Heads up! We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out.
London’s best rooftop bars
Our favourite London’s spots for sinking a few bevvies high above the maddening crowds
Londoners have always loved a rooftop bar. And come April 12 (ish) we’ll love them all the more. That’s the date when outdoor hospitality opens up again, meaning the capital’s rooftop bars will be kosher once more (as long as there aren’t more than six of you in a group). Time to soak up some sunsets and/or wear a big coat.
We’ve got the lowdown on exactly which sky-high bars are reopening and will keep you updated as even more places share info on being able welcoming back customers for a drink to remember. Obviously, it’s worth booking as early as you can. These places are popular anyway; right now they’re alfresco gold. For specific safety details, check with the venues before you visit. But otherwise, cheers to a spring of getting up on the roof.
Still not ready to brave the outside world? Here are the bars delivering cocktails to your door.
The best rooftop bars in London
1. Skylight
What is it? Although Skylight is primarily an all-weather playground over at Tobacco Dock, it also offers a prime position for rooftop drinking with unparalleled panoramas.
Why go? This April the outdoor benches and covered booths are opening for groups of six. You can expect tasty street food, and the venue’s games areas will reopen through the summer: outdoor pétanque from May 17, and indoor and outdoor croquet from June 21.
Open for bookings: 3pm-10pm Thu-Fri; noon-10pm Sat-Sun.
2. Forza Wine
What is it? A spin-off bar from the guys behind Italian restaurant Forza Win (see what they did with the name there?). It’s back in action from April 12. Woo-hoo!
Why go? The bar snacks are serious stuff and spiced rum hot toddies suit the colder temperatures. Plus, you can shelter indoors and still enjoy the views.
Open for bookings: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am.
3. Bussey Rooftop Bar
What is it? Frank’s Cafe’s rival rooftop at Peckham’s Bussey Building will be reopening for your gang of six. Last year it had heaters and blankets to seal the deal.
Why go? The cocktail menu has had a revamp last year. And for every pizza ordered from the rooftop’s resident kitchen Share a Slice, one will be donated to the homeless. Reduced-guilt pizza!
Open for bookings: 5pm-11pm Mon-Fri; noon-11pm Sat-Sun.
4. NT’s Loft
What is it? The indoor/outdoor space above Netil House is taking group bookings. DJ sets and live jazz acts complete the line-up.
Why go? Head here if you like your rooftops all jungly and plant-filled: fronds dangle from the ceiling indoors and on the terrace, palm trees fan out on the perimeter.
Open: Wed-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 4pm-11pm, Sun noon-11pm
5. Allegra
What is it? Okay, it’s not been your average jet-setting year, but you can still recreate some posh holiday vibes on the seventh floor of glossy hotel The Stratford.
Why go? Yes, the bar and terrace of Allegra restaurant have views across to Westfield Stratford, but once you discover the joy of its deckchairs that slip around on rails among the wildflowers and water features, well, you might as well be sitting under the Provençal sun. Just bring your coat!
Open: Tue-Wed 4pm-11pm; Thu-Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-5pm.
6. The Nest Rooftop Bar
What is it? Up on the sixteenth floor and affording 360-degree views of the capital from its centre, the Nest Rooftop Bar is a foliage-filled hangout. It’s perched on top of the Treehouse, a hotel with a focus on sustainability.
Why go? There’s an outdoor terrace that wraps around the building and is filled with loungers. We also love the bar’s blossoming living wall.
Open from Apr 12: Mon-Sun noon-11pm
7. The Rooftop St James
What is it? As London rooftop views go, this one is iconic. The bar on top of the Trafalgar Hotel is in the direct eye line of Admiral Nelson on his lofty column. Warning: selfie-takers! As a posh central hotel, it also offers a slick menu of well crafted and curated drinks.
Why go? Well, we’ve all been locked down for a long time, so for once you can probably justify the elevated prices here. And that view is pretty spectacular.
From Apr 12: daily noon-midnight.
8. Aviary
What is it? Roomy open-air terrace with views up on floor ten, which in a former life brought all the City workers out from their offices. Probably be different vibes this year.
Why go? Stupendous views of London. And two huge peacock statues, naturally. That’s what you’ve been longing for, right?
Open for bookings: 11am-10pm daily from Apr 12.
9. Bar Elba
What is it? This buzzy rooftop oasis offers swoonsome views of the city’s skyline from its position near Waterloo and named with heavy irony after the island Napoleon was exiled to.
Why go? Boozy brunches and cocktails, with an idyllic atmosphere.
Open for bookings: Mon-Fri 3pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-11pm, from Apr 12.
10. Jin Bo Law
What is it? Fourteenth-floor City sky bar with a pineapple-inspired decor.
Why go? Asia-influenced cocktails and views right across to the Gherkin, so you can play ‘This is small, that is far away’.
Open for bookings: 5pm-11pm Mon-Wed, noon-11pm Thu-Sun from Apr 12.
11. Boundary Rooftop
What is it? Boundary does rooftop drinking in style, with a glass roof for protection from the elements in inclement conditions.
Why go? From Easter, the kitchen offers Mediterranean grub even if the London climate doesn't always match it with Mediterranean weather.
Open for bookings: 3pm-11pm Mon-Thu, noon-11pm Fri-Sun from Apr 12.
12. Madison Terrace Bar & Lounge
What is it? A surprising rooftop terrace bar in the One New Change shopping centre. It attracts a crowd of City slickers and hen nights (NB: costumes not allowed).
Why go? Brilliant close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral, if you don’t mind generic house beats and a fair few suits (although, no guarantee these will still be in place with City offices mostly closed!). WFH: not all bad.
Open daily noon-1am from Apr 12.
Venue says Join us on our rooftop terrace from 12pm and tuck into seafood platters and steaks whilst taking in the best skyline London has to offer.
13. Radio Rooftop
What is it? Radio Rooftop Bar high above the Strand has secured its status as one of central London’s prime rooftop drinking destinations. The terrace is like a slick Ibiza sun lounge – although you probably won’t find such plush blankets and patio heaters in the Balearic Islands. It can be a strange mix of people here, spanning the lad crew, old American tourists and fashionistas in funny hats.
Why go? Mainly for the views and the altitude. And to convince yourself that your lifestyle is a lot more chichi than it actually is, or that you’ve won a weird holiday.
From May 17: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-midnight; Fri-Sat 7am-2am.
14. Roof East
What is it? Massive rooftop play space and bar, Roof East offers drinks, views, mini-golf, batting cages and hip hop lawn bowls (‘bringing the banter back to bowls’ *shudder*). Feed and yourselves from Cheeky Burger or catch a film under the stars, (make sure to pick the bottomless popcorn option).
Why go? If that little lot sounds like it’s right up your alley, it’s a good laugh. If not, probably avoid.
Open now for bookings: from Apr 12: Mon-Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat-Sun noon-10pm. From Apr 22: Thu-Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat-Sun noon-10pm.
You may also like
Support Time Out
We see you’re using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue is Time Out’s main source of income. The content you’re reading is made by independent, expert local journalists.
Support Time Out directly today and help us champion the people and places which make the city tick. Cheers!
Donate now