Summertime Bars in London

Flanked by both the canal and Coal Drops Yard, The Lighterman is both a unique and summer-friendly spot for drinks and dinner combined. Choose the second floor for a date night, while the first boasts a terrace sitting right alongside the river for cocktails galore.

The Gun is a spooky one. It can read our minds. It knows exactly what we dream about on chilly winter nights... the spectacular river-side views, bright parasols, seaside lounge chairs, and cheerful bunting blowing in a cool, wistful breeze. It's got it all. So if you want to visit the soothsayer of British pubs and have your dreams of summer-time materialize before your very eyes then head down to The Gun. 

Wide open spaces and cool warehouse conversions aren't the only hidden gems Hackney has to boat. Set on the water alongside the Olympic Park, Barge East isn't just one of London's coolest floating restaurants and bars, get ready for summer cocktails overlooking one of the coolest areas in the city. 

Acting as an oasis from city living, Near & Far brings California to Camden this summer. Decked out to the max with palm trees, pink flamingos and stylish neon lighting, this bar is made even more special when you discover the luscious rooftop terrace. 

Step aboard the Canal Party Club boat for a fun-time day out with your nearest and dearest. Aside from the captain, you're welcome to bring your own food, booze and music with you to really make a day of it as you enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Regent's Canal. Worried about bad weather ruining the fun? Don't be! The boat comes with transparent covers and a heater.

This tavern has got the jubilant good vibes that England only lets slip from under its stiff upper lip in summer time. That's because beer gardens this good make even the most prim and proper British gentleman want to kick back, crack open a beer and get chatting to the people on the next table along.

When it comes to whiling away the evening under the London sun, there's not many pubs that offer views and sunshine rays quite like Founders Arms. Join them as they promise authentic British drinks and dining alongside the Thames, all summer long.

It's been a long, hot summer and what better way to soak up those rays, than with a spot of alfresco chilling? This quirky bar in the heart of Brick Lane (blink and you might miss it) has palm trees, deck chairs and even a cocktail shack for a slice of island bliss.

Skylark Roof Garden is an urban oasis sitting on the banks of Little Venice. Serving a  menu of fresh British eats and frozen cocktails in lush greenery, its stunning food and drinks offerings and exceptional views make it one of London's top summertime bars. 

Head up to the 14th floor of this Aldgate hotel to find one of the hottest city bars. Jin Bo Law has a sun-trap rooftop terrace that provide gorgeous views over London, along with a dreamy interior for when the weather isn't perfect.

A big Shoreditch hit for activities and cocktails combined, London Shuffle is a must-try for summer weekends spent in the city. From its shuffleboard lanes to its beer garden, enjoy the pop of pastels and a jabbing your mates about their game (or lack of it).

If you're looking for stunning rooftop bars this summer, look no further than The Montague on the Gardens. Not only is this pop-up bar bringing you BBQ dishes and cocktails served in coconuts, but the beach huts and sandy scenes are just right for The Gram.

If sipping on a refreshing beer, watching the world and the water go by floats your boat, then make sure to visit The Union Tavern. Brilliant for hot summer days and after work drinks; its foliage-filled, umbrella shaded terrace won't disappoint. Head on down for a jaunt by the canal, and get to grips with London's favourite hobby: drinking in the summer sunshine. It isn't hard to master, we promise. 

Ahoy! Is that a boat we spy on the banks of the Thames? It looks like it has loads of tables full of rather fashionable good-looking people having a great time on it. They all have delicious looking drinks in their hands and some of them are even dancing to the selection of excellent tracks that the handsome disc jockey is playing. It's either Bar & Co, the most happening summer boat bar this little island has ever seen, or we need to go for a check up at the opticians. 

All of this world-cup business and the unavoidable beautiful shots of Brazil that comes with it are making us itch for sunnier pastures. For those of us that can't afford to shell out for a plane to some beautiful Latin city where the BBQ is always cooking and the cocktails are always flowing, Barrio Shoreditch is a more than adequate substitute for the real thing. 

Tucked under the arches of Hackney Central, Night Tales is one of the city's most beloved venues. Head on over during the summer and you'll find a stunning outdoor space selling a fine selection of London's best street eats, a terrace that's perfect for drinking and dancing and plenty of live music all evening long. 

Nothing says summer in the city like a trip to a rooftop bar. Head up to the top of ME hotel in Covent Garden and experience one of the best summertime bars in London in the form of Radio Rooftop.