6 Best Rooftop Bars in South London

With creative and cultural districts like Brixton and Peckham, South London is home to a wide range of interesting spots. If you want to explore the elevated part of the London bar scene, South London got both seafood-themed rooftops and rooftops with natural wine.

February 6, 2024
Best Rooftop Bars in South London
Courtesy of Bussey Rooftop Bar

Spend time at one of South London rooftop bars and watch the city come alive. With panoramic views and an escape from the urban hustle, these elevated spaces offer a great oasis to socialize and enjoy the surroundings.

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Here we list 6 of the best rooftop bars in South London. Enjoy!

1. Bussey Rooftop Bar

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Bussey Rooftop Bar
Bussey Rooftop Bar - Photo: https://busseyrooftopbar.com/

This seasonal rooftop bar brings tropical and lush vibes to Peckham. From the terrace you can enjoy mile wide views over London, on top of Copeland Park & Bussey Building.

The lounge area is spacious and colorful, decorated with an abundance of flowers and plants, as well as heaters for the colder evenings.

For a rooftop refreshment, you can enjoy classic and creative cocktails, along with ice-cold beers & ciders. Happy hours are usually between 5pm and 7pm from Sundays until Fridays.

Filled with social, fun and vibrant summer vibes, Bussey Rooftop Bar really is a South London must-see.

BUSSEY ROOFTOP BAR

  • Roof B Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4SL
  • More info

2. Eighteen Sky Bar

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Eighteen Sky Bar
Eighteen Sky Bar - Photo: https://iclondon-theo2.com/

On the 18th floor of the fabulous InterContinental London - The O2 you find the elegant and luxurious Eighteen Sky Bar. With panoramic windows and dimmed lights, this rooftop bar showcases the city by night, with stunning River Thames and Canary Wharf views.

Here you can spend time at the luxurious cocktail bar or exclusive outdoor terrace, while listening to atmospheric music, enjoying masterful signature cocktails and elevated nibbles. The bar menu also features various spirits, champagne and a selection of good wines by the glass or bottle.

The dresscode at Eighteen Sky Bar is smart casual and semi-formal, to create a stylish and sophisticated environment for the evening.

EIGHTEEN SKY BAR

  • 18th Floor, 1 Waterview Dr, London SE10 0TW
  • More info

3. Forza Wine

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Forza Wine
Forza Wine - Photo: https://forzawine.com/

On the 5th floor the Market Peckham building, Forza Wine serves Italian flavors in a contemporary setting. The rooftop has an indoor bar and an outdoor space fading into each other, making it easy to enjoy both the fresh breeze and the panoramic view from inside.

This spot is conscious about the environment and about the drinks they serve. The wine on the menu comes from small producers and is processed without additives and chemicals.

If you want to grab something to eat, the bar also offers innovative and exquisite snacks with seasonal ingredients. During holidays, the rooftop has a seasonal menu to share with friends or family.

FORZA WINE

  • The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ
  • More info

4. Frank’s Café

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Frank’s Café
Frank’s Café - Photo: https://boldtendencies.com/

Located on top of an old car park, Frank’s Café is an urban summer rooftop bar with incredible views, art and drinks. Covered by a big red tent and decorated with wooden benches, the rooftop is simple and perfect for more casual social events.

The bar is popular among the younger crowd and a bit of a hidden gem. Since you can’t make reservations, it’s good to be early to get the best spots. From the terrace you get front-row seats to amazing vistas over the Peckham district and London skyline.

With a focus on simplicity, you can enjoy classic cocktails, beer and a range of wines together with something to eat – everything is made to order on-site.

FRANK'S CAFE

  • Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST
  • More info

5. Seabird

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Seabird
Seabird - Photo: https://seabirdlondon.com/

Combining seafood and sky-high views, this rooftop bar and restaurant is a must-visit when you are in South London. Perched on the 14th floor of the fantastic The Hoxton in Southwark, this rooftop offers an unbeatable location and an incredible setting.

The venue is decorated with palm trees, plenty of greenery and sandy colors - making you feel like you are in the Mediterranean. With soft lounge seats and views of the London skyline you will surely enjoy your drink and food at this hot-spot.

The food menu includes London’s longest oyster list, with an oyster happy hour to start off the evening. If you are looking for a seafood platter you can try the ‘Afternoon Sea’ or other options combining different seafood.

The crafted house cocktails can be ordered frozen, on bottle or draught. You can also choose from the wide selections of wines.

Whether you are looking for a lunch experience during a weekday or a dinner with drinks – Seabird rooftop has got you covered.

SEABIRD

  • The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NY
  • More info

6. Bar Elba

Best Rooftop Bars South London - Bar Elba
Bar Elba - Photo: https://bar-elba.co.uk/

Floating above Waterloo, Bar Elba invites to a colorful, vibrant and "good vibes only" rooftop oasis.

Named after the Mediterranean island where Napoleon was exiled, the social and urban terrace comes surrounded with great views over Waterloo, with the London skyline as backdrop.

A prime spot for sunny rooftop cocktails or a weekend Bottomless Rooftop Brunch, Bar Elba is also a year-round venue, thanks to rooftop igloos and a retractable roof.

Indulge in refreshing signature cocktails, jugs of Sangria or some frozen creations, as well as street food-style food.

BAR ELBA

  • 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL
  • More info
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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