ROOFTOP BARS

When the sun is shining, Londoners love nothing more than to head to the nearest rooftop bar. From Peckham car parks to five-star hotels, here’s our roundup of the best rooftop bars in London.

Highlights

When it comes to rooftop bars in London, there’s never been so many to choose from. New ones are popping up all the time, both on new developments or carved out of little spaces in the city. Anywhere Londoners can soak up some precious sun with a drink in hand is like gold in this city.

One of our favourite rooftop bars in London is Franks in Peckham. 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.

Amidst the concrete jungle of Dalston is an escape from the masses. Dalston Roof Park is a music venue, a roof garden where you could be doing anything from raving to yoga to laughing at comedy on the plushly turfed lawn filled with flowers and palm trees. As well as street food, cider brand Sassy will be in charge of the cocktail bar so you know the good times will be flowing all summer long. There is no lift however, so be prepared mentally and physically for those stairs.

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.

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SEABIRD

40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8PB, UK

Seabird, the 14th floor rooftop restaurant and bar at The Hoxton Southwark has an incredible outdoor terrace with epic London views plus a beautiful indoor dining room and bar – it’s a pretty special spot. Joshua Boissy and Krystof Zizka (the team behind NYC’s Maison Premiere) have created London’s largest oyster menu alongside a menu of dishes with Spanish and Portuguese influences. As well as a super selection of shellfish, the tuna belly crudo with gordal olives, tomato consommé, basil, and sherry is a winner, and the octopus roll with sobrasada aioli, creamy crab croquettes and the whole John Dory topped with a zingy salsa verde are also must-orders.

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LAUREL'S ON THE ROOF

45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Laurel’s On The Roof is a rooftop restaurant inspired by 1970s California, particularly by its namesake Laurel Canyon in LA. Sat on top of the Mondrian Shoreditch, the restaurant brings a slice of west coast sunshine to London with its laidback aesthetic, menu of nostalgic Californian classics and soundtrack of soul, funk and folk music. Food-wise, expect the likes of oysters, Cobb salad, sea bream tacos with chipotle mayo, roasted aubergine with burrata & tomato pesto, and Malibu shrimp cocktails. And to drink, there’s an eclectic list of cocktails including frozen margaritas, Japanese Garibaldis with Campari & yuzu, Canyon Cobblers with pisco & sparkling wine, and Wet Gibsons with gin & Martini Ambrato that you can enjoy while overlooking the hotel’s pool and view of Shoreditch.

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ROOFTOP AT ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH

100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ, UK

One Hundred Shoreditch opened its doors at what used to be the Ace Hotel and soon after launched its rooftop bar and terrace. The alfresco spot came as an addition to the hotel’s existing six restaurants and bars (including Goddard & Gibbs and Seed Library), featuring panoramic views of the city and Palm Springs inspired decor (think dusty pink tiles and cacti). Drinks-wise, the Californian cocktail list includes the likes of white negronis (very popular in the States rn), spicy margs and watermelon spritzes, while a range of red, white and sparkling wines and beer is also available. The food menu follows the same vibe, with bar snacks including cured salmon tostadas, BBQ beef rib tacos and soft shell crab burgers. If you’ve been California dreamin’, look no further than E1.

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FRANK'S CAFE

20th May - 17th September 2022

Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST, United Kingdom

Frank’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-storey car park, Frank’s has some of the best views across London, art installations courtesy of Bold Tendencies and great grub – the menu this year includes vada pav, merguez on flatbread, peach & ricotta on toast, brown sugar hot wings, deep fried mackerel bun and lamb breast kebabs, and the classic Frank’s Margarita will be back alongside other cocktails. The pink stairs may be killer but it’s worth it once you get up top.

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THE CULPEPER REGEN ROOFTOP

Opens 25th April 2022

40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP, United Kingdom

The Culpeper definitely doesn’t have your average pub garden. Oh no, they’ve got a Regen Rooftop, where they grow ingredients for the kitchen and bar, and serve up a food menu that features produce from regenerative farmers. That means dishes like lamb shoulder with purple sprouting broccoli & romesco sauce; asparagus, onion & courgette shish with wild garlic hummus & flatbread; and rhubarb panna cotta, alongside biodynamic wines and carbon-neutral drinks. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve got great views of the Gherkin and Heron Tower too.

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THE STANDARD

10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Perched on the 11th floor of The Standard hotel, The Standard Rooftop is bringing a New York vibe to London’s King’s Cross featuring epic views across the city AND of the St Pancras Clock Tower (so you’ll never miss the train again). Peter Sanchez-Iglesias has opened Decimiño up there too, serving tacos, oysters and nachos, alongside margaritas, Aperol slushies, rum punch and espresso martinis on tap. Yep this is where you’ll wanna watch the sun go down in the summer.

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FORZA WINE

The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM

The Forza Win team has gone back to the roof with Forza Wine. The spot, on top of a renovated space on Rye Lane (complete with some epic views over Peckham) serves up an Italian menu with dishes like sausage and fontina toasties for lunch and a plate of sardines and grilled veal stuffed with fior di latte in the evening. There are plenty of drinks to go with the food, including wine, beers and frozen negronis, and there’s even a lift so you don’t have to worry about trying to make it down the stairs when you’re smashed – anyone’s who’s made the climb up and down to Frank’s will appreciate this.

