Complete guide

Rooftop Bars London

2024 update

Europe’s biggest city comes packed with a large variety of rooftop bars. From Shoreditch to Trafalgar Square, this guide will take you through our favourite swanky rooftop lounges and fun-filled rooftop gardens.

Rooftop Bar London
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Best time to visit May - September
Courtesy of Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

London Rooftop Guide

Updated:May 7, 2024

Filled with a mind blowing array of restaurants, pubs and bars, finding a place to wine and dine in London is usually no issue. But to get a more elevated experience, you should look upwards, and explore the best rooftop bars London.

This complete guide will take you to our favourite sky-high venues, packed with all info you need about the best London rooftops: opening hours, dress code, spectacular photos, maps and much more. Expect innovative drinks and craft brews, fun events, live music and the classic, British hospitality, along with amazing views over the iconic London skyline. Just scroll down and find the London rooftop bar best suited for you.

The list

36 Best Rooftop Bars in London

1

The Rooftop St. James

7th floor | Trafalgar Square
  • Highlights
  • Year round
  • Fantastic views
  • $$$$

Set on the 7th floor of The Trafalgar St. James, The Rooftop rivals the city’s finest when it comes to drinking and dining with views of the fantastic London skyline. The elegant venue is perfect for enjoying an alfresco crafted cocktail from the long drink list, or nibble on some delicious European-inspired dishes. Open all year round, complete with blankets and heaters, along with a retractable roof providing a year round experience.

2

LSQ Rooftop

9th floor | Leicester Square
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Day-to-night
  • $$$$

Found at one of London’s most iconic address, the LSQ Rooftop is a day-to-night venue perfect to enjoy everything from a casual lunch to post-theatre drinks. All served with a view. Perched on the 9th floor of Hotel Indigo, high above the buzzing West End, the rooftop offers some amazing panoramic views over the city skyline. Modern and trendy in setting, LSQ has generous opening hours and an equally generous menu, from Mediterranean small bites to fine signature & classic cocktails, champagne, wine and beers.

3

Queen of Hoxton

2nd floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Colorful
  • Summer & winter
  • $$$

Queen of Hoxton is an eventful and ever changing London rooftop bar, every summer dressed in a new theme. During summer 2024, the rooftop will turn into Terraza Del Sol, a Hispanic-inspired and sun-drenched oasis. The semi-covered rooftop bar will serve refreshing Latin-inspired cocktails, Frozen Margaritas, Spicy Picantes, Ranch Water and crisp Estrella Damm beers, along with a food menu filled with Hispanic favourites. All you need for elevated summer fun.

Play

10 Spectacular Rooftop Bars in London

4

Icon Balcony Bar

2nd floor | Leicester Square
  • Highlights
  • Unique
  • Hidden gem
  • $$$

Resting on the balcony of Empire Casino, right in the heart of Leicester Square, Icon Balcony Bar invites to quite a unique London rooftop experience. The venue features a stylish and candlelit interior cocktail lounge, as well as a spacious terrace, directly overlooking all the action on the famous square. Up here you can indulge in expertly crafted signature cocktails, complemented with premium cigars and tasty nibbles. Open for elevated and intimate gatherings every evening, with live DJs raising the vibe during weekends.

5

8 at The Londoner

8th floor | Leicester Square
  • Highlights
  • Japanese
  • Skyline views
  • $$$$$

On the 8th floor of The Londoner you find an elegant rooftop bar that reimagines the traditions and informal style of Japanese drinking establishments. Called 8 at The Londoner, the rooftop serves innovative signature cocktails, fine Japanese spirits, as well as simple yet elegant modern Japanese dishes. Settle down in the low seating lounges on the outdoor terrace for drinks with panoramic London views, or enjoy a cosy evening in the chic, sleek and minimalist Shima Garden.

6

The Lucky Club Camden

2nd floor | Camden
  • Highlights
  • Cocktail & taco bar
  • Year-round
  • $$$

Found in North London's iconic Camden Market, The Lucky Club Camden is a modern destination roof terrace, filled with an inclusive atmosphere, great music, good food and amazing cocktails. Here you can enjoy a menu taking inspiration from Mexico City, complemented with no less than 7 Margarita serves. Equipped with a retractable roof and state of the art gas heaters, the Lucky Club is open for alfresco drinking and dining year round.

