Top 10 London Rooftop Bars For This Summer
12 June, 2019
- Words by
- Olivia Morelli
The
The
sun has made its debut and Londoners are swarming parks and
beer
gardens en masse. While there’s nothing quite like having a
tipple in your local, sometimes a swish cocktail and views over the
Thames are just what the doctor ordered. These are London‘s
best rooftop bars for when things get classy.
bar
Flight Club Victoria
Westminster, London
Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Head to Flight Club for classic cocktails and dart games all night. Once you’ve proven yourself king or queen of the boards, head upstairs to the Magic Gardens to reconcile friendships amid vibrant lighting and kitsch decor.
bar
Bar Elba
Waterloo, London
This rooftop oasis sits just across the road from The Old Vic. After battling your way through commuters at Waterloo station and climbing a series of staircases, you’ll find Bar Elba’s refreshing frosé (frozen rosé, duh) is a worthy reward.
Address
Rooftop Mercury House,
109-117 Waterloo Rd,
Lambeth,
London SE1 8UL
bar
12th Knot
South Bank, London
Make a beeline for this 12th-floor terrace of the Sea Containers hotel on the South Bank for champagne cocktails and sunset punctuated by London’s iconic buildings and skyscrapers. On chillier days, sink into 12th Knot’s plush velvet sofas inside.
bar
Frank’s Café
Peckham, London
Don’t let this multi-storey car park in Peckham put you off. Follow the bright pink stairwell onwards and upwards for sunset negronis and G&Ts. Only open during the summer months, Frank’s is a real holiday-esque treat.
bar
Skylight London
Wapping, London
While London’s East End is gradually moving away from the gritty vibe it’s known for, the timber beams and exposed brickwork of the Grade I Listed Tobacco Docks stands resolute. Located in Wapping, Skylight London offers a pared back, urban retreat for weekday night sanctuary.
Address
Tobacco Dock,
Pennington St entrance,
St Katharine’s & Wapping,
London E1W 2SF
N/A
bar
The Culpeper
Spitalfields, London
It’s not hard to see why Culpeper is a hotspot for trendy millennials. An overgrown rooftop garden with a strong focus on sustainability, this bar uses home-grown herbs and vegetables in its innovative cocktails. If wine is your poison, browse the menu for a selection of English, biodynamic and natural options.
bar
Pergola
Paddington, London
Despite its basic reputation, Pergola on the Roof is still going strong as one of London’s most popular summertime terraces, serving finger-licking burgers and kebabs alongside poké and dumplings. Best for a bottomless Sunday brunch, followed by afternoon snoozing on the daybeds.
bar
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Peckham, London
Also known as the Rooftop Film Club, the Bussey Building’s canopied terrace oozes holiday vibes come summer with vines, flowers and 360° views of London’s skyline. Herald the warm weather here by washing down seasonal bites with craft beer and creative cocktails.
bar
Upper 5th Shoreditch
Shoreditch, London
Sat atop an old legal courthouse, this rooftop bar has glass balconies and views across the East End. During the summer months, the kitchen whips up some delicious barbecue dishes – pair with tropical cocktails and you’ve got edible sunshine.
bar
Jin Bo Law
Aldgate, London
Come to the 14th floor of Aldgate’s Dorsett City Hotel for views of Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Gherkin – and stay for pineapple-themed interiors and Asian-inspired cocktails. Play it safe a Ki No Bi gin and tonic, or be bold with a Milk & Cookies cocktail – sake, vanilla milk, cinnamon syrup and fortune cookies.