Madison
Gaze out over St Paul's Cathedral and The City on Madison's swanky rooftop terrace. The slick bar and restaurant is perfect for a glass of chilled Champagne or, come evening, watching the sunset with some of their delicious seafood.
London offers one of the most famous skylines in the world, from St Paul's Cathedral's iconic dome to the towering Shard and meandering River Thames. Luckily the city also boasts some equally impressive drinking dens in which to sip on something crisp and take it all in. Whether you're in the market for a rooftop terrace or a riverside pub, we've rounded up the very best bars with a view in London. Instagram ain't gonna know what's hit it.
Last updated on 10th October 2023
Gaze out over St Paul's Cathedral and The City on Madison's swanky rooftop terrace. The slick bar and restaurant is perfect for a glass of chilled Champagne or, come evening, watching the sunset with some of their delicious seafood.
Soak up some of the city's best landmarks while sipping on ice-cold drinks at London Bridge Rooftop. Along with daily DJ sets and a menu of hefty burgers, the urban bar will also be putting on weekly Aperol Sundays, serving £5 sips from 12pm 'til 4pm.
Tucked away in St George's Wharf complex, The Riverside offers stunning views of the Thames. It's a stylish hangout which quickly fills up after work during the summer, where up to 200 guests can grab a chilled drink and check out the vantage point from one of two outside terraces.
You'll find this historical restaurant and pub at the very heart of the Docklands. One of the best bars in London with a view, the venue's riverside terrace offers a straight shot of the Thames and The O2 and acts as the perfect place to enjoy a date night tipple or grab some beers before heading across the water for a concert.
One of the best bars with a view in East London, The Gate is sure to impress with its panoramic city skyline. With stylish furnishings and pretty outdoor space, this is an absolute must for summertime alfresco hangouts.
For a rooftop bar with views of St Paul's? Sabine has you covered and is well-loved across the city. Whether you tuck into small plates across the swish space or grab delish cocktails on the outdoor terrace, this place is sure to satisfy your need for stunning vistas.
Whether you're looking for a snazzy date night spot, a gorgeous hangout to enjoy tipples with the gang or just fancy trying somewhere new, Bokan is an excellent choice. Head along for delicate cocktails and wicked wines, with sharing plates to pair.
Searching for drinking dens outside? You're in luck over at Boaters. Overlooking the river, the pub is perfect for lazy summer days while sipping a pint or gorgeous dinners featuring lip-smacking gastro grub. The seared scallops and crab burger are delish.
Looking out over the river and The O2 arena, Scoff & Banter Canary Wharf is a gorgeous British restaurant and bar with a view. Stop by for an after-work drink, or date night with a difference as the venue brings traditional interiors and snap-worthy sights.
The Swan at Shakespeare's Globe is an all-day dining venue and bar with stunning views of the River Thames, St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. Their expert in-house mixologists are known for their creative concoctions, some of which are even inspired by The Bard's iconic characters.
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Found atop a stunning 1920s building in the beating heart of the City, Wagtail is a rooftop bar that's killing it in the looks department. And while you marvel at the beaut views from this sky-high spot, tip back premium sips alongside a load of fancy fare.
City of London bars with a view don't get much better than cloudM, the rooftop destination that's got views of both the Shard and Tower of London. Plus, the cocktails here are themed on the capital too, ranging from Wimbledon pours to the Chelsea Flower Show.
After affordable cocktail bars with a view in London? Then check out All Bar One Butler's Wharf. This cool location has a lovely terrace that features neon signs and foliage galore, so you can sip concoctions while admiring Tower Bridge scenes.
Situated overlooking Tower Bridge, Vicinity is a bar and restaurant with some seriously epic views. While you soak up the iconic riverside vistas, get to know the menu of cocktails, Champagnes and fine ales, not to mention the tasty street food-inspired dishes.
Make your way over to Kraft Dalston Bar & Restaurant for a gorgeous view from the rooftop terrace. While you soak up the sky-high sights, get stuck into Latin American and Japanese-inspired bites, as well as craft beers and bespoke cocktails.
Queen of Hoxton is a hot to trot East London rooftop bar with amazing views of Shoreditch and The City. Offering spacious and comfortable seating and a menu of great cocktails, the venue is noted for their seasonal themed pop-ups, which offer an immersive drinking experience for all.
Sometimes nothing beats drinking a glass of red while overlooking the city, and Hithe + Seek at The Westin London City hotel is the perfect place for this. Head to their stunning bar and spend the evening sampling over 80 types of wine with some delightful nibbles.
Located in the City of London, Savage Garden is a great shout if you're after sun-soaked evenings and a fun rooftop bar. Enjoy munching on scrumptious bar snacks in this stylish setting while sipping on a cocktail or two - the Savage Spritz is a must-have.
Looking for drinks with a view in Hackney? This gorgeous loft space in Netil House brings you cocktails, DJs and sensational sights of the area. Book yourself a booth on the terrace and relax with cocktails and catch-ups this spring and summer.
Need a fun drinking destination? Fronting sky-high views, pretty botanical décor and a killer cocktail menu, Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham is an excellent shout. Enjoy chomping on pizza slices while catching up with friends.
Offering the prettiest views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Tavern is a brilliant shout. Along with 2 for 1 cocktails and regular jazz nights, it's got a beaut outdoor area to settle into. Hungry? Sit outside and tuck into gorgeous British eats.
Take in the gorgeous views of the capital at Hyatt Place London City East's Pocket Square Skyline Bar & Terrace. Venture to the ninth floor, where you'll get to swoon over the showstopping panoramic scenes, all with a lip-smacking cocktail in hand.
