Across bars, restaurants and gardens, there are a whole load of roof terrace spaces in our capital that have to be seen to be believed. From those with views over Kensington Gardens to places next to the Saatchi Gallery and even one of London's most famous party venues, there's plenty in store on our guide to Kensington and Chelsea's best rooftops.
Min Jiang
Overlooking Kensington Gardens from the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel London, Min Jiang is all about views and authentic Chinese food to match. The high street beauty comes with huge windows for admiring the treetops and greenery below, so make sure to request a table as close to them as possible.
Better still, they've been purveyors of Chinese fine dining for over 10 years, so you can be sure you're in good hands. Our advice? Get your chops around their famed wood-fired Beijing Duck, which is created from an ancient Chinese recipe for rich flavour, juicy meat and crispy skin.
This rooftop restaurant is a must for a totally new perspective on Kensington Gardens.
The Roof Gardens
This rooftop bar on Kensington High Street was once known as Kensington Roof Gardens, but has since been rebranded as The Roof Gardens. Previously owned by Sir Richard Branson for over 30 years, and home to an events space, club, flamingos and some of London's most sought-after parties, the venue is set to return under new owner Stephen Fitzpatrick (of Ovo Energy).
Still found 100ft above street level with themed gardens and views across the surrounding area, it will now be a private members' club that aims to restore the green spaces to their former glory - in a move away from the typical "ostentatious Mayfair private members' club". Memberships are expected to cost up to £2,000 a year once the founding member capacity is reached.
Three themed gardens are being restored here: the Alhambra-inspired Spanish Garden, the Tudor Garden and the Woodland Garden.
La Terrazza by Made in Italy
Sharing the nostalgia for their Southern Italian homeland with the people of Chelsea is Made in Italy; the cosy and authentic restaurant on Kings Road. The venue also features La Terrazza rooftop terrace, which is both heated and covered for year-round use.
With a different menu to the downstairs trattoria, this roof space pairs the likes of beef carpaccio and burrata-topped Sicilian caponata with fine Italian wines and aperitivo spanning Hugo and Aperol spritzes. If you're hungry for 48-hour slow-fermented sourdough pizzas and fresh pasta, then you can order that here too.
Be transported to Italy at this rooftop restaurant, where the terrace is walk-ins only.
Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace
Another, just over into Knightsbridge but still a stone's throw from Kensington, is the Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace. Attached to their department store café and bar on the same level, it's promising rotating themes in collaboration with different drinks brands and plenty to eat too.
Think afternoon teas with the chance to upgrade to include Champagne, three courses from the summer menu washed down with a margarita or paloma, and everything from tacos to club sandwiches when you dine à la carte.
Shop 'til you drop, then drink and dine on the rooftop.
Wolves of Tokyo
Wolves of Tokyo serves up precision-crafted dishes, classic cocktails and a taste of Tokyo in the heart of Kensington. Inspired by the Noir classic ‘The Wolves’, this place perfectly captures the vibes of the Japanese capital after dark.
Out on the rooftop, you can tuck into standout dishes like black cod with plum miso and wagyu picanha. To wet your whistle as you soak up the views, there are all kinds of tasty tipples, from the yuzu gimlet to the sake southside.
The dishes are as dreamy as the views at Wolves of Tokyo.
Lillie's
A gorgeous wine bar and restaurant in Olympia, Lillie's is the go-to spot for champers, English sparkling wines, afternoon tea and seasonal British small plates. Its refined rooftop terrace takes its inspiration from the vineyards that once flourished in this part of London.
As you sip on the finest fizz with glorious green views, you can tuck into delicious dishes like Gressingham duck, wild boar pasta, beef tartare, Carlingford oysters, Scottish salmon, Orkney scallops, Exmoor caviar and lobster rolls.
Lillie's gives you an elegant English garden high above the city streets.
Bar Arriba
Head on up to Bar Arriba for a true taste of Mexico. A bright and buzzing rooftop spot in the heart of West London, it's perfect for parties, special occasions or great nights out just because.
With views across the city, you can tuck into everything from fresh salads and grilled plates to tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. There's plenty to wet your whistle here too - we're talking crisp wines, ice-cold beers, top-notch spirits and signature casa cocktails that bring the heat.
The cocktails are as heavenly as the view at Bar Arriba.
After rooftops that are a little
more central? We've got guides for Soho and Covent Garden too.
