Best Rooftop Bars in London

Located on top of an old London courthouse, this astoundingly beautiful rooftop bar boasts views over Shoreditch and an excellent selection of tropical cocktails and BBQ plates to tuck into.

When it comes to rooftop bars, there's few more cosy that Vagabond on Northcote Road. Not only is there a mouthwatering menu of tapas-style dishes, but there's even a huge wine list, as well as super cute lighting and intimate seating areas.

With a stunning alfresco space in the heart of King's Cross, Big Chill makes for a perfect pick for everything from after-work drinks to weekend brunching. You'll find craft beers, tasty food and, of course, a stunning rooftop space, as well as DJs through the weekend.

The slinkier option when it comes to rooftop drinks in London, The Rooftop St James is a premium destination for global wines and a view of one of the city's biggest landmarks, The London Eye.

Radio Rooftop Bar, situated on the 10th floor of the ME hotel on The Strand, and boasts a terrace cocktail bar that sits at the top of London's newest boutique hotels. With spectacular views overlooking such iconic buildings as Tower Bridge, The Shard London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral as well as the Southbank and Covent Garden's theatre district; this London rooftop bar is certainly an elegant and stylish place to enjoy a cocktail and a Mediterranean inspired bite to eat.

Found in a darling Georgian townhouse in the heart of Farringdon, those looking to soak in some sunshine with a few drinks upon a London roof terrace need look no further than this neat little treat. A place bustling with botanicals found atop Bird of Smithfield, this petite rooftop bar is a meandering of cocktails and faux-grass alike.

With London home to rooftop bars around every corner, what makes a place stand out? From unrivalled views alongside petanque and croquet to botanical themed spaces that are perfect for private parties, Skylight knows what it takes.

Formerly The Terrace, this gorgeous rooftop number offers views over Wimbledon alongside delicious cocktails and tasty food for any occasion.

Set high up above Leicester Square this stunning bar is latest permanent drinking den from Bourne & Hollingsworth. Offering a brasserie-style menu of seasonal plates and the brand's signature cocktails it's the perfect spot for some after work drinks with gorgeous views of the city.

Head upstairs to the elegant Capeesh Sky Bar for delicious canapes and even more delicious drinks. Not only are their hand-blended cocktails created from high-end liquors, but their special menu of Italian canapes are perfect for eating while looking at the stunning panoramic views of London.

Coq D'Argent serves up classic French fare in a truly striking setting. Head outside to explore their terrace and gardens while gazing up at London's iconic skyscrapers. The terrace offers a perfect retreat from the frenetic outside world and is perfect for a date, business meeting or just wiling away the hours with a drink in tow.

Get ready to party as FEST Camden open their doors for a whole line-up of fun events. The North London venue has a covered roof terrace and various rooms to go wild in, which shouldn't be hard as their nights include Grease singalongs, scorching burlesque and top DJs.

Head to Canary Wharf where you'll find some of the finest street food in the city. Giant Robot boasts four pop up restaurants, three bars and a stunning amount of space, perfect for fulfilling any occasion.

In the heart of Aldgate, this rooftop bar is as pretty as a picture both inside and out. Jin Bo Law has views over the iconic London skyline from the roof terrace, while inside, interiors are bright and fun, with Asian inspired art and a fruity cocktail menu.

We know, we know, NT's in Dalston isn't strictly a rooftop bar, but it's pretty close enough. Beaming with plants, foliage, creative cocktails and DJ nights alongside their outside terrace, it's worthy of a place on this list.

For sleek interiors, a spacious roof terrace, incredible cocktails and brilliant views, look no further than Aviary in Finsbury Square. Located on the tenth floor of the new Montcalm hotel, the venue has been carefully designed to take in as much of the city as possible; there's also an inside seating area where British, seasonal fare will be served.

An East London favourite for rooftop fun, the Queen of Hoxton's current summer pop-up bar journeys to Mexico. From margaritas through to tacos and female wrestlers, grab a piece of the action against a City skyline at this cool spot.

If the sun's out and you live in Angel, you'll want to hot-foot it round to The Castle while the best seats on their roof terrace are still available. Found at the top of Pentonville Road this is one of the finest roof terraces in all of north London, where guests top up their tans while nursing real ales and great wines.

An ever so swish private members club in the heart of Moorgate, Eight is a rooftop bar in London with finesse and charm to its name. From high-end bottles of the good stuff to renowned evenings and charming London views, this rooftop haunt is a smasher in the summer. 

Setting the scene for some of the best rooftop experiences in London is Stratford. Coming at guests not only with a roster of street food stalls and pop-up bars, Roof East is a name on the entertainment scene with events, activities and plenty more for any and all.

A favourite for hosting private parties and events, this boutique King's Cross venue even comes with a lovely rooftop bar. The Driver gives off the relaxed air of a gastro-pub and somewhere you can come for after-work drinks that's not going to be 10 deep at the bar. Head up to their rooftop and check out views across central London as you enjoy a bevvy or two.

Flight Club landed in Victoria to applause thanks to more oches and creative darts games than ever before, but it's their Magic Gardens that have rooftop suppers gagging for more. Decked out in festoon lighting and kitsch bits, it's the perfect spot for a rooftop bev once you're done slaying each other on the board.

Okay so it's more a rooftop terrace than a rooftop bar, but we still felt The Windmill worthy of a slot on the list. You'll find this hidden oasis of calm above the cosy vibes of the pub downstairs, where mouth-watering pies and an exceptional selection of cask ales are on offer.

Set on the rooftop of trendy Waterloo bar Tonight Josephine, Bar Elba is a tropical paradise based on the island that exiled dictator Napoleon used as a party island with his mates. Prepare for sunny colours, block lettering and over twenty different cocktails – and a happy hour for good measure.

Rooftop Film Club's 2019 run of movies isn't just inviting you to enjoy famous flicks and new films on a mega screen, their rooftop spot in Peckham has its own bar complete with food options for the peckish.

Sip a tasty cocktail and take in the stunning views of East London whilst sat in the Sail of the high end Shoreditch rooftop bar. Boundary is a stylish roof top bar and the perfect escape for a lazy sunny afternoon or evening.

It's one of the most talked about rooftop bars in South London and it's with good measure, what with its incredible space and top notch selection of party nights. A summer pop-up with some seriously sweet views of the city, this indie favourite is awash with punters once the sun comes both up and down. 

The Culpeper may be infamous for its pub and hotel alike, but it's the rooftop bar that they boast that has got us talking. From greenhouse to growing their own herbs, this bar doesn't just have foliage, it has views unlike anywhere else.

When it comes to rooftop bars in London, there's none quite as sexy as Sushi Samba. Found atop the Heron Tower in the heart of the City, gorge on luxury cocktails, bottles of champagne and sushi in this unique, sky-high setting.

An urban outdoor oasis with stunning views of London's skylines, the faux grass flooring, lush greenery and deckchairs of Dalston Roof Park create a chilled and friendly atmosphere ideal for whiling away a warm, summer evening.

Shoreditch House is a dynamic private members house which comes complete with a 16 metre heated swimming pool, bar, kitchen and lounge. It's a popular choice for anybody looking to work, socialise and relax in chilled surroundings and can be found just minutes away from Old Street station.