The Old Thameside Inn is a bit of a no-brainer for bars with alfresco seating. The venue offers fab sharing platters such as camembert and cured meats - fab for date night. Nab a bottle of wine and cuddle up with your loved one as you gawk at the riverside views,
Looking for a pub in London with the perfect water views? A charming venue perched on the East London canals, The Narrow Boat is a hotspot not only for the finest in English pub grub, but the scenes off their first floor balcony are some of the best in the city.
One of the best rooftop bars in Waterloo, Bar Elba is letting you get up close and personal with some of the city's most iconic buildings. This fun hangout promises a whole range of quirky cocktails and plenty of alfresco seating for you take in the sights of London.
An iconic pub in Richmond, The White Cross is famed for its beer garden and proximity to the water - and more importantly what happens when those two aspects collide. Book yourself in for a sunny Sunday session but be wary of high tide or you might find yourself marooned on your bar stool.
Beautiful, botanical and found eleven stories high, Florattica is an absolute treat for the eyes. While soaking up the gorgeous views of London's skyline, get to know the unique assortment of creative cocktails, such as the Kimiko, made up of Roku Gin, Lillet Blanc, Tio Pepe, cherry blossom liquor and absinthe.
Looking for dinner with a view in London? Head over to Angel Lane where The Oyster Shed is promising some incredible scenes of the skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Join them for delicious British food, fine wines and nautical-themed interiors.
With a large first floor balcony overlooking the Thames, this casual pub in Putney is one of the best places for drinks with a view in South London. Head down to SW15 where The Boathouse will be serving up sights, slick sips and delicious dishes.
Head to the beer garden of this historic Rotherhithe pub and you're in for a treat. Backing onto the river, The Mayflower offers views across to Wapping as well as a great selection of classic grub, fresh-pulled pints and great wines.
From a Swedish Michelin-starred chef comes Studio Frantzén, a gorgeous rooftop bar with a view in Central London. While having the the capital's skyline as your backdrop, enjoy beautiful cocktails and stunning wines, not to mention top-notch fare.
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One of the best rooftop bars in East London, Skylight Tobacco Dock is a great spot for fabulous nights out in the city. Boasting an awesome range of events, brunches and top-notch cocktails, this haunt won't fail to disappoint. In South London? Check out Skylight Peckham.
Thanks to its fabulous location at Temple Pier, Bar & Co is blessed with some seriously crackin' views. While you soak up the panoramic vistas, get stuck into a range of refreshments, from delicious tapas plates to thirst-quenching quaffs.
A gorgeous bar with a view on Southbank, Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar is the Gabriel's Wharf venue offering a range of riverside spaces. Take a pew at street level for the ultimate people-watching spot, or head up to their first-floor balcony for some incredible sights of the city.
An iconic pub on the banks of the Thames, The Founders Arms is most recognisable for the huge crowds that gather on its outdoor terrace in the summer months. Just a stone's throw from Blackfriars station, this charming boozer fronts drinks, great grub and views across the river.
Housed on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden hosts three separate bars and restaurants as well as a stunning terrace with unforgettable views of the River Thames and beyond - just don't be surprised if you feel your ears pop as you soar up the elevator.
If you're looking for bars with great views in London then this Finsbury Square haunt is the place to head for. Situated on the top floor of the Montcalm Hotel, Aviary is the rooftop restaurant and terrace giving you Insta-ready skyline scenes and tasty cocktails.
One of the best cocktail bars with a view in London, this stunning spot atop the Dorsett City hotel promises expansive sights of the capital's most recognisable buildings, alongside a menu of innovative sips and tasty snacks.
If you're on the hunt for drinks with a view in London, then Dalston Roofpark is a fabulous choice. The venue boasts everything from sunrise yoga sessions to bottomless brunches and sky-high sips. It also serves food from BEER + BURGER if you get a bit peckish.
Overlooking Regent's Canal, Arepa & Co is the perfect place for a romantic date night or lunchtime bite. Sip on South American-inspired drinks and enjoy a selection of Venezuelan sharing plates while taking in the tranquil view of passing narrowboats.
Occupying the top three floors of the iconic Gherkin skyscraper, you can't really find a better view of London than from Searcy's. Head 180m into the sky to London's highest private member's club for stunning and sweeping views of the city as well as fine fizz and themed cocktails.
The Rooftop St James is a brilliant boozer if you're after bars with a view. You'll get to see gorgeous landmarks from a sky-high perspective while sipping lip-smacking cocktails and cosying up with a blanket. Our top tipple? The signature sangria is a must-have.
If you're in need of a top-notch bar with a view, they don't come much better than 10 Degrees. Head up to the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane where you'll be treated to unique drinks or delectable snacks alongside panoramic vistas of Hyde Park and the West End. Oh, yes.
One of London's most sought after rooftop bookings, this sky-high bar and restaurant offers striking panoramas of London. Settle in for cocktails in full view of St Paul's, The Shard and Covent Garden Market.
An iconic rooftop bar in Bank, Coq D'Argent is the place to head for skyline views and gorgeous drinks. The pretty garden restaurant is perfect for all seasons, with a vibrant lawn for summertime sipping, and a cosy covered dining area for alfresco eating in the winter months.
Looking for delicious drinks with a stunning view? Minutes away from Covent Garden underground station is GS Rooftop Bar. Expect vibrant cocktails, colourful seating and a chill vibe right in the heart of the city.
Searching for gorgeous drinking destinations with a view? Sit by the window and gawk at sky-high views while tucking into lip-smacking Portuguese cuisine. If that wasn't enough, there are signature cocktails and a delish take on sangria.