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ROOF EAST

14th April – end of September 2022

££

7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Fancy playing a round of crazy golf, belting out some karaoke, hitting some bullseyes or stretching out with some yoga? Well you can do it all at Roof East. Yes the Stratford rooftop is jam-packed with street food, bevvies and activities, including batting cages, jenga, and ping-pong not to mention the mega views over the Olympic Park.

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DALSTON ROOF PARK

Opens June 2022

18 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL, United Kingdom

Amidst the concrete jungle of Dalston is an escape from the masses. Dalston Roof Park is a music venue, a roof garden where you could be doing anything from raving to yoga to laughing at comedy on the plushly turfed lawn filled with flowers and palm trees. As well as street food, the cocktail bar is always in full force so you know the good times will be flowing all summer long. There is no lift however, so be prepared mentally and physically for those stairs.

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BOUNDARY

2-4 BOUNDARY STREET, SHOREDITCH, LONDON E2 7DD

OPENING HOURS

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Right in the heart of Shoreditch, the Boundary’s rooftop is an ideal spot for dinner and drinks with killer views. You’ll be sat at a brilliant vantage point above east London and the City that you can enjoy rain or shine – either tucked away inside the rooftop’s heated glass Orangery, or outside in the sun. The food menu focuses on quality ingredients, with mains cooked over charcoal on the robata grill and you’ll be spoiled for choice for drinks with a wide range of cocktails, beer, wine and champagne.

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NETIL 360

1 Westgate Street, London, London Borough of Hackney E8 3RL, United Kingdom

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 and saunas, 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.

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COQ D'ARGENT

1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ, United Kingdom

If you’re after a fancy rooftop 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 – with a French-inspired restaurant menu that includes caviar, lobster, and chateaubriand and a bar menu with plenty of bubbly, whisky and a cigar list, we’re not surprised. But hit it up at the weekend and the place is likely to be dead quiet, unlike most rooftop bars.

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ALLEGRA

Opens 27th April 2022

The Stratford, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM

Allegra in Stratford is home to a huge, 11,290 sq ft rooftop terrace and garden complete with wraparound views of the city. They open their doors each spring with a menu, full of seasonal British produce, overseen by Head Chef Patrick Powell to match. Surrounded by greenery and water features, it’s a beautiful spot for a sunny day spent sipping on spritzes, with good food and live music on Sundays.

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THE PRINCE OF WALES

467- 469 Brixton Road, Brixton, London SW9 8HH, United Kingdom

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.

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RADIO ROOFTOP BAR

ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA, United Kingdom

Perched on the 10th floor on the ME hotel on The Strand, Radio Rooftop Bar shines in all its 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.

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QUEEN OF HOXTON

1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX, United Kingdom

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.

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BUSSEY BUILDING ROOFTOP BAR

BUSSEY BUILDING, 133 RYE LANE, PECKHAM, SE15 4ST

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 from Share A Slice, 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!

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AVIARY

22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX, United Kingdom

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’ views 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.

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THE ROOFTOP AT THE TRAFALGAR ST JAMES

Trafalgar Square, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James's, London SW1A 2TS, UK

OPENING HOURS

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James sits on the hotel’s seventh floor with an incredible view that looks over Trafalgar Square and the city’s skyline. The sunny terrace has a summery menu to match, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired mix of crudos and carpaccios, vegan dishes and salads, but the drinks are where it’s at – there’s orange wine and sangria to sip on alongside a seasonal spritz list, including the Jasmine, the Bergamot and the elderflower & apple Orchard, and twists on classic cocktails, so you’re set for an ideal summer evening.

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BIG CHILL KING'S CROSS

257-259 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL, UK

Big Chill Kings Cross is bringing you summer vibes with cocktails, locally brewed beers, grub from Chuck Burgers and with DJs, palm trees and an outdoor disco ball, this rooftop will be instagrammable no doubt.

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LOST IN BRIXTON

Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PS

LOST is the rooftop bar that is hidden on top of Brixton Village from the team behind Pergola Paddington and Pergola Olympia. You will find a Latin American-inspired cocktail menu featuring a 16-strong spritz collection, and fresh beer from neighbours Brixton Brewery. Lost in Brixton also provides food from the traders inside Brixton Village and Market Row, like Franco Manca, Fish Wings & Tings, Jalisco and Thunderbird Fried Chicken. Using the Tablesnapper app you order from the village and have your food delivered to the rooftop terrace, meaning you have all the choice and none of the hassle, and we like that.

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CHIRINGUITO

Chiringuito - Bethnal Green, London, UK

Inspired 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.

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LYRIC

Kings Mall Shopping Centre, One Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL

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.

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LONDON BRIDGE ROOFTOP

Colechurch House, Tooley Street, London SE1 2SS

London Bridge Rooftop is opening for spring and summer with mega panoramic views over the city from six storeys up. You’ll be able to feast on a tapas menu, craft beers, and cocktails with a soundtrack provided by live DJs.

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THE LOCK TAVERN

35 Chalk Farm Road, London, London Borough of Camden NW1 8AJ, United Kingdom

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.

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AQUA SPIRIT

240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR, UK

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!

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SKYLIGHT

Pennington St. Car Park Entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF

Skylight is back for another summer with a ton of tables (including covered and heated ones – you can never be too careful) on top of the roof. Play a round of croquet or petanque and then tuck into street food and cocktails, and soak up those epic city views.

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