounded by swaying palm trees, bamboo, and a vibrant atmosphere. You can do all this and more at KRAFT, and let’s not forget the live DJs spinning tunes that will keep you movin’ and groovin’ until sunset! Check out their Instagram here.
๐ You’ll find KRAFT at Kingsland Locke, 130a Kingsland High Street, E8 2LQ.
๐ Nearest station is Dalston Kingsland.ย
24. Skylight, Wapping
Officially the only addition on this roundup of the best rooftop bars in London to offer a croquet course, Skylight sits above Tobacco Dock, and it also opens during the Winter season with an adorable rooftop ice rink.
๐ You’ll find Skylight at Pennington Street, London, E1W 2SF.
๐ Nearest station is Shadwell.ย
25. The Boundary, Shoreditch
Mediterranean vibes in spades at the rooftop bar of swanky Shoreditch hotel, The Boundary. The rosรฉ will be chilled, so fingers crossed the weather will be warm. Although if it isn’t, head to the basement where a new brasserie and bar have set up shop. (See the best restaurants in Shoreditch for even more dining inspo.)
๐ You’ll find The Boundary at 2-4 Redchurch Street, E2 7DD.
๐ Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
26. Jin Bo Law, Aldgate
Asian-inspired cocktails are the order of the day at this swanky Aldgate hangout, atop the Dorsett Hotel. They’ll also throw views of London’s skyscrapers into the bargain, courtesy of the14th-floor roof terrace at Jin Bo Law. We’ll drink to that.
๐ You’ll find Dorsett City Hotel, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH.
๐ Nearest station is Aldgate East.
27. Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Queen of Hoxton, everyoneโs 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’. Don’t mind us whilst we patiently sit and wait for this year’s theme to be revealed.
๐ You’ll find the Queen of Hoxton at 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX.
๐ Nearest station is Liverpool Street, Old Street or Shoreditch High Street.ย
28. The Culpeper, Aldgate
Part bar, part urban garden, you won’t find many rooftop bars like this 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.
๐ You’ll find The Culpeper at 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP.
๐ Nearest station is Aldgate East.
29. SUSHISAMBA, Liverpool Street
Rooftop bars in London don’t come much higher than this. Spanning the 38th and 39th floors of the Salesforce Tower, the Japanese-Brazilian fusion restaurant SUSHISAMBA serves cocktails with dramatic views of the city skyline and beyond. Imagine the Insta-appeal of their foliage-filled sister restaurant and bar in Covent Garden, and you’ll have some idea of what this London rooftop bar is like.
30. Bokan, Canary Wharf
Got a real head for heights? This Canary Wharf rooftop bar is perched way up high on the 39th floor, and also offer a specialist gin bar, daybeds and Sunday jazz sessions. There’s also a high-end restaurant and another bar at Bokan too.
๐ You’ll find Bokan at 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP.
๐ Nearest station is Canary Wharf.ย
31. Golden Bee, Shoreditch
Are you looking for somewhere new to party in Shoreditch? Check out the Golden Bee, a beloved rooftop bar and nightclub a stone’s throw away from Old Street station. It’s an awesome option if you want to kick-start your weekend with incredible vibes on a stunning East London rooftop.
๐ You’ll find Golden Bee at 262-264 Old Street, Clapton EC1V 9DD.
๐ Nearest station is Old Street.
32. 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.
๐ You’ll find Pergola on the Wharf at Crossrail Place, E14 5AR.
๐ Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and Poplar.
33. Allegra, Stratford
This next rooftop spot is located on the seventh floor of The Stratford Hotel and is a complete and utter beauty. A sea of wildflowers, large exotic plants, water features and fluorescent floor lighting will be the backdrop to your evening. Oh, and letโs not forget about that view of the London skyline, hey? They also have an impressive twelve-page drinks menu with just about anything you could ever wish for. Consider my summer plans sorted.
๐ You’ll find Allegra at The Stratford Hotel, 20 International Way, E20 1FD.
๐ Nearest station is Stratford.
34. Wagtail, Monument
Wagtail is 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.
๐ You’ll find Wagtail at 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR.
๐ Nearest station is Monument.
Best rooftop bars in South London
35. 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 cocktailsย south of the river.
๐ You’ll find theย Bussey Rooftop Bar at Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
๐ย Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
36. 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 (add on Frank’s Cafe and the Bussey Building for an epic local rooftop bar crawl), and pairs their grown-up slushies with a menu of rustic Italian indulgence. They also run an al-fresco terrace at the National Theatre – so there are plenty of wine-y spots to choose from!
๐ You’ll find Forza Wine at 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
๐ Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
37. 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 โ just sip on a biodynamic and natural wineย and relax amongst the lush Mediterranean decor…
๐ You’ll find Seabird at 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB.
๐ Nearest station is Southwark.ย
38. 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.
๐ You’ll find London Bridge Rooftop at Colechurch House, Tooley Street, SE1 2SS.
๐ Nearest station is London Bridge.
39. Frank’s Cafe, 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 the insanely Instagrammable bubblegum pink stairs. They’ll be flinging open their (sky-high) doors for summer on May 17, and we’ll be ready and waiting.
๐ You’ll find Frank’s Cafe on the Top Floor of 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
๐ Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
40. 12th Knot, South Bank
Not content with one world-class cocktail bar on the ground floor, the Sea Containers hotel has another on the 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 we say.
๐ You’ll find 12th knot at 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD.
๐ Nearest station is Southwark or Blackfriars.ย ย
41. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank
Neatly located in the middle of the Southbank, 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 when you’re visiting the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden.
๐ You’ll find the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX.
๐ Nearest station is Waterloo.
Best rooftop bars in West London
42. 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. Like any rooftop, youโd hope that the interior matches the view, and the Broadcaster has well-and-truly delivered on that front too.
๐ You’ll find The Broadcaster at 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX.
๐ Nearest station is Wood Lane.
43. 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.
๐ You’ll find Skylark Roof Garden at 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD.
๐ Nearest stations are Royal Oak and Paddington.
44. Fulham Beach Club, Fulham
On weekends throughout the summer, some (well-needed) sunshine arrives in west London, courtesy of Fulham Beach Club. This rooftop urban paradise and its signature pastel-coloured beach huts and picture-perfect pergolas will overlook the Thames, making it the perfect spot for sipping, snacking and snapping some pretty stunning Instagram content. For more information, visit their website.
๐ You’ll findย Fulham Beach Club at Neverland,ย Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2TY.
๐ Nearest stations are Wandsworth Town.
So there you have it โ 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 get enjoys a tipple in sky? Cheers!