The outside terrace at Seabird, perched up on the 14th flooring of The Hoxton Southwark is definitely one of many prettiest rooftop bars in London, with unimaginable views of the Thames, London Eye and Massive Ben. With its plush sofa-style seating, energetic soundtrack, and tall palm timber, nonetheless, you would simply as simply be in Miami or LA as in south London. Initially created together with Maison Premiere in New York (itself a everlasting fixture on the World’s 50 Greatest Bars record), the cocktails on supply are an ideal match for the tropical vibe, with drinks just like the ‘Take Me to Parrotdise’, a mixture of gold rum, cachaça, Caribbean sugar cane liqueur, coconut, ardour fruit and pineapple served in a ceramic parrot glass; or the frozen ‘Palomita’, – tequila, bitter aperitif, grapefruit – splendid for a sizzling day. The sunny vacation vibe is sustained with the meals, which channels Spanish and Portuguese influences right into a choice of recent seafood dishes – suppose octopus rolls topped with aioli, fried calamari, complete lemon sole, and London’s greatest oyster record. Greatest skilled when the solar is shining, there’s additionally loads of shade and retractable roofing, plus the entire indoor restaurant to maintain cool in.

Sushisamba (Heron Tower)

There’s no scarcity of rooftop bars within the Metropolis of London, however none that may fairly high Sushisamba – it’s thirty ninth flooring outside terrace is the best in Europe. The principle indoor restaurant has beautiful views by means of its tall floor-to-ceiling home windows, however the outside terrace is the place to be on a sunny London night, wanting down on town beneath. The restaurant affords a mix of Japanese and South American flavours, and this extends to the drinks record too: the bar’s Signature Serves embody the ‘Samba Bitter’ – pisco, maraschino liqueur and turmeric, with Japanese citrus and egg whites – and the wasabi margarita, constituted of wasabi-infused tequila, lime juice and agave. On the meals menu, you’ll discover recent sushi in fact, plus ceviche, salads, and seafood cooked on the Japanese Robata grill. There’s often a loud, celebration ambiance at Sushisamba, with common DJs, dwell music and even samba dancers, so it’s higher suited to celebrations and bigger teams quite than quiet catch ups or household gatherings.

A pina colada and strawberry mojito on sushinsamba's rooftop terrace in front of the top of the gherkin

Queen Elizabeth Park Roof Backyard

In the event you’re searching for a child-friendly rooftop bar in London, look no additional than the roof backyard on the Queen Elizabeth Corridor on Southbank. The backyard, initially a partnership with the Eden Undertaking, is house to over 200 wild native vegetation and has the sensation of a secret backyard with quiet, hidden corners and a luscious garden to stretch out on. Though there’s a bar and café for refreshments, it’s not an expertise completely dominated by alcohol so it’s an incredible selection for households. If you’re indulging, nonetheless, there’s a menu of beers, wines and even a number of summery cocktails from the Gin Backyard bar – highlights embody the ‘Southbank Iced Tea’, a refreshing mix of gin, chamomile tea, lemon juice, and honey; and the signature ‘Purple Haze’, which mixes gin, lime juice, soda and a rosemary syrup made utilizing rosemary grown on the roof backyard. Situated proper on the Thames, the views are very particular certainly, regardless of not being notably excessive up, with the London Eye and Massive Ben to the left and St Paul’s Cathedral to the precise. On account of its very open nature, the roof backyard is barely open in spring and summer season so do verify it’s open earlier than making a particular journey.

People sat around tables outside the Southbank centre in London

Frank’s Cafe

Frank’s Café is likely one of the greatest rooftop bars in south London, if not the entire metropolis. First opened in 2009, the bar is situated atop a multi-story automotive park in Peckham and has sweeping views of town’s skyscrapers and past from its concrete perch. Not the almost certainly of success tales you may think however witness the queues that snake across the ramps main as much as the highest stage every summer season and it’s clear that Frank’s is likely one of the hottest spots round. Run by Frank Boxer, the brother of chef Jackson Boxer (Orasay, Brunswick Home), the drinks record leans in direction of basic summer season cocktails such because the negroni, margarita, cucumber gimlet, and a beautiful frozen paloma. In the event you’re with a bunch, there are jugs of sangria, Pimm’s and lemonade, and rum punch to share, too. The meals menu retains it easy and seasonal: suppose grilled hen wings with pesto Calabrese lamb breast kebab; and fried plantain with home sizzling sauce. It’s pretty open to the weather, although the bar is roofed in case you’re in want of shelter from the rain or solar. Because of this, Frank’s is one other rooftop bar that’s solely open through the hotter months, so verify on-line for the newest info.

