We offering the top 10 rooftop bars in London…
London rooftop bars offer a unique dining and drinking experience. This guide provides all the information you need to find the perfect spot for your night out, with plenty of locations across the city. Expect fun events, live music, and great hospitality, all with the backdrop of the iconic London skyline.
Rooftop bars offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they’re especially great for outdoor socializing during the pandemic. Book your spot in advance, as these popular locations can fill up quickly. With life in London slowly returning to normal, rooftop bars are a great way to get back into the social scene and enjoy some stunning views simultaneously.
London’s Top 10 Rooftop Bars offer something for everyone, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
Table of Contents
1. Madison Rooftop Bar
I recently discovered Madison, a rooftop bar and restaurant located in the One New Exchange building. It’s a spacious place with incredible views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. They have an extensive menu that boasts of steakhouse-inspired dishes, including grills from the wood-fired Josper oven, slow-cooked classics, burgers, and salads. If you’re looking for a delicious brunch, they offer that on Sundays as well.
The rooftop bar has a lighter menu that features Josper oven bar bites and a Manhattan-inspired cocktail menu. Whether you want to relax with cocktails or soak up the sun, the rooftop terrace is perfect for both. The atmosphere at Madison is posh but relaxed with live DJs and entertainment on late nights and weekends, making it an ideal place to spend a memorable night out with friends or family. And the best part? The Madison roof terrace is open daily, year-round, so you can enjoy its festive atmosphere anytime you want.
- ADDRESS- One New Change, London EC4M 9AF
- CONTACT- +44 20 3693 5160
- WEBSITE- madisonlondon.net
2. Sabine Rooftop Bar
Have you heard about Sabine, the new rooftop bar located on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel? It’s an absolute gem that offers a hidden garden-themed experience with breathtaking views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The bar is a perfect spot to unwind and relax, with a retractable roof, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a circular bar surrounded by lush greenery.
You can soak up some sun on the outdoor terrace with a tasty cocktail or chill out in the glass-domed bar on cooler evenings. The menu features a delicious selection of crafted and seasonal bites, botanical signature cocktails, and a variety of beers and wines. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends after work or spend a lazy weekend soaking up the good vibes. Don’t miss out on this amazing rooftop bar!
- ADDRESS-10 Godliman Street, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT- +44 20 7074 1132
- WEBSITE- sabinelondon.co.uk
3. The Culpeper Rooftop Bar
The Culpeper, a historic pub located in the East End, has been a beloved destination for after-work gatherings and weekend outings for over a century. The establishment features a delightful rooftop area in Zone 1, which provides a serene ambiance and boasts a summer bar, restaurant, and urban garden.
Additionally, they offer monthly workshops for those interested in city gardening. The Culpeper building comprises a bar, kitchen, bedrooms, and an enchanting rooftop garden, which changes its theme and crops every year. This summer, they are serving a meticulously crafted set lunch with top-quality produce, while drinks and snacks are offered on the terrace during the evenings.
Due to its friendly ambiance and breathtaking views, the rooftop terrace is an immensely popular spot, and reservations are required as space is limited. Moreover, during the chilly winter months, visitors can enjoy a cozy experience at The Culpeper Winter Rooftop, which includes open fires and comfortable seating in the glasshouse.
- ADDRESS- 40 Commercial Street, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT- +44 20 7247 5371
- WEBSITE- theculpeper.com
4. Elba Rooftop Bar
Bar Elba is a rooftop cocktail bar located in the Waterloo district that exudes grace and culture. It is a beautiful location that takes inspiration from Napoleon’s exile on the Mediterranean island of Elba. The bar operates daily, throughout the year, and boasts a large wooden deck, community tables, and a retractable roof, offering patrons an unparalleled experience.
Guests can relish signature cocktails, Sangria, and frozen creations while enjoying the stunning views of Waterloo and the London skyline. The Happy Patty food menu is a culinary treat, featuring various delectable options, including burgers, tacos, hot dogs, and shares. Bar Elba is a hidden gem near Waterloo station and one of the newest rooftop bars in London.
It offers a serene and welcoming environment, with food and drinks at reasonable prices. The rooftop ice rink in winter is a unique attraction that patrons can enjoy. During the summer season, Bar Elba hosts a Bottomless Rooftop Brunch every weekend and a daily Rooftop Cinema. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended for events.
- ADDRESS- Rooftop, Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT- +44 20 3637 8097
- SOCIAL SITE- https://www.facebook.com/BarElbaWaterloo/
5. Frank’s Café & Rooftop Bar
Frank’s Café in Peckham, London is a popular summer spot that offers drinks, vibes, and a view of the Shard and City skyscrapers. It was opened in 2009 by Bold Tendencies, a not-for-profit organization, and has been returning every year to showcase different artists and sculptors.
