Temperatures are rising and days are getting longer which means its all about outdoor drinking and rooftops bars in London.
There is no shortage of rooftop bars in London. We have tried and tested and bring you the London’s best spots to enjoy the city’s skyline and sunshine. Here are some of the London’s best rooftops.
Where: 12th floor, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower of London, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
Why Go To Savage Garden?
Located just 3 minutes from the Tower Hill Tube Station, Savage Garden rooftop offers spectacular views from the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton – Tower of London hotel.
This glamorous rooftop in London offers 360-degree views over the city, you can even spot some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as The Shard, Tower of London, The Gherkin and St. Paul’s Cathedral from up here. There are 2 terraces, the north facing terrace that features a retractable roof making it suitable for al fresco dining in the warmer month to mulled wine on crisp autumn evenings. On the other side is the south facing terrace Gin terrace, both offering sweeping views over London.
Talented mixologists at Savage Garden mix up some unique cocktails using exotic spirits from all around the world. There’s also an extensive list of vintage wine list, champagnes to go along with the theatrically presented food, ranging from sharing plates through to substantial mains and feasting boards.
Wednesday to Saturdays resident DJs take to the decks.
Where: 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
Why Go To Pergola London?
Based in Paddington London ( now also in olympia ) Pergola is a hidden yet huge alfresco rooftop. It is based over 2 floors and with DJs on the weekends, the buzzing energy is honestly contagious. The seating is picnic-style and there are also some delicious self-serving food stalls from the likes of Patty & Bun, Canard, MAM – Vietnamese BBQ and DF/ Mexico. Pergola Rooftop have you covered with a roof in case it rains – it is London after all.
As Pergola is quite popular especially during the weekends, booking in advance is highly advisable. Make your booking here.
Where: 14th floor, 9, Dorsett City, Aldgate High St, London EC3N 1AH
Why Go To Jin Bo Law?
Jin Bo Law is the newest addition to London’s collection of rooftops. Located on the 14th floor of Dorsett City Hotel in Aldgate this exciting new addition offers a breathtaking view, you don’t just get any view you are treated to The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, the Walkie Talkie, and The Shard all from one rooftop with a cocktail in hand – that’s what we call an impressive view.
On Saturdays, Jin Bo Law hosts various DJ’s and performers including fiery fire performers. This new rooftop is definitely worth a visit.
4Allegra, Stratford
The intimate, outdoor dining space of Allegra’s terrace is at home in one of East London’s most striking buildings. Located on the 7th floor of The Stratford, the terrace overlooks Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park whilst offering stunning views of the London skyline. With cedar pathways, flowing water features and a meadow of wildflowers, the terrace offers the open-air pop-up of Happy Burger providing relaxed outdoor dining that complements a casual menu. The menu is compact whilst offering great variety with burgers that can be customised to suit individual tastes and flavour preferences.
Where: 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD (Entrance on Redchurch Street)
Why Go To Boundary Shoreditch?
Boundary Shoreditch is perfect for lazy lunches, afternoon cocktails and evenings. It overlooks the city and East London with great views, especially around sunset. The most amazing thing about this rooftop is that there’s a full-on lemon grove on the rooftop and with the added fairy lights it is simply perfect for those cosy evenings.
Boundary is a Shoreditch hotspot so it tends to get very busy – be prepared to queue to get in.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD
Why Go To 12th Knot Rooftop?
12th Knot formerly known as Rumpus Room Rooftop, located on the riverside arguably offers one of the best views of London. Although the view is spectacular all day, it is even better just before sunset as the city slowly starts to lit up and with the St. Pauls in the background, it makes the whole experience that tad bit special. British-American inspired cocktails are on offer at 12th Knot which is located on the 12th floor of the Mondrian Hotel and they also have DJ’s from Thursday to Saturday.
Where: Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Why Go To Aviary Rooftop?
Located in Finsbury Square, Aviary rooftop bar on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal is an iconic rooftop bar with breathtaking views of London’s impressive architecture. Expect botanical-themed retro furnishing, large outdoor space and a marble bar. The bar also features fire pits to keep you warm when the sun goes down.
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London SW1A 2TS
Why Go To Trafalgar St. James Rooftop?
The rooftop at Trafalgar St. James is London’s best kept secret rooftop. It offers unrivalled views down into Trafalgar square and one side offers a fantastic eye-level view of Admiral Nelson. With premium handcrafted cocktails on offer, it is a great option if you are looking for a secluded yet buzzing rooftop with views of London.
Reservations are encouraged at Trafalgar St. James. You can book your table here.
Where: 257-259 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL
Why Go To Big Chill House?
Big Chill House captures London’s buzz perfectly. The roof terrace at Big Chill House is perfect for those sunny London days. The focus is more on craft beers than cocktails at this rooftop, the DJs get the party started in the evening from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Where: 40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP
Why Go To Culpeper?
Culpeper is definitely a must-visit rooftop in London. They are following ‘preservation’ as a theme and the rooftop is complete with a greenhouse – the most amazing thing about Culpeper is that they are actually using many of the plants that are grown on the rooftop in the cocktails that are served ( and in the pub downstairs). It is a green heaven in the middle of the city and offers a close-up view of the city’s impressive architecture.
Where: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Why Go To Coq D’argent?
Coq D’argent is open all year round. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and undeniably one of the best views of the city. In case it rains, the rooftop is covered and heating is on standby for those chilly London nights.
Where: Singer St, London EC1V 9DD
Why Go To Golden Bee?
Golden Bee rooftop offers views over Shoreditch and a cracking cocktail menu. It has a fun vibe and a great place to start your night out, there are speakers all around the rooftop so you can hear the DJ playing downstairs in the Main Bar. Think wooden decking, plush sofas, palms trees and fairy lights in the evening – perfect pre drinks venue.
