Fun in the sun means taking things al fresco and, ideally, up on the roof. It is, after all, warmer that much closer to the sun.
Perhaps not, but at least the view tends to be better. Whereas once rooftops to dine on were reasonably few and far between, now near enough every flat spot with a building beneath it is game for cocktail hour. Below is a non-exhaustive list of our favourite rooftop bars, listed in no particular order. Helicopter landing pads have never been so out of style.
The Berkeley Rooftop
Location: Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
Website: the-berkeley.co.uk
The Berkeley Rooftop offers a poolside bar at the Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge. It is small but perfectly formed, with 360-degree views over Hyde Park to the Wembley Arch and south to Battersea Power Station. This year, the theme is "Capri in the City" — featuring ice-cold spritzes and marinated octopus.
London Bridge Rooftop Bar
Location: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
Website: londonbridgerooftop.com
One of the capital's most popular rooftop bars for after-work drinks is next to London Bridge station, overlooking the Shard. It runs a happy hour on selected cocktails on weekdays and a bottomless brunch and 'Spritz Sundays' on weekends, with Aperol and more for just £8 between 12pm and 4pm.
Coq d'Argent
Location: 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ
Website: coqdargent.co.uk
The rooftop lawn at No 1 Poultry provides green space in the City of London, with views towards the Bank of England and Royal Exchange. The bar offers half a dozen gin and tonics categorised by flavour, in-house creations, and a comprehensive 37-page wine list. The bar menu includes French-accented finger food such as prawns and mayo, sausages in red wine sauce, and charcuterie.
Llama Inn
Location: 1 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Website: llamainnlondon.com
Perched above the Hoxton in Shoreditch on the seventh floor, Llama Inn is a New York import serving modern Peruvian food. The terrace offers pisco sours, snacks, and plenty of sunshine thanks to its south-facing position. Lighter dishes include lamb empanadas, leeks with gazpacho, cod and yuca cream, and chicken skewers with shiso and aji verde.
Los Mochis
Location: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Website: losmochis.co.uk
The latest branch of Los Mochis at Liverpool Street boasts a 3,000 sq ft al fresco space with views from St Paul's Cathedral to the London Eye. The menu features Mexican-Japanese food, including plenty of tacos, and a vast selection of tequila and mezcal. Enjoy the party atmosphere and the 3am licence.
One Hundred Shoreditch
Location: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Website: onehundredshoreditch.com
One Hundred Shoreditch offers panoramic views across East London from its rooftop designed for sundowners. Until midnight, guests can enjoy a space filled with succulents and cacti, a pink colour scheme, and spritzes. There is also a concise menu of tacos and snacks such as garlic prawns and fried chicken.
Seabird
Location: 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY
Website: seabirdlondon.com
Seabird, the seafood palace above the Hoxton in Southwark, becomes Casa Seabird from late May, shifting emphasis towards Ibizan summers. City views accompany Mediterranean-inspired food and tequila-based drinks from Casamigos. From Thursday to Saturday, resident DJs provide the soundtrack, and guests can enjoy frozen palomitas, truffle mezcal negronis, sea trout ceviche, and salt cod croquetas.
Lord Napier Star
Location: 25 White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Website: lordnapierstar.co.uk
The outdoor terrace at Lord Napier Star offers a pub feel in the sky. Now restored, the graffiti-covered boozer, famous for its "Shithouse to Penthouse" tag, is still crumbling outside but shiny inside. The rooftop is perfect for pints and cheap margs.
The Culpeper
Location: 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP
Website: theculpeper.com
The Culpeper's rooftop is built for a pint in the sun. The garden vibe is enhanced by produce growing around the tables, much of which is harvested for the pub's restaurant two floors below. The rooftop opened this Monday, and while booking is available, space is kept for walk-ins wanting a beer from the regularly changing pumps.
Frank's
Location: 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Website: boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe
Frank's, one of the Peckham rooftops repurposed for pale ale at sundown, offers ace views and decent drinks. It is a basic affair with a strange pulling power, where you may lose unintended hours. It is said to have invented negronis, rooftops, and Peckham itself.
Jin Bo Law
Location: 14th floor, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH
Website: jinbolaw.co.uk
Attached to Aldgate's Dorsett City Hotel, Jin Bo Law sits 14 floors up with views over Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Gherkin, and other iconic towers. The yellow-and-brass chic and Japanese-leaning cocktail list attract a fun-loving set who don't mind spending. Bottles can cost thousands, but glasses of wine start from £11.
Netil 360
Location: 1 Westgate Street, E8 3RL
Website: netil360.com
Netil 360 is a popular spot for al fresco drinking in Hackney. It is a no-fuss hideaway with an indoor area made largely of chipboard and a drinks menu featuring local breweries and distilleries, including Truman's, Five Points, and East London Liquor Company.
Forza Wine
Location: The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, SE15 4BQ
Website: forzawine.com
Forza Wine is the offshoot bar and small plates operation of the former Forza Win restaurant. It is an aperitivo haven offering fritto misto, tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, fine salumi, and bream with pickled fennel.
The Rooftop at The Standard
Location: 10 Argyle St, London, 8NP
Website: standardhotels.com
The Standard's rooftop is a place for good cocktails and celebrity spotting. Visitors can drink champagne and admire a stretch of north London, including the St Pancras clocktower. The bar has a faintly New York vibe, but ignore the astroturf.
Boundary London
Location: 2-4 Boundary St, E2 7DD
Website: boundary.london/rooftop
At the Boundary Hotel in Shoreditch, the rooftop terrace and glass orangery offer panoramic views across the City and East London. In spring and summer, the space is a Mediterranean oasis with olive trees and seasonal plants. Head chef Roberto Branca grills meats and fish over charcoal, serving them with salads. Rose is poured generously, and cocktails pack a punch.
