When the sun's out, it's time to get high. Head for London's best rooftop bars and lofty terraces. We've rounded up the best for 2026. If you're reading this in spring/early summer, make sure your sky bar of choice has opened for the season.
Rooftop bars in central London
1 Leicester Square, Leicester Square
A modern take on art deco glam, 1 Leicester Square's rooftop bar pours elixirs like the Pineapple Prohibition and Roaring 20s, which are best enjoyed out on the terrace, admiring the dashing deco of the 1937 Odeon down in the Square. There's also a 'Speakeasy Salad' which sadly appears to contain no booze.
1 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
Alto by San Carlo, Oxford Street
Selfridges' citrus grove of a sky sanctum places the emphasis on seasonal Italian produce and fresh ingredients. The elevated (in all senses of the word) garden setting can be enjoyed with fizz in hand on the al fresco sun terrace, and perhaps a few bruschette smothered in tomatoes, garlic and basil.
Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
Aqua Spirit, Regent Street
This slick cocktail sanctuary floating high above Regent Street, and crowning the Aqua Kyoto restaurant, is in a prime position for post-retail recuperation. The views over Oxford Street and the West End are as appealing as the Japanese bar food and Asian-accented drinks list (check out the 'Sushi' cocktail, made with Suntory and sparkling tea). No bookings are taken for the terrace, except if you're having lunch. Note the smart casual dress code: no sportswear or flip flops.
Aqua Spirit, 5th floor, 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR
Gaucho, Piccadilly
During the sunnier months, visitors to this high-end, meat-heavy restaurant can enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks on the romantic roof terrace, complete with fireplace and pillows. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures sometimes cause it to close, so it's worth calling before making a special trip.
Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR
Ham Yard Hotel, Piccadilly Circus
OK, this gorgeous cottage garden in the clouds is only open to hotel guests or under private hire, but it's still worth knowing about. If you've got a birthday celebration or company event on the cards, why not strong-arm the organisers into having it here.
Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
Flute, Soho
While Soho's speakeasy game is strong, the area's not so hot on rooftop bars. Flute — named for a 19th century flute-maker who lived on this street — is a nifty one to have up your sleeve: the glittering art deco/maximalist seventh-floor bar of the Broadwick hotel is special in its own right, but it also has a dainty outdoor terrace, where you can nestle among the pot plants with a cocktail and feel rather smug in your little lofty pocket park. Reserving a table is a good idea.
Flute, 7th floor, 20 Broadwick Street, Broadwick Soho, W1F 8HT
The Lane, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Much of the al fresco scene around Covent Garden resides at ground level, but the newish roof terrace at The Lane (part of the Theatre Royal) is an exception. Sip cocktails and champagne from the plant-potted terrace, while gazing out over the billboards of Theatreland and decide which show you want to see next.
The Lane, Drury Lane Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF
London Bridge Rooftop
OK, it might not be as lofty as the neighbouring Shard, but the views from London Bridge Rooftop are pretty tasty all the same — taking in Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge station, and, er, the Shard. As well as spritzes, prosecco and the like, they also do bottomless brunches (and darts, which frankly sounds like a lethal combo).
London Bridge Rooftop, Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
Market Halls, Victoria
Step out the front of Victoria station (taking care not to get mown down by a bus or taxi) and there in front of you is Market Halls, with its sweeping rooftop terrace. The views aren't all that (unless you happen to be a bus spotter) but you can get a drink, plus all manner of street grub is available from the building's vendors. Think of it as an upscale, upsized, up-priced version of the Wetherspoons terrace in Victoria station.
Market Halls, Victoria, 191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE
The Nest, Fitzrovia
While the much-loved Heights bar — where many a boozy Beeb meeting was held back in the day — is long dead and buried, the Nest now rules the roost. It's a different vibe alright: the Heights would never bother itself with rattan pendant lighting, mid-century lounge chairs and hundreds of dangling houseplants. But the central London views haven't changed — and can only really be outdone in this area if you wangle a trip up the BT Tower. Dogs are welcome to take to the woof roof on Sundays.
The Nest, 14-15 Langham Place W1B 2QS
Radio Rooftop Bar, Aldwych
Set atop the ME London hotel, Radio Bar — so called because it's on the site of the old Marconi House — has a striking interior feat. coral reef wallpaper from Adam Ellis Studio, marble surfaces and exotic dried palms. All very la-di-da. But naturally it's the panoramic views you'll be ogling, classic cocktail in hand. Reservations are recommended, and no sportswear or trainers are permitted.
Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA
The Rooftop, Trafalgar Square
Get a God complex as you watch the hustle of Trafalgar Square from this swish bar on top of The Trafalgar St James Hotel. You can also get a good gawp at Nelson from up here. The Rooftop is glamorous, and the prices reflect it — there's a stiff minimum spend, on a sliding scale contingent on the day/time.
The Rooftop, The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS
Setlist @ Somerset House, Strand
Is it a rooftop? Is it not a rooftop? No matter: Somerset House gets an inclusion here on location alone — perched as it is above the treetops of Victoria Embankment. The terrace reopened afresh as Setlist in 2025 — serving cocktails like the Somerset Spritz (Lilet Blanc, Suze, Somerset cider) and the Setlist Spritz (Lillet Rose, raspberries, Double Dutch, pomegranate and basil). There are also pop-ups from female chefs, DJs and a 50m-long covered pavilion filled with art.
Setlist @ Somerset House Terrace Bar, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Terrace at the Dilly, Piccadilly
An exclusive little spot among the columns of the grand hotel, overlooking Piccadilly itself. The kind of place you order a glass of Château La Gordonne rosé and French light bites to go with. Afternoon tea is served early PM, daily.
Terrace at the Dilly, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
Yasmin, Soho
Istanbul-inspired sharing plates and sundowner cocktails are the name of the game at Yasmin, a wrap-around terrace, which may not feature the rizziest views in town, but gives urban/verdant chic — and the sense you're living the Poppins-esque London rooftop dream. The dishes, from exec chef Tom Cenci, are upmarket and uplifting (hello baharat duck skewer with orange & saffron mayo), as are drinks like the Golden Hour and the Mirage Martini.
Yasmin, Soho, 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR
Rooftop bars in the City of London
Angler, Moorgate
Planted with lavender, herbs and olive trees, this rooftop terrace at South Place Hotel brings a little piece of Provence to Moorgate. Call by for a drink (Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-8.30pm), or look out for the hotel's regular rooftop parties and events.
Angler, South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF
Aviary, Moorgate
On the cusp of the City and Shoreditch, find Aviary perched on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Hotel on Finsbury Square. Come for raw seafood on the rocks and cocktails, served up with a large spacious terrace, igloos and killer city skyline views. They do sky-high roasts now too.
Aviary Roof Terrace, 10th Floor Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Coq d'Argent, Bank
Set atop the postmodern, Bagpuss-esque erection that is One Poultry, Coq d'Argent is a hard and fast favourite among City slickers. Its playfully designed rooftop terrace — complete with fake grass — is a real suntrap, while a large drinks list spans just about everything from beers and wines to spirits and cocktails. Walk-ins only.
Coq d'Argent, No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ
The Culpeper, Commercial Street
With its refreshed, British woodland-inspired rooftop, the Culpeper is a genuine oasis in the concrete jungle — a canopy of silver birch, hazel, and apple trees with an edible understorey of mint and wild strawberries. Some of the plants wind up in the cocktails, including the strawberry white negroni, sweet cicely sour, and woodruff spritz. It's a fitting tribute to the 17th century botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, after which it's named.
The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP
Florattica, The Minories
Picking a theme and running with it, this sky bar near Aldgate is a riot of dried flowers hovering cloud-like above (also very floral) bar furniture. Like the decor, cocktails tends towards the flowery and fruity. Stonking City views from the terrace; raise a glass to all that glass.
Florattica, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX
Jin Bo Law, Aldgate
Up on the 14th floor of Hotel Saint, right next to Aldgate station, Jin Bo Law has some of the best views over the City of London, including close encounters with ancient church spires. The balcony runs the length of this Asian-style cocktail bar. They also do an afternoon tea, one to bear in mind for special occasions.
Jin Bo Law, Hotel Saint, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH
Llama Inn, Old Street
Temperate weather and pisco sours were made to go together, so when the sun's got his hat on, make for this Peruvian rooftop bar in Shoreditch, sink into the comfy banquettes and wait for the inevitable rainstorm. If, by some miracle, it stays dry, treat yourself to some braised beef empanadas to celebrate.
