The best rooftop bars in London

When the sun shines in the capital, there are few better places to be than high above the muggy streets, spritz in hand, admiring the view from a rooftop bar. Here’s the thing, however: not all rooftop bars are created equal. Overpriced, overcrowded and generally unexciting (you climbed all those stairs for a view of scaffolding?) options abound, so we’ve sifted through the lot to offer the low-down on the rooftop bars that are well-worth your time and money.

With its dusty pink colour scheme, cascading plants and terrazzo marble tables, The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch brings a dose of California cool to one of East London’s most vibey neighbourhoods. Spend a sun-drenched afternoon sipping on lemongrass margaritas as you take in the skyline views.

Astroturf aside, The Rooftop at The Standard may just be one of London’s most stylish summer spots. Perched at the top of a wonderfully brutalist building that once served as Camden Town Hall, the bar offers close-up views of St Pancras Station’s red-brick spires and gothic façade, as well as a host of other London landmarks. Sip on spicy margs and share a pizza with your pals as you sway to Afrobeats and house DJs.

High above the metropolitan sprawl of East London is an urban oasis in the form of The Culpeper’s rooftop bar. As well as serving as a summer hotspot with excellent city views, the rooftop boasts an impressive garden that’s used for harvesting vegetables and herbs for the gastropub on the ground floor. It’s a small slice of paradise in an otherwise chaotic Zone 1.

When the sun makes an appearance in London, hip young Peckhamites in the know ascend a workout-worthy bubblegum-pink staircase to reach Frank’s, a sprawling rooftop bar at the top of a multi-storey car park that boasts the best views in town. It’s not the ritziest watering hole, but the grit is part of its charm.

Yasmin is a secret sun-trap amidst the rooftops of Soho, set atop private members’ club 1 Warwick. Executive chef Tom Cenci dishes up Middle Eastern small plates inspired by his time in Istanbul – menu highlights include za’atar spiced mushroom skewers and buttermilk and harissa bavette steak, best washed down with a house cocktail like the Grand Bazaar, a twist on the Old Fashioned.

For an unparalleled view of the Thames, take your posse to the terrace at the top of the iconic Sea Containers building on the Southbank. With a weekly programme of live music events, including funk and soul DJs and classic vinyl nights, 12th Knot is as buzzy as it gets. That makes it rather popular, so we’d recommend booking to secure a spot.

Londoners have been collectively swooning over Sessions Arts Club for the past few years now, and while the restaurant’s palatial, light-filled dining room is nothing to scoff at, it’s the roof terrace that has our hearts. The intimate 20-person rooftop is the ultimate setting to spend a balmy summer evening as you sample chef Florence Knight’s dishes and cool down with a cocktail or two.

Granted, it’s more restaurant than bar, but the Hoxton’s Seabird is well worth a mention for its panoramic city views and oyster happy hour (Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm). Get a group together and tuck into the sea-to-table menu, which features fresh seafood like whole seabass, grilled octopus and Cornish mussels.

Perched on the 10th floor of the ME London, Radio takes its name from the location – it was where the first BBC broadcast was made way back in 1922 and is situated where the aerials once stood. Exclusive, luxurious and naturally pricey, it’s first come first serve, and the dress code is on the smarter side. Panoramic views capture the London cityscape in all its glory.

For more alfresco drinking and dining, discover the best London restaurants with outdoor space...

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more