7

Netil 360

5th floor | Hackney
  • Highlights
  • Amazing views
  • Local food & drinks
  • $$

Netil 360 is is one of London’s original rooftop bars, found in Hackney in the eastern part of the city. The spacious terrace is charmingly 'home-crafted', and comes surrounded with a lovely view across London. The rooftop bar offers refreshing and affordable cocktails and wine from all over the world, as well as a lot more local options. Ever evolving, a new addition to Netil360 is the Sushi rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes inspired by the Japanese dining culture of izakaya.

8

Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

9-10th floor | City Of London
  • Highlights
  • Luxurious
  • 360° views
  • $$$$

Perched atop a stunning 1920's building, Wagtail brings a luxurious and elevated dining and drinking experience to the heart of London. The dual-level venue holds three different areas: a 9th floor fine dining restaurant with two private terraces, an exclusive private dining room in the cupola, and a 10th floor rooftop terrace & bar. With fantastic views all around, it's at the top floor terrace that the 360° views of the central London landmarks are most spectacular. This stylish venue is made for special days and nights high above the city.

9

Golden Bee

3rd floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Weekend party
  • Happy hour
  • $$$

Golden Bee is a stylish cocktail lounge and rooftop bar, located in Shoredtich. Perfect for after work and more relaxed lounge vibes during weekdays, and during weekends the rooftop party is full on with live DJs and lots of people on the dancefloor. The bar serves a range of delicious cocktails and drinks, and it is quipped with a retractable canopy, making it weatherproof in the summer and warm and cosy during winter.

10

London Bridge Rooftop

6th floor | London Bridge
  • Highlights
  • Urban
  • DJ sessions
  • $$$

Perched on top of the Colechurch House on London Bridge Walk, the London Bridge Rooftop was supposed to be 'Here for a good time, not a long time'. But happily enough, the good times seems to continue! Casual urban in setting, surrounded with panoramic views over the London skyline, the rooftop bar serves a menu packed with pints, delicious house cocktails, champagne & fizz and a nice selection of Gins, as well as fresh bar food. Expect daily DJs on rotation and a great atmosphere.

11

Garden Rooftop

10th floor | Leicester Square
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic skyline views
  • Weekend brunch
  • $$$$

Floating high above the heart of central London, on top of the Assembly Hotel, Garden Rooftop offers a lush escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Bright, stylish and filled with greenery, the rooftop comes framed with retractable floor to ceiling glass windows, showcasing panoramic views over the London skyline. Open daily, this is a top spot for everything from a special dinner, a bottomless weekend brunch, a quick pint after work, or just a lazy, refreshing cocktail.

12

Jin Bo Law Skybar

14th floor | Aldgate
  • Highlights
  • Cocktail lounge
  • Amazing skyline views
  • $$$$

On the 14th floor of Dorsett City Hotel you find one of the most elevated London rooftop bars. Jin Bo Law Skybar is a spectacular looking cocktail lounge, with an even more spectacular view over the skyline and a lot of the famous landmarks. The interior of the rooftop is really posh, with a balcony-like terrace and a bar serving carefully curated, unique and well prepared cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.

13

Radio Rooftop London

10th floor | Covent Garden
  • Highlights
  • All day
  • Great views
  • $$$$

This trendy London rooftop bar is located on top of ME Hotel. Up here you get a panoramic view of a big bunch of the most iconic London sights. Other than views, live DJs, fine small plates and tasty drinks are some of the experiences you get at Radio Rooftop Bar London. Usually the terrace is surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere and luxurious feeling, but for a bit calmer experience it is also open for breakfast and lunch every weekday, and for rooftop brunch every weekend.

14

Sushisamba

38-39th floor | Liverpool Street
  • Highlights
  • 360° view
  • Fantastic food
  • $$$$

Situated in one of the city's tallest buildings you find this amazing London rooftop bar and restaurant. Magical views over virtually all of the city, delicious Asian / Peruvian / Brazilian food and a wide selection of creative cocktails and sake are some of the highlights at Sushisamba. For an upscale vibe, views, creative cocktails and fantastic food, SushiSamba London is a THE place to go.

15

Forza Wine

5th floor | Peckham
  • Highlights
  • Skyline views
  • Italian flavours
  • $$$

Perched on the top floor of the Market Peckham, Forza Wine is a laid-back rooftop bar & restaurant, offering plenty of Italian flavours. The stylish 5th floor rooftop comes with an interior cube-shaped restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a spacious and sleek outdoor terrace. So, the panoramic views over the London skyline are available year-round. Indulge in an ever-changing selection of snacks & small plates, as well as an impressive array of natural wines, house and classic cocktails.