Llama Inn, 1 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Madison, St Paul's
A breathtaking view of St Paul's dome is the pièce de résistance at this restaurant and bar, where champagne and wines get big billing on an extensive bar menu, starring signature spritzes. The food menu has a New York-inspired slant; think fried chicken waffles, and soft baked choc chip cookies.
Madison, Rooftop terrace, 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF
Sabine, Godliman Street
Sophisticated cocktails (like the Lyra, made with coconut & condensed-milk clarified with Aba pisco) and dainty bites await at this City rooftop oasis. But be honest, you're here for the postcard views of St Paul's. (A second location, in Holborn, is set to open spring 2026.)
Sabine, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ
Savage Garden, Tower Hill
Situated on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Savage Garden actually comprises two terraces, with views of everything from Tower Bridge to the nearby neo-gothic Minster Building. A tad more casual than many other City rooftops.
Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
Sky Garden, Fenchurch Street
The Sky Garden — set on the 35th and 36th floors of the corpulent Walkie-Talkie building — is kind of a roof terrace. Open early till late daily, there's access to the al fresco strip, while the rest of the space is sufficiently glass-clad and greenery-filled to do a similar job. There are two bars, and two restaurants to choose from. For drinks, Sky Pod Bar is the livelier of the two, with live music nights. More sophisticated vibes are found at City Garden. Booking ahead is essential.
The Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
Sushisamba, Liverpool Street
The highest roof terrace in London, on floor 38 of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba has high prices to match but soaring views that make up for it. The lift ride up there is worth a go in itself any time of day (deep breath if you're scared of heights), but if you can, visit of an evening, nab a seat around the fire pit and sink a Samba Sour or two.
Sushisamba, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Wagtail, Monument
Though hedge fund folk might descend on Wagtail to cheers their latest bonus over dinner in The Cupola, you can pop into the rooftop bar for a cheeky house cocktail, while admiring the juxtaposition of the 17th century Monument to the Great Fire jostling against glassy additions like the Shard and Walkie-Talkie.
Wagtail, 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR
Rooftop bars overlooking the South Bank
12th Knot, South Bank
Sea Containers' riverside bar 12th Knot is terrace-top rather than full-blown rooftop, but the views down the river are spectacular, and cocktails, such as the Golden Hour and High Tide are thoughtfully curated, and not too stiffly priced. Walk-ins are welcome. Dress code is smart/casual.
12th Knot, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
Forza Taps, National Theatre
One of our favourite places to hang out (we're writing this from here right now), the National Theatre also boasts an upper storey, Forza Wine, which — from springtime each year — hosts outside terrace Forza Taps. Overlooking the Thames from the brutalist balconies, you can sip on spritzes/frizzante and nosh on mini skewer kebabs served with crisps and pickles. There are few better spots to drink on the South Bank when it's sunny, Forza record.
Forza Taps, National Theatre, SE1 9PX
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, South Bank
Ascend the brutalist yellow stairs to discover a roof garden home to over 200 wild native plants, and rather excellent views across the river towards that-there north London. The Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen will fix you up with BBQ dishes and a G&T. It's not open Mondays.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX (open April-October)
Rooftop bars in Canary Wharf
Boisdale, Canary Wharf
This tartan-clad, whisky-loaded bar comes with a great little rooftop bar too. Bring your colleagues, whip out the company credit card and settle in for a night watching the sun go down, with a dram in hand.
Boisdale, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT
Bōkan, Canary Wharf
Considering the amount of teetering skyscrapers round here (and suits with cash to splash), it's surprising there aren't more snazzy, vertigo-inducing bars opening up in this part of town. Maybe Bōkan hails a rooftop revolution for Canary Wharf. There's a restaurant and bar on the 37th and 38th floors of the Novotel, but up on the 39th floor you'll find all the outdoor terrace action with specialist gin bar, live jazz and daybeds.
Bōkan, 37th, 38th & 39th Floor, Novotel Canary Wharf, 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP
Rooftop bars in east London
Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch
You could do worse than pass time in Shoreditch with drinks and Mediterranean nibbles on the Boundary rooftop. It does require a certain level of financial investment, and note that being a fairly squat building in an area devoid of interesting features, the views from on top aren't the of the sock-blowing-off calibre. The revamped space now comes with a heated glass orangery meaning it's open all day every day, regardless of the weather.
