While London might not be known for it’s outdoor drinking weather, it certainly has enough rooftop bars to accommodate people when the sun does come out. We’ve rounded up the best and most popular rooftop bars in London that should be on your radar.
Way up on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle serves up serious views. The 24-hour bar and restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunrise at the end of a wild night out accompanied by one of their famous breakfasts and a bellini. If you’re just going for a drink, you don’t usually need to book but they do have a no trainers policy.
Source: Evening Standard
Located at the northern end of hipster central Broadway Market, Netil 360 is the bar on top of Netil House, a multi-purpose creative space. The venue has views over hackney right into the city and a huge outdoor terrace. In the summer you’ll find digital nomads working here on their laptops and in the winter you can cosy up in the indoor space with a mulled wine.
Source: Truman Brewery
For views of St Paul’s cathedral, Madisons really can’t be beat. On top of the One New Change shopping centre, this classy bar has a large outdoor terrace and a front row seat as the sun sets over the iconic landmark. Because of it’s location in the city, expect a crowd of banker types and stockbrokers, but they’re worth putting up with for the panoramic view.
Source: Idle Man
Frank’s in Peckham has become a local institution in the past few years with Londoners from all over the capital making the pilgrimage to this unlikely hot spot. On the roof of a multi-story car park, Frank’s provides sweeping views of the whole of London as well as a view further south towards Forest Hill. Enjoy an Aperol spritz here while rubbing shoulders with London’s coolest residents.
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On the 10th floor of the ME London, Radio Rooftop provides sweeping views across all of London’s main sights from the Shard to the Thames. The service isn’t up to much and it’s definitely not good value, but it’s worth a visit just for the view.
Source: Evening Standard
After a busy day shopping on Oxford Street, you’re probably looking for a nice place to put your feet up away from the crowds and enjoy a refreshing pick me up. Aqua is perfectly located just off Oxford Circus and is open from 3pm daily. They don’t take reservations for the roof terrace so get your shopping done early to grab a table.
Source: Secretldn
Shoreditch’s Boundary Rooftop is the place to see and be seen. The chic space has outdoor seating as well as a glass dining area which is perfect for the winter months. They usually run a themed menu here with drinks to match depending on the season. Expect views down towards Bishopsgate and plenty of beautiful people to drink with.
Source: Independent
When you think of London. You probably picture red double deckers, black cabs and Trafalgar Square. From The Rooftop St James you can watch the world go by below and tick off every London cliche you can think of. Except impressive cocktails and a grown up crowd.
Source: Traflagar St James
The covered and heated rooftop is idyllic year-round with a lush green lawn and views of the city including The Gherkin. They serve a delicious selection of bar snacks and have an extensive cocktail menu that you’ll love working your way through.
Sushi Samba shares the Heron Tower with Duck and Waffle but has the added attraction of an outdoor terrace above the clouds. It’s only small but is a gorgeous place to have a drink. Head inside when you’ve finished your cocktail to try Sushi Samba’s Japanese fusion food.
Source: Carnet Chic
Queen of Hoxton is perfectly placed between Liverpool Street and Shoreditch so is a great place to meet friends for a quick after work drink. In the summer you’ll find a festival-themed bar and in winter a teepee and open fire. The roof terrace is on the 6th floor and there’s no lift, so expect a long walk!
Source: Queen of Hoxton
