23 of the best rooftop bars in London right now
Each spring, as the clocks spring forward and the sun beams down on the capital, the best rooftop bars in London take their moment in the spotlight. While there is no shortage of glittering winter terraces in the city – many of the rooftop spots listed below are no stranger to a festive, heater-fuelled transformation – summer is when this scene comes to life. Cocktail connoisseurs emerge from London's best bars and members' clubs to sip on Provence Rosé and craft cocktails, occasionally pairing tasty evenings in London's best restaurants with a pre-feast glass of fizz while perched against the railings of a rooftop, gazing out at the city as it sparkles under the stars. As the summer season creeps ever-nearer, these are our favourite rooftop bars to visit in London.
Justin De Souza1. Wagtail, Cannon Street
Atop a grand 1920s building, a short walk from the banking district, sits a sparkling restaurant-cum-bar attracting discerning diners and fans of meticulous mixology. On the lower floor, attentive hosts direct dressed-up couples through business groups to polished tables with views of Tower Bridge. Devon scallops are seared to perfection and perched on smears of technicolour puree, crispy-skinned monkfish is served with a celeriac hit, and the sides menu is. The steaks came recommended and hums of enjoyment were audible from nearby. Upstairs, cocktail sipping is soundtracked by clinking glasses, friendly chatter and a chilled-out DJ spinning into the night. Watch the lights twinkle into action in the surrounding skyscrapers, Espresso Martini in hand as the sun sets, and people watch from above with views out to the river from the rooftop and two terraces below. Expensive? Of course – but this is somewhere groups turn to for special occasions and company card splurges, away from the innumerable East End boozers and after-work haunts that spill out onto the surrounding streets on summer evenings. Connor Sturges
Address: 68 King William Street, London EC4N 7HR
Website: wagtaillondon.com
Sam Harris2. Forza Wine, Peckham
The team behind Peckham staple Forza Win has applied its aperitivo expertise to pop-up sister space Forza Wine, where a rotation of seasonal ingredients such as oily tomatoes and garlicky pesto are scooped up with fat fingers of flatbread, and crunchy, aioli-drizzled cauliflower fritti give the underrated vegetable a good name. Skip the soft serve and order a sgroppino (lemon sorbet, vodka, and prosecco) if it’s available, and don’t be surprised if otherwise elegant cocktails are served in tumblers – up here, the wind has a habit of knocking over flutes, but it’s worth the gamble with the British weather to bag a table on the terrace with views across neighbouring Frank’s of the cityscape beyond. Anna Prendergast
Address: Forza Wine, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4BQ
Website: forzawine.com
3. 8 at The Londoner, Leicester Square
Eight floors up, atop the swanky Londoner Hotel, is a Japanese izakaya rooftop bar filled with fancy hotel guests donning Chanel pumps and designer bags alongside more casual London visitors. Everyone cheers to views of the London skyline in its shades of dusky pink as the sun sets and bar lights dim. Chilled house music, minimalistic monochrome furnishings and a statement fire in the suspended Shima garden make this central hotspot the place to know about, soothingly sitting above the chaos of Leicester Square. Cocktails are the real deal, carefully curated with the finest spirits and the most interesting ingredients, celebrating the flavours of Japan. We loved the sweet lychee rosé – a mix of lychee and kumquat vodka, rosé wine and rose liqueur decorated with a delicate flower. For something more serious, the potent barrel-aged old fashioned made with Yamazaki 12-year-old-whisky. It's smokey, sweet, and served in a misshapen glass with jagged ice cubes and white chocolate wax. Japanese small plates should are also worth shouting about – the sliced ribeye with truffle and wasabi butter is almost too good to share. Sophie Knight
Address: 8 at The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
Website: thelondoner.com
Tim Charles4. The Rooftop at The Standard, King's Cross
The stirring effect of London’s good weather is always in full force on the Standard Rooftop – when it opens seasonally, that is. Every garden chair and sofa seat (following an Accidentally Wes Anderson colour scheme) is piled high with Champagne drinkers and people sipping on cocktails from a limited but well-curated drinks list. The green astroturf might not float our boat, but the unique positioning of the hotel allows for really outstanding views. Completely unobstructed around the perimeter of the space, London spreads out around you like a pop-up map, with major landmarks jumping to the forefront of your vision. St Pancras Clock Tower is so close it appears to be peering over the glass barrier like a curious cyclops. Paired with clear skies (if you’re lucky), you really feel on top of the world. Lily Bonesso
Address: The Rooftop at The Standard, London, 10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG, United Kingdom
Website: standardhotels.com
5. Aviary, The City
At the top of Montcalm Royal House hotel in Finsbury Square, the Aviary is slap-bang in the centre of London, making it a favourite haunt of city slickers for after-work drinks; low-lounge seats and carefully placed trees give the space a comfortable coolness. Get here early to bag a table with a view, or – even better – a sheltered igloo big enough for six.
