It’s the same every year; all winter is spent planning our summer glow-up only for a vitamin D madness to take over. But this year is going to be different; sunny days will be spent sipping spritzes at sky-high heights, glugging bubbles from elevated gardens overlooking the city, and quaffing cocktails against walls of flowers - we’ve rounded up London’s prettiest rooftops, because we deserve a scorching season of drinking.
Aviary
One of the best rooftop restaurants in London, Aviary is the perfect sun-soaked spot to settle into, complete with blue sofas and fur throws. Situated atop the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel and looking out over Finsbury Square, the venue fronts a special terrace menu filled with small plates, luxe oysters and stunning Sunday roasts. To top it off, you can crack on with signature cocktails served in a beaut aesthetic - we recommend the Hendrick's Bramble for a sweet and sour hit.
City views don't get much better than this.
Wagtail
Wanna take a snap-worthy shot? We've got just the gem. Wagtail flaunts beaut views of iconic London sites such as The Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral. Head to the terrace bar for late-night libations after work with resident DJ sets, or if you're looking to go all out, their boozy weekend brunch features bottomless bubbles and luxurious bites - think beef tartare or lush lobster and crayfish rolls.
This rooftop bar in Central London is ideal for luxe brunches and swish cocktails.
Florattica
If you've got a penchant for flowers, then you'll adore everything Florattica has to offer. From the ceilings adorned with flower installations to the colourful printed seating and themed drinks, the Aldgate venue really knows a thing or two about decadence. Get stuck into herbal and aromatic concoctions such as the Rose Mule or a citrussy Soul Kick before polishing off a couple of small plates - their sushi dishes are definitely worth a picture or two.
Located on the 11th floor, this sky-high stunner is as sleek as they come.
Pergola On The Wharf
You can count on some stellar visuals at Pergola On The Wharf, thanks to its lush foliage and pretty cocktails such as the smoked pineapple daquiri or a pecan espresso martini. Take a wander through the roof garden and you'll come across a venue decked out with ferns, vines and flowers. From Friday night music events to scrumptious roasts served on Sunday, it's the perfect plot for panoramic views of Canary Wharf and whiling the weekend away. And if you drop by on a weekday? Nab lunch and a drink for £15.
Their cracking lunch deal makes Pergola one of the best cheap rooftop bars in London.
Aqua Kyoto
Decked out with delicate hydrangeas and succulents as centerpieces, Aqua Kyoto is your one-stop-shop for signature cocktails and fab food. It’s also the ideal plot to nestle into if you’re a big fan of Japanese cuisine. From shrimp tempura rolls to thinly sliced sashimi and banging bento boxes, the venue is pulling out all the stops with quirky cocktails like the sake-based Geisha or an elderflower-infused Japanese Garden, alongside free-flowing brunches with a view on the weekends.
Japanese eats and rooftop views make this one of the best rooftop bars in Soho.
London Bridge Rooftop
What makes London Bridge Rooftop one of the most gorgeous entries on our list? The beautiful views of The Shard. Fab for Insta-worthy pictures during the summer, the sky-high restaurant and bar has everything from interactive darts to DJ sets to entertain you, alongside a killer cocktail list of refreshing sips. Whether you're heading there for bottomless brunch, complete with giant Yorkshire pudding wraps - yes please, or tucking into their a la carte menu of halloumi fries, crispy chicken burgers and peri peri fries, you're guaranteed to have a good time.
Cocktails with a view? An absolute dream.
Seabird
If you’re on the hunt for London rooftop restaurants, fulfill your drinking and eating needs at the supreme sanctuary, Seabird. Make your way to the 14th floor of The Hoxton in Southwark and you’ll get to settle into comfy sofas while being surrounded by palm trees and exposed brickwork. Choose from plenty of seafood options, including a huge oyster list and fresh prawns, alongside slick sips like the frozen Palomita and a Lime Leaf Gimlet.
Check out Seabird for a so-fish-ticated affair.
Garden Rooftop
With a stunning view of the city's skyline from its Charing Cross location, Garden Rooftop in London is fab for whiling away an afternoon during the summertime. Decked out with botanical décor in every corner, the Insta-worthy haunt serves scrumptious Mediterranean tapas, from charcuterie boards to avocado bruschetta and chargrilled salmon steaks. Plus, the cocktails are equally divine – the lychee martini really packs a punch. They even offer a 90s-themed bottomless brunch here too.
Garden Rooftop promises swish interiors and swanky cocktails.
Jin Bo Law
Jin Bo Law is housed on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel in Aldgate and it's a real dreamy destination. Feast your eyes on picturesque views of Tower Bridge and the Gherkin all while sipping on Asian-inspired drinks, like the Grey Goose-based Quince Crush or a fruity Just Peachy, in a sleek space filled with plants and modern furniture. One of the best rooftop bars with a view in London, it’s the ideal place for weekend catch-ups with pals and fancy date nights aplenty.
One of the best pretty rooftops in London? We think so.
JOIA
JOIA is a Battersea gem that's perfect if you're after pretty rooftop bars in London for birthdays, swanky date nights or any other occasion where you want to go above and beyond. Expect pastel hues throughout the venue and plenty of plush pink sofas, where you can kick back and enjoy cocktails like the gin and rose blend Onix or a refreshing Iberian spritz sharer. Hungry? These guys also whip up tasty tapas dishes like Iberico ham, tuna tartare and patatas bravas.
This rooftop bar is pretty in pink.
For more rooftop inspiration in London, check out our full list of sky-high bars here or sign up to our newsletter here to get the latest in your inbox.