Boundary Rooftop, 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD
Café Mission, Shoreditch
When (or should that be if) the sun's too much to bear, retreat to the shade of one of the parasols on Café Mission's rooftop, and knock back a reviving spicy mango smoothie/prawn tempura sando. As well as a solid range of brunch/lunch options, there's wine, spritzes and cocktails to keep you lingering longer
Café Mission, Fashion Street, E1 6PX
cloudM, Tower of London
There's something of a shared workspace vibe about cloudM, but what it might lack in panache, it makes up for with spectacular views of the Tower of London (which it faces off with). There's also a tea-inspired cocktail menu from Bombay Sapphire, so all-in-all, a good shout for passing Anglophiles.
cloudM, 40 Trinity Square, EC3N 4DJ
Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch
Channeling heady Med summers, this is the place to sink fiery, harissa-spiked margs while hoeing lamb fritters and counting the high-rises/church towers on the horizon. DJs spin hip-hop, 90s jams and R&B edits every Friday and Saturday.
Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Netil360, Bethnal Green
Like many place in east London, Netil360 feels more mainstream than it used to — for example, it's no longer BYOB. But it's still a top place to do a bit of remote 'working', or just hang out with a natty wine (hate that phrase), slice of pizza and watch the skeletons of gasholders against the sunset.
Netil360, 1 Westgate Street, Bethnal Green, E8 3RL
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
The roof of the Queen of Hoxton is open all year round with quirky seasonal transformations keeping Londoners on their toes. Expect bunting, DJs, wigwams and the chance to snoop on the poor suckers working late at the offices that overlook.
Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Red Lion, Hoxton
Relaxed or rammed depending on the weather — and open seven days a week — the Red Lion's no frills roof terrace is there for you whenever you fancy an open-air drink. Warning: it's one heck of a suntrap. Bring the factor 50.
Red Lion, 41 Hoxton Street, N1 6NH
Roof East, Stratford
A loosely-termed 'adult adventure playground' atop a multi-storey car park in Stratford. It's pretty packed up there with lawn bowls, Birdies Crazy Golf Club and Rooftop Cinema Club getting involved, along with London's highest baseball batting cage. Sustenance comes in the form of a range of street food vendors and a selection of cocktail bars.
Roof East, Stratford multi-storey car park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE
Shoreditch House, Shoreditch
Suck up to a member and get on up to London's most exclusive sky high bar. This east London warehouse-turned hip private members' club is worth trying to blag your way into somehow — if nothing else for the rooftop pool/bragging rights.
Shoreditch House, 1 Ebor Street, E1 6AW
Rooftop bars in north London
Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town
This boozer's biggest draw is its pretty wood-decked, fairy-light-strewn roof terrace/beers garden which comes with loads of seating, if not the most scenic views. Where better to enjoy its pub kitchen wares of burgers and Sunday roasts than al fresco and on high?
Abbey Tavern 124 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9QB
Big Chill, King's Cross
A couple of minutes from King's Cross station you'll find the Big Chill bar — and on the top of that, its buzzing rooftop terrace. It's a laid back affair, just a few picnic tables, and far more people milling around with a pint in hand. The cocktail menu's extensive, the food is Chick 'n' Sours, and weekends are for dancing, thanks to the resident DJs Thursday through to Saturday.
Big Chill, 257-259 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL
The Castle, Angel
This Youngs gastropub on Pentonville Road is perfectly pleasant inside, but come a sunny day or a temperate evening its spacious roof terrace is prime real estate — even if the views of Pentonville Road aren't all overly scenic.
The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, N1 9HF
The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
This legendary Irish pub tucked away behind Finsbury Park deserves a spot on this list despite it technically being a beer garden. Why? The multi-level oasis sprawls across four levels of decking, taking the form of a glorified tree house, with elevated views and bountiful greenery make it a strong rival to many of the bars on this list. No bookings, so on sunny days you'll need to stake your claim early.
Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3HB
The Rooftop, King's Cross
Adorning the top of brutalist-chic hotel the Standard, this rooftop hangout has what must be the best view of St Pancras Renaissance; it virtually rubs shoulders with the glorious redbrick clocktower — and you can happily while away a couple of hours sinking spiced margaritas in a honeysuckle-cloaked booth. St Panc/King's Cross aren't the only things you can spy from up here; the near-360 panorama also gives you glimpses of St Paul's, the Shard, the Emirates stadium and even the ArcelorMittal Orbit. There are New York-inspired pizza slices, and DJs crank things up in the height of summer.
