Our favourite London spots for sinking a few sunny bevvies high above the crowds
From swanky skyscrapers to casual warehouse hangouts and hidden pub terraces, London has a real crush on a rooftop bar. To enjoy natural high, we are blessed with all kinds of rooftops which offer a winning combination of incredible city views and perfect drinks. So take your pick from stylish Shoreditch, buzzing Soho and Covent Garden, hipster haven Peckham and more – it’s time to soak up those sunsets. If you'd rather something a little more grounded, then have a look at London's best beer gardens.
Fancy a majestic meal up in the air? Check out London’s best rooftop restaurants.
Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? Peckham’s most popular summer-only bar, unglamorously perched on a multi-storey car park.
Why go? Opening back up for summer season on May 17 2024, Frank’s has gained cult status, and its reopening always heralds the start of summer. Head up for a Campari at sunset and to check out always-interesting art installations. The place to be seen until it closes again in September.
What is it? A spring- and summer-only astroturfed eleventh-floor terrace bar at the first hotel outside of the US from hip hotel group The Standard, opening for the 2024 season on April 5.
Why go? For an up-close view of the Gothic spires of St Pancras International just opposite, and to dance and drink the night away to live music as well as Afrobeats and house DJs. This year there'll also be a food truck serving New York-style pizza slices.
What is it? A chic wine bar and restaurant in London's alt-capital of the rooftop bar; Peckham.
Why go? The bar snacks are serious stuff (don't ignore the fritti) and the wine is outstanding. Plus, you can shelter indoors and still enjoy the views, making it a great year-rounder.
What is it? A Hackney rooftop bar up nine flights of stairs (there’s no lift), but boy, when you get up there, it’s simply divine. From October to March there are indoor areas to book, so you can stay dry and check out the views.
Why go? To drink and dance your way around the panoramic bar and garden for full-circle views of our fair city. There are also saunas up there, if you fancy getting steamy.
What is it? An East End boozer that just so happens to have a rooftop you can drink your pints on. A spot overlooking Hackney Road might not quite offer a Mary Poppins-esque rooftop views, but we love it anyway.
Why go? So you can also scoff some of east London's best food – the Marksman is one of the best gastropubs around.
What is it? Up on the seventh floor of Broadwick Soho hotel, Flute pays tribute to a famous flute maker who resided on Broadwick Street in the 19th century. And wetting your whistle is just what you'll be doing here, at this outré, OTT terrace with views of the Soho skyline. There's also plenty of animal print, an onyx bar, cork walls and lots more seriously camp decor.
Why go? For cocktails inspired by movies shot in Soho – make ours a Peeping Tom, with rum, sherry and acai berries – and the feeling like you might have just stepped into a drag queen's boudoir.
What is it? Only the most hyped pub in Soho. The Devonshire is the pub to see and be seen at, especially if you're drinking a pint of performative Guinness.
Why go? The Dev's roof terrace is first come, first served. Up on the third floor, they'll be serving up the first floor resto's chophouse style cuisine, as well as endless pints of Dublin's finest. If you can fit up there, then spill out onto Denman Street like the rest of the crowds.
What is it? The glorious adjunct to artsy Somerset House, this San Miguel-sponsored terrace opens up every spring for the season, offering tapas, beers, cocktails and a sterling view of the Thames.
Why go? Immersive masterclasses and supper clubs as well as live music are all on offer alongside your pints and pan con tomate.
What is it? You’ll get double the gherkin at this idyllic spot near the famous pickle-shaped office block, since The Culpeper’s rooftop space is used to grow veggies for its kitchen.
Why go? The cocktails from the cute greenhouse bar are of real quality and pack in loads of herbs from the neighbouring beds.
What is it? Every summer this massive rooftop play space and bar offers drinks, views, mini golf, batting cages and hip-hop lawn bowls (‘bringing the banter back to bowls’ *shudder*). Feed yourselves from street-food vendors or catch a film under the stars. It's re-opening April 18, 2024.
Why go? If that little lot sounds like it’s right up your alley, it’s a good laugh. If not, probably best avoid.
What is it? Forza Wine's second spot is on the top floor of the National Theatre and features a wonderful wraparound terrace, perfect for sipping a flute of pét-nat when London's t-shirt weather returns.
