London’s best rooftop bar in 2025, according to Time Out

It’s almost the first bank holiday of the year, and you know what that means? Plenty of time for drinking outdoors, weather permitting (not that that’s ever stopped us brits). 

In time for the long weekend, at Time Out we have just crowned our number one rooftop bar in the city – we’re talking tip-top drinks and of course, cracking views. 

Time Out’s best rooftop bar for summer 2025 is, drumroll please... Forza Wine at the National Theatre. This South Bank spot only opened in 2023, but it’s already won our hearts thanks to its excellent on-tap wine selection (plenty of natties, of course), creative cocktails and delightful Italian-ish small plates. A bonus: this alfresco spot is walk-ins only, so there’s no nonsense about having to book a table a month in advance. 

In second place we crowned Frank’s Cafe in Peckham. This stalwart of London’s rooftop scene doesn’t need much in the way of an introduction – and you’ve probably seen that pink staircase on the Instagram of every millennial in the city. We love this bar perched on the top of a multi-storey car park for its stunning views, interesting art installations and all-round cool vibe. 

The Standard rooftop bar came in third place. The views at this bougie spot get up close and personal with the the Gothic spires of St Pancras International. It serves cocktails around the clock and this summer will see the arrival of a food truck serving New York-style pizza slices. 

Time Out’s food and drink editor Leonie Cooper said: ‘When the sun shines in London you have to seize the moment, because you never know when it's going to abandon us again. With the first few warm days of the year under our belt, we give you this – the definitive guide to the best, non-naff rooftops bars in London. So prepare to enjoy an al alfresco picante 11 floors up and think of us when you do.’

Click here for Time Out’s full list of the 15 best rooftop bars in London. 

Four London bars have just been added to a mega-prestigious guide to the best bars in the world. 

Plus: our guide to the best bars in London.