16

PocketSquare

9th floor | Whitechapel
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Weekend DJs
  • $$$$

Floating on top of the Hyatt Place London City East, PocketSquare is a trendy destination for elevated drinks. The stylish decorated indoor-outdoor rooftop comes surrounded with some amazing panoramics over London. Up here, the main focus is on a truly crafted and exclusive cocktail menu, inspired by stories from the city. Every drink is also designed to be enjoyed with a paired bite-sized dish. Visit for intimate hangouts, top-class after work drinks, or weekend nights with resident DJs & music artists.

17

12th Knot

12th floor | South Bank
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Crafted cocktails
  • $$$$

12th Knot is located at the South Bank of river Thames, close to Blackfriars Bridge. Perched 12 floors up on the Sea Containers London you get a lovely view of the river and the city skyline. Part intimate outdoor terrace and part plush indoor lounge, the rooftop serves a great mix of American & British cocktails and seasonal plates made to share. A top spot for a chill cocktail or a night out with friends, with live music every Wednesday, and live DJs on weekends.

18

Aviary London

10th floor | Finsbury Square
  • Highlights
  • Skyline views
  • Saturday brunch
  • $$$$

On top of Montcalm Hotel at Finsbury Square you find Aviary, an elegant and chic rooftop surrounded with grand views of the London skyline. Part indoor rooftop restaurant, and part open air terrace, which is a really popular after work spot to enjoy a wide selection of crafted and botanical cocktails. During weekends, Aviary serves a great rooftop brunch, and during winter, the terrace is equipped with lovely rooftop igloos.

19

The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch

8th floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • California-inspired
  • $$$$

Perched on top of One Hundred Shoreditch, The Rooftop is a sparkling addition to the London rooftop scene, inviting Shoreditch locals and out of town visitors to a playful and vibrant hangout. Taking inspiration from Palm Springs, The Rooftop feels like a beautiful Californian escape, where a pink marble and terrazzo interior is combined with an outdoor terrace and panoramic views over East London. Indulge in a menu filled with signature margaritas and modern Californian plates with a retro American twist.

20

Madison

6th floor | St Paul's
  • Highlights
  • St. Paul’s view
  • Manhattan cocktails
  • $$$$

On top of the One New Change building you find Madison, which holds both a restaurant and a rooftop bar. The top floor area is spacious, and has restaurant seating inside, along with several different terraces with great views over the London skyline and a really cool close up view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Menus range from grills from the wood fired Josper oven, slow cooked classics, Sunday brunch to a Manhattan inspired cocktail menu, featuring both timeless classics and contemporary twists.

21

Roof East

7 & 8th floor | Stratford
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop park
  • 360° view
  • $$$

A rooftop bar in Stratford London with a pretty unique concept. This is like a playground for grown ups, under the open sky and with a great view of the London skyline. Up at this two level rooftop park you can play mini-golf, hit away in the batting cage, challenge your friends in a game of lawn bowl or catch a rooftop movie. Or you just hang out, sipping refreshing cocktails from the bar or order street food from all over the world from one of the food stalls.

22

Aqua Spirit

5th floor | Soho
  • Highlights
  • Two terraces
  • Two restaurants
  • $$$$

Just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, in the heart of Soho, you find the stylish Aqua Spirit rooftop bar. Or Aqua Nueva and Aqua Kyoto rooftop bars, depending on how you look at it. Here you find two top class restaurants inside, but the terraces at Aqua Spirit are more made for a drink in the sun and some lighter snacks. The menu consist of classic cocktails along with a selection of signature Japanese and Spanish ones, taking inspiration from the flavours of the restaurants.

23

Sabine Rooftop Bar

7th floor | St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Highlights
  • St. Paul’s views
  • Botanical
  • $$$

Perched on the 7th floor at the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s, this very lush and tropical rooftop comes with both a weather-safe conservatory with retractable roof, as well as two al fresco sun terraces, where you get amazing close-up views of the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, along with panoramics over the London skyline. The Sabine Rooftop menu includes seasonal small & big bites, as well as botanical signature cocktails, and a fine selection of beers and wine.

