Best rooftop bars in London
Indulging in rooftop drinks is an essential element of the London experience. Whether you're unwinding after a long day at work or embracing a leisurely Sunday all-day affair, the combination of sunshine, expertly crafted cocktails, and sweeping city views creates a truly magical ambiance. To ensure you make the most of the summer days, here is our definitive guide to London's finest rooftop bars. Embrace the essence of summer and let us guide you towards rooftop bliss!
Joia Rooftop Bar
Image: Joia Rooftop Bar, art’otel at Battersea Power Station. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Discover the latest addition to London's vibrant rooftop scene at Joia Rooftop Bar, located on the 16th floor of London's first art'otel in Battersea Power Station. Indulge in the flavors of Portugal and Iberian spiced small plates by Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa while taking in the jaw-dropping views of the famous Battersea Power Station chimneys. With a heated infinity pool, it's the perfect spot to soak up the sun, people-watch, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
Best for?
Joia Rooftop Bar is the perfect destination for catching up with friends or enjoying a fancy date night.
Location: 16th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ. Instagram: @joiabattersea
Laurel's On The Roof
Image: Laurel’s On The Roof. Mondrian London. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Laurel's On The Roof is a vibrant and glamorous rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool in East London, drawing inspiration from 1970s LA and Hollywood Hills pool parties. Located on the seventh floor of Mondrian London Shoreditch, it offers stunning views of the city skyline. With a mix of bright interiors, a charming outdoor terrace, and a playlist featuring soul, funk, and electric beats, Laurel's sets a lively and intimate atmosphere throughout the day. Indulge in a menu of Californian classics, sip on playful cocktails, and enjoy DJ sets on select evenings. Whether it's a casual brunch or a relaxing dinner, Laurel's On The Roof is a must-visit destination for retro glamour in East London.
Best for?
Laurel's roof terrace offers a cosy and intimate setting, perfect for a one-on-one catch-up with a friend or a romantic date as the outdoor terrace is relatively small. However, if you're planning for a larger group gathering, don't worry! They also have a spacious indoor area that can accommodate bigger groups.
Location: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT. Instagram: @laurels.ontheroof
Sushisamba City
Image: Sushisamba
#FLODown: Sushisamba is a trendy restaurant and rooftop bar located on the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower. It is accessible via a chic glass lift and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of London. It currently stands as the tallest rooftop bar in London and serves a unique fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food to be enjoyed with equally quirky cocktails. Expect elegance, plus, the sculptured tree with orange leaves illuminates the rooftop at night-time and makes for a great picture. There is often a lively atmosphere, and despite the slightly high price tag to your cocktail, we think the views are worth it for a well-deserved ‘boujee’ treat!
Best for?
Sushisamba is perfect for a romantic date watching the sunset over London coupled with a classic samba cocktail. Or, for after-work drinks (preferably when your boss is paying).
Location: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY. Instagram: @sushisamba_ldn
Aqua Kyoto
Image: Moet Hennessy Veuve Clicquot Aqua Kyoto. Image courtesy of Aqua Kyoto
#FLODown:This summer, Aqua Kyoto partners with Veuve Clicquot to launch a stunning terrace above Regent Street in London. The terrace will feature vibrant colours, cascading flowers, and a glowing sun feature. Guests can enjoy a menu inspired by Tokyo's Ginza district and a variety of cocktails infused with Japanese flavours. The exclusive Kyoto Sunsets menu will include dishes like Sunshine Sushi, a pairing of tuna and spicy tobiko, avocado and cucumber, paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Cool off in the sunshine with their Fuji apple dessert, served with green apple mousse and elderflower sorbet, accompanied by Veuve Clicquot Rosé. It's the ultimate fusion for those blissful summer days.
Best for?
Aqua is the perfect location for after-work drinks or some much needed post-shopping recuperation. It is also conveniently located near several Soho clubs so would make for a great pre-drinks location or a fancy date night!
Location: 5th floor, 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR. Instagram:@aquakyotolondon
Boundary London Rooftop
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: Boundary is perched on top of a boutique hotel in the heart of Shoreditch, and offers panoramic views of Shoreditch. The rooftop features gorgeous citrus trees and an outdoor terrace complete with an open wood fire and cosy furnishings that will make you feel right at home. The rooftop is open all year round with a menu that changes with the seasons. Plus, they are equipped to deal with the change in weather and they provide heaters and blankets to keep you toasty in the winter. Expect to find cheese fondues in the colder months and a vast selection of seafood in the summer. Year-round there is a huge variety of cocktails, wines and beers – basically, you won’t go thirsty. But as a word of warning, Boundary gets very busy and sometimes there are queues around the block. We recommend booking in advance if you want to visit.
Best for?
Boundary is our favourite spot for a daytime drinking session on the weekend or a post-dinner drink before heading for a night out in Shoreditch.
Location: 2-4 Boundary Street, London, E2 7DD. Instagram:@boundaryldn
Radio Rooftop Bar
Image: @radiorooftoplondon
#FLODown: Known to cater for the glamorous and with 360-degree views of London glorious skyline, Radio Rooftop lives up to its reputation with great cocktails and food. This bar is located on the 10th floor of ME London and has a perfectly plush setting and a Mediterranean menu to suit. True to London form the rooftop is decked out with comforters and heaters in the wintertime – but has all the vibes of a terrace in Greece.
Please note, Radio Rooftop is quite the hotspot for tourist and fashionistas alike. Nevertheless, it's a great location for brunch with a view or watching the sunset whilst enjoying great music and cocktails. However, expect to pay for the view through pretty hefty drinks and food prices.