Address: Aviary Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace Bar, 10th Floor, Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Website: aviarylondon.com
6. Pergola Paddington Central
A chilled-out sun trap in the middle of Paddington? Pergola on the Roof's little sister venue has been open since 2017, adding to the area's ever-growing list of surprisingly cool places (Darcie and May Green; The Pilgrm). Two floors of communal benches sprawl out beneath leaf-covered trellises. There are two open bars, plus street food from Filth&Co, Off-Piste, and Yuki Japanese Kitchen. Grab a taco and a beer and take to the fairy-lit terrace for a sundowner with a view. When it turns chilly (or, let's face it, starts to rain) head downstairs to the covered lower deck for more of the same.
Address: Pergola Paddington Central, 5 Kingdom Street, London W2 6PY
Website: paddingtoncentral.com
7. Bar Elba, Waterloo
Coming from the team behind quite possibly the most photographed sign in London (Tonight Josephine's neon 'well behaved women don't make history'), Bar Elba is a sunny, trellised escape above Waterloo. Named after the island Napolean was exiled to with 600 mates and a horse in the 19th century, there's snap-friendly graffiti as well as a decent happy hour (even on weekends) and juicy brioche bun burgers on the menu. For the ultimate weekend social trip book in for the bottomless rooftop brunch each Saturday and Sunday.
Address: Bar Elba, Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UL
Website: bar-elba.co.uk
8. The Queen Of Hoxton, Shoreditch
This Shoreditch rooftop changes its costume every season, with a new (often fairly whacky) theme each summer to draw in East London’s rooftop dwellers. Views look out over Shoreditch’s brown brick buildings and street art, and the terrace is so big that you can always find a seat (not a given at some of London’s hot-ticket al-fresco spots). In recent years, drinkers have been transported to the secret den of the Luchadores (aka lady wrestlers) in San Christabel, Mexico, and to 1900s Paris. There are groovy bottomless brunch events but otherwise, this place isn’t known as a foodie haunt – get your dancing shoes on for long nights mingling when the weather permits.
Address: Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX
Website: queenofhoxton.com
James Jones9. Upstairs At The Department Store, Brixton
Downstairs, hurried commuters spill from the station, stressed shoppers navigate London’s most cramped Sainsbury’s and locals collect on pavements to chat and play music. Upstairs is different, a little bit like a member’s club, without the hushed tones or intimidating staff (you can either get a guest pass for the evening or pay a membership fee to go whenever you want). Not only is it one of the best, but one of the most in-the-know rooftop bars in London. You’re greeted by name and then left well alone to enjoy your evening, whether that involves a game of ping pong or table football, cocktails at the bar or supper in the sun. Inside, the design is more Brooklyn than Brixton, with industrial wooden beams and low lighting, and the atmosphere is more New York than London too – people welcome conversation with strangers. The food menu is sourced from the rooftop garden where possible, so salads are fantastically fresh. Skip pudding and get cocktails; they’re herby and refreshing, ideal for golden hour toasts. Anna Prendergast
Address: Upstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8FR
Website: upstairsbrixton.com
10. Netil 360, Hackney
Netil360 is a sprawling space in East London that’s ideally positioned for soaking up every bit of light the day has to offer. By sunset, the impressive 360 (the hint is in the name) degree views take the limelight as orange skies melt into a web of twinkling city lights. The bar is casual (definitely no suits or stilettos) – at least until that seminal sundown moment when the atmosphere shifts and the party starts. On the menu is made-to-order pizza and local craft beer, plus spirits at reasonable prices. Although slightly rough around the edges, this rooftop bar has charm – perhaps best illustrated by a pleasingly out-of-place disco ball that bounces speckles of sunlight around the place. Olivia Holborow
Address: Netil360, 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London E8
Website: netil360.com
11. Aqua Spirit, Soho
Overlooking Regent Street, escape Oxford Circus for a sunset on one of the three terraces at Aqua London, one of the best bars in Soho. Wine ranges from affordable to extravagant – think house whites alongside bottles of Dom Pérignon Rosé – and there is a tidy range of fruity cocktails, including non-alcoholic options that make sober socialites feel like part of the party. Best of all, the bar snacks menu reads like a lip-smacking canapé selection; think wild mushroom croquettes, Iberian charcuterie selections, and pistachio churros dipped in dark chocolate sauce.