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Dalston Roofpark

Laying declare to be Dalston’s solely rooftop bar, Dalston Roofpark might additionally moderately stake a declare to be among the finest rooftop bars in all of east London. Situated atop an previous warehouse constructing (the bottom flooring of which homes the superb Dusty Knuckle Bakery, Acme Hearth Cult, and 40FT Brewery), Dalston Roofpark has large east London vibes, decked out with synthetic grass, festoon lighting, deckchairs and partitions lined in graffiti. There’s all of the basic cocktails and some signature creations on supply, such because the Dalston Ting – rum, melon liqueur and glowing grapefruit – in addition to wines and beers. Music and DJs are simply as vital because the drinks, and there’s all the time a celebration ambiance, in addition to occasional dwell bands taking part in. A rotating line up of meals pop ups modifications each few months however earlier choices have included the whole lot from pizzas by Gordo’s, to burgers by the Burger + Beer retailer. Though it was beforehand summertime-only, a refurbishment in 2022 signifies that the Roofpark is now lined for winter too, making it an incredible selection all 12 months spherical.

The Aviary

There are a number of London resorts with rooftop bars within the capital and among the finest will be discovered on the tenth flooring of the Montcalm Resort, situated on Finsbury Sq.. Known as The Aviary, the bar and restaurant has loads of outside area and is recurrently full of after-work drinkers from the close by Metropolis workplaces, making a vigorous ambiance. Being at a five-star resort in fact signifies that costs are a bit greater, however the stylish décor and sweeping views of the skyline are well worth the splurge. On the drinks menu, there’s a wide array of gin and tonics, basic cocktails and signature serves that lean into the avian theme, such because the Flamingo – gin, bergamot rosolio, lime, apple juice, kiwi, rhubarb bitter, champagne – or the Imperial Raven, constituted of mezcal, triple sec, lime, crimson wine and egg white. To accompany, there’s oysters and bar-friendly small plates corresponding to anchovy troopers; tuna tataki; and beef tartare with duck fats potato terrine. The Aviary is at its greatest in the summertime, however the indoor restaurant is open all 12 months spherical and there’s additionally the choice of heated pop-up igloos on the outside terrace within the colder months, too.

Pergola Paddington

Rooftop bars in west London are a bit exhausting to return by, however what the realm lacks in amount is greater than made up for by the standard (and measurement) of Pergola on the Roof in Paddington. This large cut up stage rooftop bar has obtained all of it: two bars, three road meals distributors, DJs, bookable daybeds, an precise pergola draped with greenery, a retractable roof, and area for a whopping 850 friends. The cocktail record is pure summertime vibes, together with a spicy watermelon margarita, a roasted pineapple spritz, and a passionfruit martini. If rosé is extra your summertime drink of selection, then Pergola has it by the magnum, jeroboam, and gigantic methuselah (that’s eight common bottles) sizes – it’s simply as nicely Pergola welcomes large teams. The meals providing modifications every year, however the line-up is all the time impeccable, that includes a number of the greatest road meals merchants round. For 2023 there’s burgers from Salt Shed; bao and dumplings from Temaki Bros; and tremendous spicy fried hen from Fortunate’s Sizzling Rooster.

Laurel’s on the Roof

Channelling Seventies Hollywood glamour, Laurel’s on the Roof is likely one of the latest rooftop bars in London, having opened atop the Mondrian Resort in Shoreditch in 2022. Unusually, there’s a swimming pool up at Laurel’s however notice it’s just for resort friends and members of The Curtain Membership, so in case you’re simply up there for drinks and dinner, you’ll must suffice with lapping up the poolside ambiance, which continues to be very good. Open from breakfast by means of to dinner, the Laurel’s meals menu attracts on breezy California classics together with Malibu shrimp cocktail, rainbow kale salad, and fish tacos. Drinks match the nostalgic bent of the meals, with cocktails served in 70s-inspired retro glassware. Begin the day proper with the Laurel’s breakfast martini or bloody mary, and for late summer season evenings there’s the likes of the yuzu paloma, white negroni spagliato, and mezcalita. With a sixth flooring perch there’s views aplenty of town’s skyscrapers, and DJs maintain the celebration going over the weekends.

Wagtail

One other new arrival to hitch the ranks of London’s greatest rooftop cocktail bars is Wagtail. Situated on the high of an attractive Twenties constructing subsequent to Monument, Wagtail incorporates a ninth flooring indoor restaurant and a tenth flooring outside rooftop terrace. It brings you close to sufficient eye-level with the highest of the Monument column, plus views searching to the Thames and the Shard. There’s a contact of sophistication to Wagtail – plush sofa-style seating, low marble tables, and a beautiful tiled central bar create a chic really feel that’s a minimize above the picket benches and deckchairs you’ll discover at different spots. Consistent with this, the drinks record options a wide array of scotch and Japanese whisky, cognac, champagne, wonderful wines and even a spread of cigars. And on the cocktail record you’ll discover the appropriately named ‘Gold’, a mix of coconut rum, pineapple juice, chilli liqueur and bitters, and ‘Indigo’ constituted of vodka, beetroot & raspberry shrub, lemon sugar and raspberry liqueur. The meals menu is geared in direction of informal outside snacking, with a brief choice of sliders corresponding to smooth shell crab, and small plates corresponding to whipped cod’s roe with toasted pitta, and truffle parmesan fries.

