Peckham RyeFrank’s is probably the only reason half of us head southhhhh of the river in the summer. Perched 10 floors up on the top of Peckham’s multi-story Frank’s has some of the best views across London, and with crazy art installations and street food grub, which you’ll need to sober up before you make it back down all those stairs, Frank’s really does have it all.
Stratford
Fancy catching a film, playing a round of crazy golf or stretching out with some yoga? Well you can do it all at Roof East. Yes the Stratford rooftop is jam-packed with activities, including hip-hop inspired lawn bowls, batting cages and a roller disco, not to mention the mega views over the Olympic Park.
Bethnal GreenInspired by the beach bars of Spain and nestled on the corner of Bethnal Green’s iconic Museum Gardens (ok not a beach but not bad for what used to be a public toilet block), this relaxed Spanish bar and restaurant is open for your morning cortado until your late-night, Latin-inspired tapas. You can trust Chiringuito to take care of you all day long.
Dalston Junction
Amidst the concrete jungle of Dalston is an escape from the masses. Dalston rooftop is a music venue, a roof garden where you could be doing anything from raving, to yoga to dining at a fancy supper club or brunch on the plushly turfed lawn filled with flowers and palm street. There is no lift however, so be prepared mentally and physically for those stairs.
Shoreditch High Street
A rooftop orangery? Oh yes, Boundary’s heated rooftop is filled with citrus and mimosa trees. As well as serving up a rather fancy all-day menu, Boundary have more casual seating for those looking to lounge around with a cocktail and with some bloody good views of the city after dark, it’s not just a place to watch the sun go down.
Aldgate East
The Culpeper definitely doesn’t have your average pub garden. Oh no, their rooftop garden comes complete with a greenhouse, herb and veg garden, and with a custom-built wood-fired grill you can expect some absolutely bangin’ food! With views to the Gherkin and Heron Tower, this one is a real hidden gem so keep it on the down low.
London Fields
Netil 360 is our fave East London hangouts in the summer and it’s not just because they have a rooftop dog… Oh no, this place has some bangin’ views, hot tubs and will keep the party going all night long. With morning yoga, a cafe and bookable work desks, it’s pretty much a one stop shop.
Bank
If you’re after something fancy Coq D’Argent is the one. The leafy gardens with proper lawns and perfectly pruned plants (we said it was fancy) is a big hit with city workers, and with a huge list of bubbly and a cigar menu, we’re not surprised. But hit it up at the weekend, and the place is likely to be dead quiet, unlike most rooftop bars…
Hammersmith
For those who say the theatres are boring, have clearly never been to the Lyric in Hammersmith. Perched on top of the theatre in West London, you’ll find a roof garden with cocktails, music and tasty grub. Filled with greenery and slightly more swishy than your pub garden, this is the perfect place for date night.
Brixton
There’s only one place to be when the sun comes out in Brixton and that’s up on the terrace at The Prince of Wales. It’s so much more than a rooftop bar though; the musical programme is always knockout, with the likes of Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson, Horse Meat Disco and Brixton Boogaloo throwing parties across the summer.
Temple
Perched on the 10th floor on the ME hotel on The Strand, Radio Rooftop Bar shines in all it’s glory. The cocktail bar oozes money and you best take some dollar with you too, but with views across the river, DJ’s and a pretty spesh brunch menu, it’s the perfect weekend hangout.
Shoreditch High Street
Queen of Hoxton always goes the extra mile when it comes to their rooftop and that’s why we keep on going back. Not only is it the original home of Rooftop Film Club but they love a theme – it’s had everything from Cuban cabanas to fairytale wigwams to psychedelic tie-dye. And best of all, they throw on some heaters, warm up some booze and keep it open during the winter, so you can get high all year long.
Chalk Farm
We’ve spent many summer evenings on The Lock Tavern’s roof terrace. With BBQs, DJs and damn fine beer there’s not much not to like, and if you can’t squeeze on the roof terrace there’s a huge beer garden downstairs – so everyone’s a winner really.
Haggerston
Rain or shine you’ll find us in The Fox, but it’s got a little secret…it has a bloody great roof garden. Oh yes, from the outside The Fox just looks like your average pub, but work your way up those stairs and you’ll find a terrace surrounded in flowers and fairy lights. What a crafty little fox.
Oxford Circus
Sitting proud on top of the old Dickins & Jones department store on Regent Street, Aqua Spirit is the perfect spot to escape the madness of Oxford Street. This place is on the fancy side of things and if you want a seat get there early – like after lunch early, but once you’re up there it’s so worth it!
Peckham Rye
Yes, Frank’s isn’t the only hip rooftop bar in Peckham, Bussey Building is the original and also home to Rooftop Film Club. With laid-back vibes, good food, lots of booze and bloody great views, you could easily drink the night away here, but remember there’s a f**k load of stairs to get back down to earth… like seriously loads, but on the plus side you won’t have to worry about missing the gym!
Perched 10 floors up, on the top of the Montcalm Royal London House you’ll find Aviary. The pretty swish rooftop bar doesn’t just have bangin’ bars across London, but serves cocktails in sharing pineapples and even has an undercover restaurant for when British summertime really kicks in – or you just fancy some grub.
King's Cross St. Pancras 
King's Cross St. Pancras
Big Chill Kings Cross is bringing you Miami vibes with cocktails like the Frozen Pina Colada, the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri and the Frozen Miami Vice, which is a mind-blowing combo of both, and with DJs, palm trees, an outdoor disco ball and a flamingo feature wall, this rooftop will be instagrammable no doubt.