24

Savage Garden

12th floor | Tower Hill
  • Highlights
  • Creative cocktails
  • 360° view
  • $$$$

Located on the 12th floor of DoubleTree by Hilton at Tower Hill, Savage Garden is one of London's hottest rooftop bars. Here you find a really cool and modern indoor coctail lounge, and also two separate terraces, offering amazing 360° views over the London skyline. The rooftop menu is as creative and exciting as the views and decor, with well made and innovative signature cocktails, an extensive wine & champagne list along with food presented as 'Bar food, but not as you know it'.

25

The Rooftop at The Standard London

11th floor | King's Cross
  • Highlights
  • NYC-inspired
  • Panoramic views
  • $$$

Located in the heart of King’s Cross, The Rooftop at The Standard brings a large slice of NYC rooftop vibes to the capital of England. Stretching over the 11th floor of the hotel, the charming retro-look AstroTurf outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the London skyline, as well as close-ups of the famous St. Pancras Clock Tower. Up here you can enjoy a menu filled with exquisite cocktails, bubbles on tap, street food surprises and summer vibes.

26

Rucola at The Conduit

5th floor | Covent Garden
  • Highlights
  • Sustainable
  • Italian-inspired
  • $$$$

On top of the members' club The Conduit in Covent Garden you find Rucola, a buzzing rooftop restaurant, inviting all to enjoy London from above. The light-filled and charming terrace features a lively open kitchen and a vibrant bar, and comes surrounded with lush greenery and panoramic views of the London skyline. Mixing luxury and sustainability, here you can indulge in an eco-conscious and plant-forward food menu inspired by Northern Italian cuisine, complemented with sustainable seasonal cocktails and a selection of both classic & natural wines.

27

Bōkan

37-39th floor | Canary Wharf
  • Highlights
  • Year round
  • Amazing views
  • $$$$

Covering the 37th to the 39th floor of Novotel London Canary Wharf, Bōkan is an easy-going and sophisticated hideaway, transporting you far from the city buzz of the busy streets below. Offering some spectacular views over the London skyline, and a mix of artisanal food & drinks, each floor of Bokan comes with a bit different setting. From the stylish Bokan 37 Restaurant, up to the Bars 38|39, with both interior lounge and open-air rooftop terrace.

28

Willows On The Roof

5th floor | Oxford Circus
  • Highlights
  • Green oasis
  • Year-round
  • $$$

The rooftop of the retail store John Lewis on Oxford Street has hosted happening pop-ups during several years. Since 2021, the venue is home to Willows On The Roof, which looks like it's around to stay. A fantastic green oasis above the shopping frenzy, perfect for relaxing drinks in the sun, but also equipped with winter pods and heated chalet inspired cabins for the colder months. Surrounded by panoramic views across central London, Willows On The Roof serves a seasonal drink menu and healthy soul food presented by RAPS.

29

The AMANO Rooftop

7th floor | Covent Garden
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • House DJ
  • $$$$

The Hotel AMANO Covent Garden is the first international hotel by German hospitality brand The AMANO Group, and just as with several of the AMANO venues in Berlin, the modern property on Russell Street houses a swanky rooftop bar. Perched on the 7th floor of the hotel, The AMANO Rooftop mixes a stylish indoor lounge with an equally sleek outdoor rooftop terrace, surrounded with spectacular panoramic views over London. A great spot to end the day with a drink in hand, while the house DJ spins tunes.

30

Alto at Selfridge Roof Terrace

6th floor | Bond Street
  • Highlights
  • Italian
  • Great views
  • $$$

Perched on the roof of Selfridge Store you find Alto by San Carlo. Set up as a lovely Italian garden, the rooftop restaurant offers a day-to-night menu of seasonal Italian dishes, from the finest seafood and pasta to grilled specialties. Perfect to make a brake in the shopping and take the elevator up here to enjoy a meal or a glass or two, along with great and extensive views over the London rooftops.

31

Mercer Roof Terrace

6th floor | City of London
  • Highlights
  • Restaurant & bar
  • Fantastic views
  • $$$$

Set on top of the Vintry & Mercer Hotel in the heart of the City, the Mercer Roof Terrace is a stylish and beautiful London rooftop restaurant & bar. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend Afternoon Tea, the rooftop menu includes the best of modern British cooking, along with creative cocktails made from house-infused spirits and an impressive wine list. Elegant and sophisticated in setting and vibe, the terrace is also blessed with some amazing views over the London skyline.