Why go? For Forza's beloved small plates, cocktails, natty wine and a seriously impressive review of the Thames and South Bank.
What is it? E8’s happening rooftop bar with a cause that has snowballed into a multi-faceted events space.
Why go? Expect natural wines, beer and pizza, along with film screenings, day parties and club nights.
What is it? Boundary does rooftop drinking in style, with a glass roof for protection from the elements in inclement conditions.
Why go? The kitchen offers great Mediterranean grub – think grilled chermoula prawns, lamb köftes, octopus and vegan moussaka – even if the London climate doesn’t always match it.
What is it? A Peckham rival to Frank’s Café that’s open in the spring and summer. April 18 will be the first day of the 2024 season.
Why go? For a huge cocktail menu, with decent virgin options. And for every pizza ordered from the rooftop’s resident kitchen, Share a Slice, one will be donated to someone in need. Reduced-guilt pizza! And new for 2024 are bottomless rooftop party brunches.
What is it? The top floor of an east London hotel, with a bar and kitchen that's giving summery Miami energy; all plants and pink marble.
Why go? Chef Ilknur Celik serves up dishes inspired by Istanbul and drinks fit nicely; there's a Margarissa with tequila, harissa, lime and agave, and a Kasonist with Greek wine, vodka, watermelon shrub and soda. Those panoramic views are a bit tasty, too.
What is it? Up on the sixteenth floor of the Treehouse, a hotel with a focus on sustainability, and affording 360-degree views of the capital from its centre, the Nest Rooftop Bar is a foliage-filled hangout.
Why go? There’s an outdoor terrace that wraps around the building and is filled with loungers. We also love the bar’s blossoming living wall.
What is it? The King’s Cross branch of this buzzy bar harbours one of the area’s best rooftops – an expansive, attractive space with wooden shacks.
Why go? Graze on modern pub grub such as halloumi fries and bulging burgers, plus boozy brunches on sunny weekends.
What is it? A surprising rooftop terrace bar in the One New Change shopping centre. It attracts a crowd of City slickers and hen nights, though bride-to-be costumes are not allowed.
Why go? For brilliant close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral, just ignore the generic house beats and suits. For summer 2024 Aperol have taken over the terrace, so expect the spritzes to flow to a backdrop of live music and DJ sets on Friday nights alongside a menu of ceviche and lobster tacos.
What is it? The downstairs bit of this grungy bar and club is better suited to nocturnal drinking, but the partially covered rooftop space is bright and airy. For the 2024 season the theme is Latin; so expect tacos, tequila and, hopefully, lots of sun.
Why go? For drinks and snacks in a colourful space. Head downstairs for parties and shows.
What is it? The Alexandra, a south London all-rounder, has a roof terrace that’s the pride of SW19 and has a burger menu and a craft beer range.
Why go? Although only open from springtime, The Loft has patio heaters, a sheltered bar and lots of seats to squabble over.
What is it? This rooftop bar in Shoreditch has a bit of an Ibiza feel (plus pollution) with its palm trees, rattan furniture and DJs playing out house hits.
Why go? Happy-hour cocktails and buckets of beer, plus customers who bring the fun.
What is it? Sky-high rooftop bar on the thirty-eighth floor of the City’s Heron Tower, with a prettily lit tree at its centre. Inside, and a floor up, is the even more lavish Samba Room.
Why go? On sunny days it attracts crowds like the Rio Carnival, but it’s worth the scrum for the serious cocktails and sensational widescreen views.
What is it? The indoor/outdoor space above Netil House is taking group bookings. Entertainment comes from DJs and live jazz acts.
Why go? Head here if you like your rooftops all jungly and plant-filled: fronds dangle from the ceiling indoors and on the terrace, palm trees fan out on the perimeter.
What is it? There’s a secret beer garden on the roof of this small-but-handsome wood-panelled pub.
Why go? It’s not the most glossy or bucolic spot, but it’s a handy retreat from the comings and goings of King’s Cross station, with ample parasol-laden benches.
What is it? Although Tobacco Dock’s Skylight is primarily an all-weather playground, it also offers a prime position for rooftop drinking with unparalleled panoramas.
Why go? Multiple seating options – open-air, outdoor but covered and heated, igloos, huts etc – and a range of activities that changes throughout the year, including ice skating, pétanque, table tennis and croquet.
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