Boundary Rooftop

The Boundary Rooftop is undoubtedly one of the vital fashionable rooftop bars in London – no shock whenever you be taught that the Boundary resort that it sits atop was based by the late Sir Terrance Conran. Opened in 2008 within the coronary heart of Shoreditch, the Boundary Rooftop has change into a agency favorite in east London over time and the area was given a spruce up in spring 2022, so it’s now wanting higher than ever. On the outside portion of the terrace, there’s good picket decking, plush sofas and chairs, an open log hearth, and two stunning previous olive timber. And for year-round rooftop motion, there’s additionally the glass orangery the place you’ll be able to maintain cosy and dry whereas nonetheless having fun with the spectacular east London views. Authentic cocktails embody the philosophically-inclined ‘Analogy of Life’ – cognac, pear liqueur, crème de banana, caramel, whisky barrel bitters – and the ‘Life is Brief’, constituted of gold rum, chestnut liqueur, maple and walnut bitters. To eat, there’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes like charcoal-grilled fish, recent salads, and charcuterie in summer season; and cheese fondue, raclette, and sizzling cocktails within the winter.

Roof Backyard at Pantechnicon

In an attractive 1830s neo-classical constructing on the equally stunning Motcomb Road in Belgravia, you’ll discover the Roof Backyard at Pantechnicon. The landmark constructing was not too long ago introduced again to life and transformed right into a Japanese- and Nordic-inspired multi-purpose area that includes a number of eating places, a Café Kitsune, and retailers promoting the whole lot from homewares to clothes. The crowning glory is the Roof Backyard and, with one of many prettiest settings of all of the rooftop bars in central London, it makes for a superb escape from the crowds. The terrace is roofed in inexperienced foliage, vegetation, and herbs, and it may be heated and lined, too, so that is one rooftop you’ll be able to get pleasure from regardless of the climate. The trendy area is backed up by a critical cocktail programme that makes essentially the most of home infusions, botanicals, and unique spirits – take a look at the signature ‘Golden Gatsby’, sherry, fig leaf essence and saffron bitters topped with champagne. Even the classics are given an acceptable improve, with the common-or-garden G&T lifted to new heights because the ‘Inexperienced and Tonic’: gin, inexperienced radish, tomato water liqueur, and tonic. The meals menu is equally stylish, that includes the likes of honey and fennel bread with miso butter; hand-dived Orkney scallops with smoked celeriac and seaweed; and burrata with hay-baked beetroot, caramelised fig and pomegranate.

The Rooftop at The Commonplace

In the event you’re searching for a rooftop bar in north London, take the enduring crimson elevate to the eleventh flooring of The Commonplace resort in King’s Cross. Consistent with the resort’s celebration status, right here you’ll discover a vigorous rooftop bar, decked out with synthetic grass and bright-yellow furnishings, plus a summer-long programme of dwell DJs, music and performances. Cocktails on faucet imply you received’t be queuing on the bar for lengthy to strive the likes of the ‘Sakura Spritz’, made with rosé vermouth, elderflower and hibiscus, and the ‘Spicy Tommy’s margarita’. New for 2023 is BUNS, providing fashionable Taiwanese road meals together with tempura nori with tagorashi; yakatori hen meatballs; and steamed bao full of duck confit, hoisin, cucumber and spring onion. Apart from a number of umbrellas, the terrace is totally open to the weather, that means that it’s solely open throughout spring and summer season – and even in these months, if it’s too windy or raining, the terrace will probably be closed so ensure you control the climate in case you’re planning a visit. On the plus aspect, when the solar is shining, you’ll be rewarded with superb uninterrupted views.

The Nest

There aren’t many rooftop bars in central London to select from, however it doesn’t get far more central than The Nest. Situated simply north of Oxford Circus on the sixteenth flooring of the Treehouse Resort, this is likely one of the greatest terraces for views in all of London. From its central location, the wraparound terrace affords views in each course, from the London eye and metropolis skyscrapers to the south, to Hampstead and Primrose Hill within the north. There are even telescopes on the terrace permitting you zoom in to the sights (or attempt to spot your home). The decor runs with the treehouse theme, with uncovered woodwork beams, picket furnishings, and inexperienced foliage masking the partitions and ceilings. Drinks are impressed by seasonal British herbs and botanicals, underpinned by a sustainable zero-waste method. For spring 2023, cocktails embody ‘That’s Radish’ – tequila, triple sec, radish and mint cordial – and the ‘Untouchable’: gin, inexperienced chartreuse, nettle tea, apple and honey cordial. On the meals menu, you’ll discover salads, burgers, and recent chargrilled greens, all made with recent UK produce.