Address: Aqua London, 240 Regent Street, Soho, London W1B 3BR
Website: aquanueva.co.uk
12. Coq D'argent, The City
Coq d'Argent was designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who has won numerous awards and gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. The concept for the design of the striking apex garden emanated from images of ploughed fields. Look over the famous Square Mile and landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Mansion House, Monument and the Bank of England. Look out for live music performances during the summer months – they’ll be sure to banish the Sunday scaries in no time.
Address: Coq d'Argent, 1 Poultry, the City, London EC2
Website: coqdargent.co.uk
Thierry Delsart13. Radio At Me London, The Strand
The rooftop bar of the ME London hotel is set on top of the former BBC building on Aldwych and the Strand – hence the name. The vibe is something between City swagger and Euro strut. It's high in the absolute heart of London so the views are fantastic, with enough landmarks in sight to keep you entertained even on the most boring of dates. Look out past the Savoy and Waterloo Bridge to the South Bank and the Gherkin, The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye; and across the rooftops of Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
Address: Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2
Website: radiorooftop.com
14. Boundary, Shoreditch
Atop Boundary Hotel in Shoreditch sits one of East London's swankiest bars-with-a-view. The Rooftop Bar and Grill has a large outdoor terrace and a sheltered Orangery restaurant with panoramic views. Italian Roberto Branca oversees things in the kitchen, and any visit proves that Londoners can't get enough of the chef's Mediterranean flavours. The new summer menu includes grilled chermoula prawns with sesame mayonnaise, lamb köftes with fregola salad, and T-bone steaks cooked however you like, drizzled in indulgent sauces. Or go for charcuterie washed down with crisp wines and an indulgent pudding.
Address: The Boundary, Redchurch Street, London E16
Website: boundary.london
Alamy15. Frank's Cafe, Peckham
The rooftop bar that first put Peckham on the map: here young Peckhamites (and now, cool types from across the city too) sip Campari in various forms: Negronis, Americanos and Campari Spritz among them, all while overlooking a slightly grubbier view of the London skyline than some of the slicker bars on this list. But that has its own charms: this gritty bar is on most summer must-visit lists for a reason.
Address: Frank's Café and Campari Bar, 10th floor Peckham multistorey car park, 95a Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15
Website: frankscafe.org.uk
16. Bōkan 38 Bar & 39 Rooftop, Canary Wharf
Look past the uninspiring Canary Wharf location and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Bōkan, a three-story restaurant-cum-bar at the top of the Novotel. With Mad Men-style, mid-century-modern furniture, exposed industrial fixtures on the ceiling, and warm, statement lighting, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to stay inside. But on a glorious summer’s day, Bōkan’s terrace is the place to be for an after-work drink, a Saturday brunch, and occasional live music sessions – all served up alongside breathtaking views of London.
Address: Bōkan 37, 40 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9TP
Website: bokanlondon.co.uk
Belinda Lawley17. Roof Garden At Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank
This is one of London's prettiest terraces, with bright, bold flowers and a great view of the London Eye looming over the city's rooftops. This truly is a garden: with fruit trees and allotments, plus plenty of grass to stretch out on in the sun. Head up for lunch and stay as the afternoon stretches into the night. Be sure to order a Bellini as you enjoy one of the city's most picturesque sunsets. While it may be a slight push to call it one, we're claiming this spot as one of the prettiest rooftop bars in London.