32

OXO Tower Bar

8th floor | South Bank
  • Highlights
  • Restaurant, Bar & Brasseire
  • Weekend brunch
  • $$$$

Up on 8th floor of Oxo Tower Wharf you find Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasseire. With magical views over River Thames and the London skyline, this is a perfect place for a lunch in the sun, an after work or a late night cocktail. Or a weekend rooftop brunch! Quite hefty prices, but with mixologists making cocktails to perfection and the view on display, it is reasonable to say that you get what you pay for.

33

TT Liquor

4th floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Year-round
  • $$$

Located in Shoreditch, TT Liquor is a multi-faceted venue, including an intimate cellar bar, a specialist liquor store, a cinema and, best of all, a sunny rooftop terrace. The highly charming, secluded and wooden-decked rooftop features panoramic views of east London any time of the year, and the seasonal rooftop menu includes everything from crafted signature cocktails and a fine range of wine, to Neapolitan style pizzas and a selection of antipasti boards.

34

Boundary Rooftop

6th floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Bar + Grill
  • Rooftop garden + orangery
  • $$$$

Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Boundary Rooftop comes with an impressive panoramic view of London. Here you can eat grilled meat & fish in the restaurant, or chill in the lounge furniture on the garden-like terrace with some beer, cocktails, sangria or wine from the bar. Open year-round regardless of the weather, welcoming people to the heated rooftop orangery.

35

Frank's Cafe

10th floor | Peckham
  • Highlights
  • Large roof deck
  • 360° view
  • $$$

Frank's Cafe is a wonderful and urban roof terrace, located on top of an old car park in the Peckham area. The clientele here is quite young (between 18-30) and the queues often winds long to take part of the lively atmosphere, the awesome views and the very human prices. Open for all (children and dogs included), and perfect for a weekend rooftop brunch with the whole family.

36

Seabird

14th floor | Southwark
  • Highlights
  • Coastal vibes
  • Amazing views
  • $$$$

Perched 14 floors up at The Hoxton in Southwark, Seabird is a rooftop seafood restaurant & bar, taking you on a trip to southern Europe without leaving the city. This coastal inspired rooftop is beautiful inside out, and also offers some magical views over the city skyline. Boasting London’s longest oyster list, a large selection of other Mediterranean flavours, crafted house cocktails and a wide selection of biodynamic wines, you can visit for weekday lunch, all week dinner and drinks, or a weekends roftop brunch.

Related
Rooftop bar Marlin's On The Roof in London

Marlin's On The Roof

7th floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Mediterranean
  • $$$$

Rooftop restaurant, bar & pool that brings a slice of Ibiza to East London.

Rooftop bar London Upper 5th Shoreditch in London

Upper 5th Shoreditch

5th floor | Shoreditch
  • Highlights
  • Calm & chic
  • Panoramic views
  • $$$$

Hidden Shoreditch rooftop gem with panoramic views over the London skyline.

Rooftop bar Bussey Rooftop Bar in London

Bussey Rooftop Bar

5th floor | Peckham
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop cinema
  • 360° views
  • $$$

Tropical and colourful rooftop oasis, with panoramic views over South Londond and the city skyline.

Rooftop bar London The Culpeper Rooftop in London

The Culpeper Rooftop

4th floor | Aldgate
  • Highlights
  • Garden & growing
  • Workshops
  • $$$

Cosy, lusn and rustic rooftop garden serving grill, cocktails and skyline views.

Rooftop bar London Skylark Roof Garden in London

Skylark Roof Garden

10th floor | Paddington
  • Highlights
  • Weekend hot-spot
  • Summer garden
  • $$$$

Perfect weekend rooftop garden to enjoy drinks, vibes and views with a group of friends.

Rooftop bar London H10 Waterloo Sky Bar in London

H10 Waterloo Sky Bar

8th floor | Waterloo
  • Highlights
  • Lovely view
  • Relaxed
  • $$$$

Intimate and charming Waterloo rooftop, with fantastic views over the London skyline.

Rooftop bar London Coq d’Argent in London

Coq d’Argent

7th floor | Bank
  • Highlights
  • French restaurant
  • Rooftop garden
  • $$$$

French restaurant, bar and terraces with a secret rooftop garden, surrounded with top views over the City of London.

Rooftop bar London Dalston Roof Park in London

Dalston Roof Park

5th floor | Dalston
  • Highlights
  • Vibrant
  • Live DJs
  • $$$

Dalston’s only rooftop bar and music venue, overlooking London’s skyscrapers.

Hans Ebenman
Hans Ebenman

Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.

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