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So it might not be a scorcher quite yet, but we have high hopes that this summer will be an all-time great. In preparation, we’ve picked London’s best sky-high spots for sipping drinks during the sunny season.
With a new number one rooftop bar for 2026, we’ve returned to an old favourite; Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. This South Bank classic is a brutalist rooftop beauty, with views of the Thames as well as a lovely lawn, and over 200 different kinds of plants, flowers and fruit trees. The bar itself is pretty unobtrusive, set in an old shipping container, and serving wine, botany-inspired cocktails and craft beers, as well as a couple of snacky bits, but it’s the sprawling green space that really makes this spot stand out.
First launched in 2011, Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden was a joint project between The Eden Project and Grounded Ecotherapy, who help people experiencing homelessness and addiction recovery via gardening. The place re-opens for spring/summer 2026 on April 1.
In second place comes another classic London rooftop bar; Frank’s Cafe in Peckham. This stalwart of London’s rooftop scene doesn’t need much in the way of an introduction – neither does their infamous pink staircase. We love this bar perched on the top of a multi-storey car park for its stunning views, interesting art installations and casual energy. It re-opens for 2026 on May 15.
Coming in third is Forza Wine at The National Theatre. There are now three Forza Wines in London, the original Peckham rooftop location and the newly opened Soho restaurant (ground level, alas). Our favourite though is the one on the top floor of the National Theatre, not too far from our number one, Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. Open all-year around, the balcony is the perfect place for sipping a flute of pét-nat when London’s hallowed t-shirt weather is here. Hopefully their Forza Taps wine-bar pop-up on the terrace will return for summer 2026.
Read Time Out’s full list of the 15 best rooftop bars in London.
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