Address: Roof Garden at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
18. 12th Knot At Sea Containers London, Southbank
This glass-walled bar on top of the retro Sea Containers London gives the impression you're floating on the top deck of the ship – all part of the nautical, good-time vibe throughout this buzzy Southbank hub. The terrace leads drinkers out of the plush indoor bar (there's a lot of velvet) to the long deck with unbeatable, all-encompassing riverside views. Expect to be mesmerised by glittering St Paul's, and even more so by the drinks. There’s also a programme of weekly live music events, made up of an eclectic mix of music genres, live funk and soul DJs, and classic 45s vinyl nights.
Address: 12th Knot, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
Website: seacontainerslondon.com
19. Alto By San Carlo At Selfridges Rooftop
Strung with flowers and positioned on top of one of London’s most iconic department stores, Alto by San Carlo is the London rooftop to visit for a hit of Italian charm. Decorative sprinklings of citrus fruits and rattan furniture lend a distinctively summery feel and while on first impressions the tables seem a tad close together, in the end, this just adds to the jovial atmosphere. Weary shoppers happily guzzle refreshing Aperol Spritzes in fishbowl-sized glasses as they peruse the extensive wine list. Those with an appetite will find delicious Italian plates – truffle and pecorino ravioli, bruschetta with broad beans, mint and ricotta, and sea bass served simply with olive oil, lemon and parsley. This isn’t a rooftop that needs to be saved for good weather. Blankets are doled out the second a chill hits the air, and if it starts raining (let’s face it, it could) a retractable roof and walls are on hand to save the day. Olivia Holborow
Address: Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges rooftop, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
Website: sancarlo.co.uk
20. Skylight Rooftop Bar At Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Place it on top of a car park and Londoners will flock there; first Frank's, now Skylight at the Tobacco Dock in Wapping. Three floors of fake grass are home to incredible views of the city's skyline and mellow bar areas. This is one bar that loves a theme – and Londoners love attending judging by the rate at which events can sell out. From New Years Eve to St Patrick’s Day, there’s always something to celebrate a Skylight.
Address: Skylight Rooftop Bar, Pennington St. Car Park Entrance
Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Website: skylightlondon.com
21. The Rooftop At The Trafalgar St James
Overlooking Trafalgar Square is exactly the kind of plush bar you would expect to find on top of a smart hotel – a minimalist aesthetic, smooth service that anticipates your every move and an extensive drinks list. And yet it’s still incredibly cosy – there are snuggly cashmere blankets to keep you warm, a laidback atmosphere, helped by the tropical house soundtrack, and brilliantly made cocktails (make sure to order the Old Fashioned for a perfect after-work kick).
Address: The Rooftop, 7th Floor, The Trafalgar St James, 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS
Website: rooftopstjames.com
22. The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
This Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar is bringing a hit of Californian sunshine to one of our favourite East London neighbourhoods. It's at the top of One Hundred Shoreditch, an exciting forward-thinking hotel that opened in early 2022. Enter via the dedicated rooftop lift to arrive at the pink-centric bar. Terrazzo marble tables are tinged with marshmallow, candyfloss-hued tiles adorn the walls and blush stools are neatly lined up in front of rose-gold lamps. Plants cascade from the ceiling while floor-to-ceiling windows open out to a terrace with some of the best views in this neighbourhood. Sit on the left side for a city-skyline vista, or nab a table on the right for a dose of Dickensian London, with towering church spires and bell towers. The food is excellent – try the Instagram-ready Turkish eggs and crunchy strips of buttermilk fried chicken – and the lemongrass margarita is the perfect refreshing tipple for a sunny afternoon. Olivia Morelli
Address: One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JQ
Website: onehundredshoreditch.com
Veerle Evens23. The Culpeper, Spitalfields
A pub in the heart of East London is not the place you’d think to find views like the one on The Culpeper’s roof. Set in the midst of an urban garden that grows food for the restaurant below – its seasonal menu changes weekly and centres around sustainability – it’s an eclectic spot that feels distinctly British. Look out onto the metropolitan sprawl and one of London’s most famous buildings, the Gherkin, while enjoying a cocktail whipped up below and delicious bar snacks that just might have been grown right beside you.
Address: The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, London E1 6LP
Website: theculpeper.com