Although it isn’t hard to find a rooftop bar with an incredible view of London’s iconic skyline, with so many marvellous options, it is a tricky decision when it comes to choosing which charming venue to book. These enchanting rooftop bars have been selected for their stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, first-class service, glorious interiors and delectable menus. Some venues even allow unique dining experiences in outdoor igloos or VIP private dining areas. Most venues chosen for this guide are geared towards a smart casual or smart glamorous dress code for a stylish and sophisticated dining experience. However, we have included some bars that are a little more relaxed, which are suitable if you are looking for a more easy-going venue. Whether it’s your first time enjoying a drink in front of a backdrop of London or you’re a local looking for a new way to enjoy your home, here is our guide to the best rooftop bars in London.
After a year of staying inside, we had to kick this list off with a venue where you can let your hair down. 12th Knot embodies a fun and playful energy and provides everything you need to have an exceptional experience with expertly mixed cocktails, live music, and not forgetting the setting of London’s skyline. This 12th-floor bar on the South Bank reflects the vibrant energy below with its bright decor and open-plan architecture.
Check out their website for information about their Sunset Sessions, weekly live music events in a mix of musical genres.
Get up close and personal with arguably the most immersive view of London’s skyline. Newly opened Jin Bo Law is set on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel for an unbeatable view of London.
Right in the heart of busy London, this new Skybar offers a host of signature cocktails alongside a world-class menu set in a stylish and sophisticated venue. The distinctive cocktail menu will undoubtedly leave you pondering what to order. Our top pick is the refreshing citrusy Asian-inspired cocktail sensation ‘Hi No Mizu’, made with kaffir lime-infused vodka, Japanese melon liquor, lime and yuzu juice topped with lemonade. For a more fruity option, you could go for their ‘Just Peachy’ cocktail, or why not try their special ‘Summer Nights slushy cocktail’ for something a little different.
Jin Bo Law is an excellent option if you are searching for a faultless host for private dining as they have an enclosed VIP area that will surpass all your needs for an exceptional event.
Sabine Rooftop Bar is a newly opened summer oasis located on the top of the Leonardo Hotel. This garden haven near Christopher Wren’s 17th-century cathedral gives you unparalleled views of St Paul’s, which is a unique selling point of this bar. Although the view may sound modest compared to other bars in this list, this view is equally stunning and memorable. This hidden gem is our top pick for London residents looking for a new way to enjoy the city’s architecture.
We recommend you check out their signature Sabine Garden cocktail with The Botanist Gin, sage, rose liqueur, refreshing lime and cucumber juice, British elderflower cordial and soda. Or, try the Whizz Fizz with Edinburgh rhubarb & ginger gin, elderflower cordial, crème de cassis, lemon juice, topped with Prosecco.
The finest venue for your first visit to London is the Radio Rooftop. The view from the 10th floor of the ME London is high enough to see most of London’s famous skyline but low enough so you can see all the finer details. You can soak up the views of London’s houses, Covent Garden, the Shard, the London Eye, Big Ben and even catch the shimmer of The River Thames while being close enough to the action that you can pick up the bustling London atmosphere from the streets below.
This traditional and sophisticated spot is ideal for sweet or savoury breakfasts or sharing a bottle of bubbles. You can even drink your bubbles in a bubble with their private winter igloos.
Nestling in the heart of London is the Aviary rooftop bar on Finsbury Square. Fly to the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House and sit on the terrace for an immersive view of London.
During the months from October to May, you can also hire a table in their winter igloos. This will be a truly magical experience that can accommodate groups of up to six people for all occasions.
Mix recognisable London views with an Asian-influenced tapas-style menu to get The Rooftop at Trafalgar. The Rooftop is a sophisticated and minimalistic venue for small sharing plates you can enjoy alongside signature cocktails for a sensational experience.
If you have been curious to try the trending Asian sweet treat Mochi, they also offer the finest selection of this Japanese sweet rice cake. The team at The Rooftop are well equipped to deal with all dietary requirements and are an excellent choice if your party has any guests who are vegan or gluten-free.
Dine at this tropical island escape complete with palm trees, wicker chairs and a spectacular seafood menu. If you are lucky enough to see a forecast is for a clear sunset, this is a great choice. Grab an Aperol spritz or a Frozen Paloma to set the scene while you browse London’s longest oyster list. If you are overwhelmed by this impressive Spanish and Portuguese menu and want to try an array of seafood, you will love their ‘afternoon sea’; a three-tier stand overflowing with top-quality seafood served on beds of ice. Or, for something a little lighter yet still full of flavour, try their signature octopus roll.
Celebrate culture from Japan, Brazil and Peru through the SUSHISAMBA cuisine on the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower. The menu here is fit for a king and an evening here will be unlike any other you’ll experience in London. The outdoor seating even boasts the reputation of the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe.
However, there is no missing out if you dine inside as they have brought the outdoors inside with the extensive floor to ceiling windows to show off their 360° view of the city and the ceiling mimicking the night’s sky through delicate lights hanging from the roof. The interior matches the menu to perfection, with the sleek bright orange booths and the giant bamboo expanding in an arch across the restaurant.
The open kitchen serves dishes from across the globe, including crispy Japanese tempura, Brazillian churrasco and Peruvian seviches. It would be impossible to choose just one dish to try. Therefore SUSHISAMBA encourages a shared dining experience and recommends you order several smaller plates for the table for an intimate dining experience.
Frank’s Cafe can do it all, from get-you-going brunch to long lists of cocktails and wine for later on. Anyone who would describe themselves as a foodie should put Frank’s Cafe at the top of their list of rooftop bars to visit in London. The chefs at Frank’s specialise in simplicity and seasonality. Meaning all meals are fresh and bursting with flavour.
Frank’s Cafe is an ideal private dining venue to book during the current restrictions for groups of up to 30 as the tables are all outside. We also recommend this location if you are looking for a more affordable way to enjoy a view of London.
Tropical oasis and Peckham usually don’t go in the same sentence. But once you visit the colourful Bussey Rooftop Bar, you’ll understand why we made an exception. Of course, the sun will need to make an appearance for you to get the full holiday escape effect. Although, even if you visit on a rainy day, you can rest assured that your experience won’t be dampened as most BRB tables are fully covered. Come rain or shine, you can enjoy this 360° view of London with a cocktail or freshly baked pizza at Peckhams highest bar.
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