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.

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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.

Address

6 Sir Simon Milton Square, Westminster, London SW1E 5DJ

020 3019 3093 Go to website

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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

020 3892 8166 Go to website

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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.

Address

20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD

020 3747 1063 Go to website

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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.

Address

7th-10th Floor, Peckham Town Centre Car Park, 95A Rye Ln, SE15 4ST

N/A

Go to website

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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

Go to website

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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.

Address

40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

+44 20 7247 5371 Go to website

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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.

Address

4 Kingdom Street, W2 6PY

+44 7951 890 484 Go to website

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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.

Address

Roof B Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST

020 7635 6655 Go to website

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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.

Address

Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, 335-337 Old St, London EC1V 9LL

020 3310 5536 Go to website

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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.

Address

14th floor, 9, Dorsett City, Aldgate High St, London EC3N 1AH

020 3947 2582 Go to website

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