The Rooftop, The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Rooftop bars in south London
Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham
A spring/summer makeover has turned this space into a plant-filled suntrap; and a mighty fine place to admire sunsets over London. Pizza, sour cherry negronis — plus Rooftop Cinema Club's residency — makes the Bussey a very fun place to be in the summer.
Bussey Rooftop Bar, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Circe's, Waterloo
From Margarita Mondays through to Spritz Sundays, this rooftop offering knows how to pull in the punters. Throw in a long cocktail list, ABBA-themed brunches and Mediterranean platters, and you've got yourself a worthy contender to a night out on the nearby South Bank.
Circe's, Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL
CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, Peckham
Relocating for spring 2026, the CLF Art Lounge — complete with rooftop terrace — will sit atop Mountview, near Peckham Library. This might be THE bar opening of south London for the year; can't wait to see.
CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT
Frank's, Peckham
Frank's is a paradigm of the south London rooftop bar. This expansive bar and grill atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham has become a regular fixture of a London summer. Expect hot wings, charred aubergine and lamb kebabs; Campari-based potions; and scenic views of the City and across south London. There's more seating these days, too, thank god.
Frank's, 10th Floor, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Freight Brixton, Brixton
The team behind Manchester's Freight Island have expanded southward for this rooftop venture, set to be scheduled to the gills with live music, food festivals, sports screenings and more, from 7 May 2026. It is also, so they say, 'London's largest rooftop'. If it is truly vaster than, say, Frank's (above), this will be one MAMMOTH outdoor space — and a shoo-in for summering south Londoners who like their rooftop action large.
Freight Brixton, 33 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PB
JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station
With the power station district now full steam ahead, a rooftop bar here was inevitable: JOIA Rooftop perches on the 16th floor of art'otel, offering summery sips like marg slushies, alongside Iberian/Portuguese-style snacks (tuna skewers, octopus on brioche). But it's all about rubbing shoulders with those celeb chimneys, especially now you can watch people sticking out the top.
JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Pergola Brixton, Brixton
Bringing a taste of Mexico to SW9, Pergola Brixton sets the scene with cabana style seating, cactus evergreens and wicker upholstery. Once you've settled in, there are sparkling palomas, tequila colada slushies and blood orange & peach sangrias (not badly priced either) — while grub can be ordered in from nearby Jalisco.
Pergola Brixton, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
Seabird, Southwark
This stretch of Southwark doesn't boast too many towering buildings, which means the rooftop terrace at Seabird — the seafood restaurant and bar on floor 14 of The Hoxton Southwark — gives you a rare view down over south London, trains lacing in and out of Waterloo, skyscrapers on the horizon. The restaurant's floor to ceiling windows mean you get a great view even from inside, but on a sunny day the terrace itself is a beaut — lots of palm fronds, fairy lights and rattan chairs to go with your dirty martini and skyline views.
Seabird at The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY
Rooftop bars in west London
The Alexandra, Wimbledon
OK, technically this is south-west rather than west-west London, but it only requires a short hop over the Thames to make the most of this charming pub's rooftop bar. The Loft terrace comes with a burger shack and outdoor bar, from which it pours a selection of beers. Low-key, it's still reliably packed on a sunny summer's day.
The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE
Lyric Bar, Hammersmith
The bar at the Lyric Theatre is open to all, whether you have a theatre ticket or not, and my, does it offer a real boost to west London's somewhat lacklustre rooftop options. With plenty of planters and foliage, along with views across low-level west London, it feels comparatively undramatic compared to many of the bars on this list. Ironic, given this is a theatre.
Lyric Bar, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL
Skylark Roof Garden, Paddington
Striped patio furniture and planters overspilling with herbs and wild grasses set the summery scene for Skylark — a place where an afternoon will fly by, sharing a blueberry lemonade margarita pitcher with pals, and watching trains snake their way in and out of Paddington station. Saturdays bring 'Primadonna', with Mediterranean platters, signature cocktails and DJs.
Skylark Roof Garden, 10th floor, 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD
Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Kingston
Admittedly not the loftiest rooftop bar on this list, Sonnys does provide a heck of a ringside seat over the Thames, especially if you can nab one of the stools at the front. Sip sundowners while watching row boats glide past, and be safe in the knowledge this spot is fully covered and heated.
Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QN
Original article by Ben O' Norum. Updated by Will Noble.
