London has one of the most iconic and beautiful skylines on the planet. It also has some of the best rooftop bars in the world! With fancy cocktail menus, incredible photo opportunities, live music and gourmet bar snacks, there is a rooftop bar for everyone! Some of the best views of London’s historical buildings and monuments are from the rooftops, with most open all year round (with snug heating in winter of course)! Here is our pick of the best rooftop bars that London has to offer.
Aviary at Montcalm Royal London House Hotel
Located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, Aviary is a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant offering gorgeous views of the City’s skyline. Choose from meat and fish dishes, cooked over charcoal as you sip on a delicious botanical-themed cocktails. During winter the terrace is heated, making it a top choice for rooftop bars, all year round!
Sushisamba
Perched at the top of Heron Tower, one of London’s tallest buildings is the sophisticated Sushisamba rooftop! Sushisamba offers high-end fusion dishes and cocktails, bringing together the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil! It’s one of the best views of the city, and has a giant, life-sized (fake) orange tree that is oh-so-instagrammable!
Oxo Tower Bar
The Oxo Tower Restaurant and Bar, with its river facing terrace has one of the best panoramic views of the river Thames, as well as an amazing view of St Paul’s Cathedral! With creative, refined dishes and live music, it’s one of the London’s most popular bar’s.
Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden Bar & Cafe
A lot of people would have no idea that there is a bar at the top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in South Bank! You’ll be amazed once you climb the yellow staircase to the roof garden, complete with fruit trees, flowers, mini allotments and a woodland garden! It’s one of London’s most chilled rooftop terraces where you can relax on the grass or on park benches, enjoy food and drink from the cafe and enjoy the unbeatable views of some of London’s most iconic buildings!
The Rooftop at the Trafalgar St James
One of London’s finest rooftop bar’s overlooks the famous Trafalgar Square and from its 6th floor secret roof garden, patrons will love the fantastic views of the London skyline. The seating is cosy, complete with blankets, heaters and a retractable roof, allowing it to open all year round. It offers a menu of small Asian plates and sophisticated, artisanal cocktails.
Madison
Head to Madison, near Bank and enjoy one of the most popular views of London’s iconic landmarks. The glamorous restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar directly overlook St Paul’s Cathedral.
Roof East
Roof East is a unique rooftop bar in Stratford that showcases movies every week, under the stars with a view of the London skyline! It is considered to be the best rooftop cinema in London and it also has a cool cocktail bar along with food trucks that serve up delicious bites!
H10 Waterloo Sky Bar
Located in a quieter area of London, the roof terrace at the H10 London Waterloo hotel is small and intimate, offering incredible views of the London skyline and in particular the London Eye! The decor is classy, the service is great and it’s the perfect place to get comfortable and spend an evening enjoying cocktails and the view!
Boundary Rooftop
In the heart of Shoreditch you’ll find Boundary Rooftop, a rooftop bar with an epic panoramic view of London. It is heated in winter, so perfect to visit all year round! You can relax on the lounge furniture and enjoy the greenery as you sip on beers, cocktails, sangria and wines and enjoy delicious grilled meals.
Shoreditch Sky Terrace
At the top of Ace Hotel, you’ll find the famous Shoreditch Sky Terrace. This rooftop bar is luxurious, minimalistic and offers signature cocktails, DJ sets, Sunday brunch and beautiful panoramic views across the London skyline.
Radio Rooftop Bar
Trendy Radio Rooftop Bar is located on the roof of ME London Hotel and has an amazing panoramic view of London. It’s considered one of the best rooftop bars in London and is the perfect place to enjoy tapas, cocktails and live DJ’s as you soak up the views of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Shard, London Bridge, St Paul’s, the Tate Modern, London Eye and much more of London’s iconic skyline.
SkyLounge
SkyLounge at the Doubletree Hilton has a indoor and outdoor rooftop bar that offers stunning 360 degree views of London. It’s a hidden gem that offers unbeatable views across Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul’s, The Shard and the Gherkin from its 12th floor location.Looking for a stylish, ideally located hotel in London? Why not try the Shaftesbury Hyde Park International on your next visit!
Where are your favourite rooftop bars ?
This post is brought to you in collaboration with The Montcalm Group.
Our opinions are as always, our own.