Best for?
Radio Rooftop is perfect for a variety of occasions, from evening drinks with friends to casual business meetings. They also do afternoon tea on weekdays from 12pm - 4pm which is a great option for a family trip.
Location: 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA. Instagram: @radiorooftoplondon
Skylight London
Image: Skylight
#FLODown: Dubbed the ‘urban lawn club’ in the Sky this rooftop bar offers a slightly distant, but still beautiful, view of the London skyline. Skylight is an adult-sized playground, with three floors of bars, street food, live entertainment and DJ sets, plus there are sports and games such as croquet and Pétanque to play. You really won’t be bored here. In the summertime expect to capitalise on summer fun with garden booths and day beds, or play some croquet accompanied by a classic summer cocktail. There are equally fun events going on in autumn at their ‘HarvestFest’ with apple draughts, hay bale skittles. Oh, and how could we forget the mulled wines and ciders in the winter.
Best for?
Skylight is ideal for big groups and makes the perfect location for a daytime session or watching the sunset. It would also be a great date night location.
Location: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance,St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF. Instagram: @skylight_london
Aviary
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: Since opening in 2016, the Aviary has become a fast household name. Located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, the rooftop bar has breath-taking views of the cities high rises. The Aviary is a stylish location to dine with a seriously spacious outdoor terrace offering a selection of tasty cocktails. Their stylish restaurant has a menu packed with modern British foods, with a particular focus on quality produce. This is a hotspot for after works drinks but it is also known to get rather busy on weekday evenings. Daytimes maybe your best bet to enjoy a peaceful drink.
Best for?
The Aviary has Igloos located on the rooftop where you can sip on your cocktails in an intimate setting overlooking the city skyline. All igloo bookings run for 1.5 hours. This is the perfect option for drinks with a group of friends.
Location: 22-25 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1DX. Instagram: @aviaryldn
Bar Elba
Image: @bar_elba
#FLODown: Bar Elba is the perfect spot for a chilled session, complete with fairy lights, communal benches and epic music it’s reminiscent of a typical Shoreditch hang out spot. Located in Waterloo and sitting above sister bar, Tonight Josephine, expect major music, good food, and cocktails aplenty. This is the perfect place to kick start your summer.They also have bottomless brunches every weekend and the rooftop cinema experience on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. Click here for their full movie schedule. Watch out for some of their winter experiences which is set to include an ice-skating rink!
Best for?
Bar Elba is perfect for an after-work session or birthday drinks.
Location: 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL. Instagram: @bar_elba
Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
Image: Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch. May 2022. © MTotoe
#FLODown: The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch, which replaces the sacred Ace Hotel, offers a playful and stylish Californian escape in East London with its pink colour scheme, lush succulents, and cacti. The outdoor rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views, and every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday features DJs bringing great vibes. Enjoy the sunset with drinks and small plates in this fun and playful atmosphere.
Best for?
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch is the perfect setting for a fancy catch-up with friends or family, and it also provides a charming atmosphere for an unforgettable evening date as the sun sets over East London.
Location: 100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ. Instagram: @onehundredshoreditch
Roof East
Image: @roofeast
#FLODown: Offering sweeping views of East London, this Stratford-based rooftop bar is one of London’s largest outdoor playgrounds, offering everything from sun loungers, crazy golf to a rooftop film club. What was once an empty car park, is now packed with delicious street food – including new additions East Side Pizza and Cheeky Burger. Plus, on Saturday and Sunday mornings you can head to the roof for a calming yoga session.
Best for?
Everything from cool games to a movie night, it’s a great location for a fun-filled date night or equally a fun-filled celebration with friends or family.
Location: Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, London, E15 1XE. Instagram: @roofeast
Jin Bow Law
Image: @jinbowlaw_skybar
#FLODown: Hailed for their great cocktails Jin Bow Law is a popular favourite amongst the city crowd. The bar is nestled on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel and offers spectaculars views of London’s city skyline, with Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Gherkin all in sight. True to its name, Asian influences are present throughout including the décor and the impressive cocktail menu.
Best for?
With its prime central location, Jin Bo Law is an ideal destination for after-work drinks, celebratory occasions, or a memorable romantic evening over looking some of London’s most iconic structures.
Location: 14th Floor, Dorsett City London, 9 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AH. Instagram: @jinbowlaw_skybar
Madison
Madison’s restaurant and rooftop bar is located on the 6th floor of One New Change and offers sensational views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye just off in the distance. The restaurant serves a selection of steakhouse dishes and the terrace bar offers a vibrant atmosphere that features a range of Manhattan inspired cocktails. Expect live music and a city crowd most evenings throughout the week.
Best for?
Dinner and drinks. It is also in a really ideal location for pre-drinks before a night out in Shoreditch.
Location: 1 New Change, London, EC4M 9AF. Instagram: @madisonlondon1
The Nest at Treehouse Hotel
Image: © MTotoe
The Nest is a welcome addition to London’s plethora of rooftop bars and is located just a short walk from Oxford Circus station. The bar sits on the 16th floor of the Treehouse Hotel which opened just under a year ago. It’s a quirky, green haven filled with wooden furniture and a wraparound terrace, offering 360-degree views of the city.
Best for?
The Nest is ideal for a working lunch by day and evening drinks and dancing at night. If the décor isn't enough to attract you the incredible views of the city certainly will!
Location: 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS. Instagram: @thenestintreehouse