The cafe serves brunches, classic cocktails, draught beers, a range of wines, and street food made to order with a focus on simplicity and seasonality. Open during the summer season, it’s ideal for sunset spritzes, Campari-based cocktails, or just admiring the view.
The rooftop terrace is spacious and furnished with wooden benches and tables, and is open for all, including children and dogs. It can be booked in advance during less busy times to get a good spot.
- ADDRESS- Bold Tendencies, Level 9 – 10 Multi-Story Carpark, Peckham, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT- +44 7528 600924
- WEBSITE- frankscafe.org.uk
6. SushiSamba Rooftop
SushiSamba is a restaurant located in one of the tallest buildings in London with the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe. The 39th and 38th floors of the Heron Tower house have two terraces, one with a backyard and an orange tree and the other with lounge sofas, dining tables, and front-row seats.
The rooftop bar is open all year round and is known for its high-quality service, delicious food, and a wide selection of sake. It serves fusion tastes from Asia, Peru, and Brazil as lunch and dinner from an all-day menu. The rooftop bar is a must-visit for those who value spectacular views, creative cocktails, and exceptional cuisine. Please note that the rooftop bar may close during strong winds for guests’ safety.
- ADDRESS – Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
- CONTACT – +44 20 3640 7330
- WEBSITE – sushisamba.com
7. Roof East
Roof East, located in Stratford, London, is a fantastic rooftop destination that offers a range of activities for adults to enjoy. Guests can enjoy classic films, mini-golf courses, and virtual reality experiences. The venue also boasts an on-site cinema with a wide variety of movies, games, and drinks. The drink menu includes various local and international beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails.
The rooftop terrace is a peaceful retreat with comfortable seating, trees, and chic cars. Visitors can unwind with a glass of wine or enjoy a variety of mocktails and cocktails.
Families are welcome until the end of September, and after that, Roof East becomes an adults-only destination on weekdays. It’s the perfect place to work during the day and play in the evening, with a welcoming atmosphere suitable for all ages.
- ADDRESS – Level 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT – +44 7471 757 335
- WEBSITE –roofeast.com
8. Bokan Rooftop Bar
Bokan is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to experience London’s finest dining and drinks scene. Located on floors 37 to 39 of the world’s tallest Novotel, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city skyline that will leave you fascinated. Indulge in European cuisine made with the freshest British produce, and enjoy the experience of dining at a two AA rosette restaurant.
If you’re in the mood for a more casual setting, head up to Bars 38|39, an open-air rooftop terrace featuring lounge furnishings and daybeds that boast a stunning west-facing view of the Thames, South Bank, and towering buildings. Bokan 39 is a specialist gin bar, stocked with the finest selection of gin, cocktails, and wine, and hosts Sunday jazz sessions that will leave you feeling relaxed.
The 39th-floor rooftop bar is walk-in only. So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the best of London’s dining and drinks scene at Bokan!
- ADDRESS – 40 Marsh Wall, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT – +44 20 3530 0550
- WEBSITE – bokanlondon.co.uk
9. Radio Rooftop Bar
Oh, have you heard about Radio Rooftop Bar London? It’s a super cool rooftop bar in Covent Garden, on top of the ME London by Melia Hotel. You get the most amazing views of the London skyline from the 10th floor – you can see everything from the Shard to the London Eye. And the best part is, they serve the most delicious cocktails and champagne!
They also have live DJs and yummy bites to eat. It’s open all year round, and it’s one of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in London. The atmosphere is super fancy and luxurious like you’re on top of the world. And if you go during winter, you can chill in one of the ‘Radio Bubbles’ – these cute little igloos with amazing views of the skyline.
- ADDRESS – ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London, WC2R 1HA
- CONTACT – +44 20 7395 3440
- WEBSITE – https://radiorooftop.com
10. The Rooftop at the Standard
I heard about The Rooftop at The Standard, it’s the first hotel outside the US from the popular hotel group to check out the bar since it offers stunning panoramic views of London’s skyline, including the famous St. Pancras Clock Tower. I heard they have baby-pink banquettes and close-up views of the red-brick spires of St Pancras station, which sounds amazing.
The bar will serve drinks like Spicy Tommy’s margaritas and Aperol spritzes, and the food truck will serve Mexican-inspired bites prepared by chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. It sounds like a perfect place to spend the summer with great music and a festival atmosphere. I also heard that the bar will not open in wet or windy weather, so it’s good to keep that in mind.
- ADDRESS – 10 Argyle Street, London, United Kingdom
- CONTACT – +44 20 3981 8888
- WEBSITE – standardhotels.com/london/properties/london