Cardiff: The Botanist
If only the most beautiful of Cardiff watering holes will tempt you, then The Botanist has to be on your radar. Head up for pretty cocktails that are served in plant pots, boasting billowing dry ice clouds, or laced with gin.
On those rare days that the sun decides to shine from dawn 'til dusk, the people of Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland spring into action. With SPF hastily slapped on, summer dresses dragged from wardrobes and a spring on our step, us Brits will do anything to soak up those precious few rays. Luckily for you? We've created a guide to the UK's best rooftop bars, designed with your sunny day sesh and gorgeous sunset cocktails in mind.
Last updated on 13th February 2023
If only the most beautiful of Cardiff watering holes will tempt you, then The Botanist has to be on your radar. Head up for pretty cocktails that are served in plant pots, boasting billowing dry ice clouds, or laced with gin.
On a long hot summer day? Brighton is the place to be. The Mesmerist is the town's number one party spot, offering late-night DJs, street food and 70s-inspired cocktails on its sprawling rooftop hideaway.
Set in a prime location just off Regent Street, this gorgeous eatery tops our picks for the best rooftop restaurants in London. Mosey up to the luscious terrace space, where omakase sushi, bento boxes and other signature Japanese dishes await.
Having breathed new life into an old textile mill, Headrow House has become of the most popular rooftop bars in Leeds. Home to craft beer, regular DJs, live music and kebabs from Michelin recommended Ox Club, it's not to be missed.
Undoubtedly some of the best rooftop bars in London, Skylight is a sprawling offering at Tobacco Dock or Peckham. With brunches, cutesy lawn games and even alfresco cinema nights, it's perfect for birthday blowouts or group nights out alike.
Undoubtedly one of the best hotels with rooftop bars in the UK, Montcalm Royal London House Hotel is home to Aviary, which offers panoramic views of the City's skyline. As for food? Expect to pair British plates with killer cocktails.
If you're wondering about rooftop bars in Bristol, Mall Clifton should be on your radar. The cosy boozer is a hugely popular place among locals and students alike. The real draw here is the gorgeous secret garden, which is spread across three levels and regularly plays host to summer BBQs.
Out of all the rooftops in Glasgow, Bar Soba is one of our favs. Pop by or book a table to tuck into a range of pan-Asian street food, alongside sipping on some tasty treats from the two cocktail bars on-site.
As a rooftop bar in Birmingham, UK, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill comes out on top. The dazzling sky-high spot serves a selection of mouthwatering steak dishes, with the city as the backdrop at its 25th floor perch.
The Button Factory is bringing a New York edge to sipping in the clouds, thanks to some gorgeous interiors fronting exposed brick walls and slick styling. Make your way out onto the sun-trap of a terrace, where a roster of brunch and cocktails awaits.
Indulge in a tasty tipple from the lofty heights of The Terrace's rooftop residence. Whether you fancy sunset cocktails, late-night drinking and dancing, or even a relaxing, long lunch with a view, this joint is sure to have you covered.
Patterns is a rooftop party destination like no other. Not only does it have sweeping views of the sea from its terrace, but their roaster of DJs and events is sure to keep you entertained 'til the early hours.
Decked out with fairy lights and cool murals, The Forth is a cool Newcastle boozer whose quirky interiors extend out onto the rooftop terrace. Expect street food-style dishes washed down by plenty of pints at this relaxed haunt.
After a rooftop bar in Edinburgh? We'd say Chaophraya is pretty unrivalled for views. With sweeping vistas across the city's best landmarks, including the castle and Firth of Forth, this gorgeous Thai eatery has you sorted for drinking or dining in style.
A luxury terrace in the west of the capital, Skylark Roof Garden is a wonderland of pastel blue hues, leafy plants and twinkling fairy lights. Swing by to spend the day sipping on Champagne and chowing down gourmet sharing platters.
One of the best rooftops around, The Draper's Arms is a great shout if you're looking for good food and booze. Fronting a menu of crab croquettes, avocado muffins and burgers, the bar is perfect for alfresco eating with a pint to pair.
Looking to sweep a special someone off their feet? This Liverpool rooftop bar is one of the country's most romantic, offering incredible cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and views like no other. With just a select few outdoor tables, guests are required to book well in advance, so be sure to get organised.
Decorated with bird cages round by the bar and plenty of foliage throughout, The Perch really knows how to stick to a theme - and do it well. Head to this Belfast haunt to have a range of fruity tipples with piping hot pizza.
Dublin's best rooftop bar and restaurant, Ryleigh's is perched on the edge of the Docklands, boasting stunning waterside views. Open from dawn 'til late every night of the week, the swish spot specialises in grill dishes, with fresh seafood and sizzling steaks taking centre stage.
The gang at Cold Town House sure know a thing or two about alfresco weekend antics. Nestled next to Edinburgh Castle, the gorgeous city centre bar is a winner when it comes to freshly baked pizzas and tasty Aperol spritzes, with electric heaters for when Scotland's colder climes creep in.
Rooftop bars in Manchester don't get much better than 20 Stories, which is the highest spot the city has to offer. Head here for an extensive wine list and plenty of creative cocktails, which are best enjoyed with the venue's brasserie dishes or out on the terrace.
While Leeds is home to a great selection of sky-high haunts, Issho is our favourite. The elegant Japanese restaurant features one of the UK's prettiest rooftop terraces, decorated by full-sized trees, elegant wood panelling and comfy sofas; perfect for sinking into with a glass of sake in hand.
A true hidden gem, Sky By The Water is the oh-so-gorgeous Resorts World haunt that comes complete with cosy igloos, bright neon lights and Instagrammable flower walls. Swing by to take advantage of the huge array of gins on offer, from the fruit-infused to local picks.
If only the best rooftop bars in the UK will do, The Ivy's Manchester venue should fit the bill. Fronting a sky-high garden area decked out with trees, floral furniture and a retractable glass ceiling, this place really is a gem.
For a rooftop bar in Cambridge, the beaut terrace at the Varsity Hotel is second to none. Let the views take your breath away while you munch on everything from whole grilled lobster to BBQ ribs, all accompanied by fine wine.
A magic oasis of wildflowers, Alchemilla is home to a truly gorgeous terrace. A hugely popular hangout in the summer months, the botanical beauty is ideal for a romantic date night, thanks to a menu bursting with fresh seafood, seasonal veg and game meat.
Part of the OH ME OH MY café, Goodness Gracious is a watering hole with some serious wow-factor. A guaranteed winner if you're looking to impress, the sky-high gem is home to views of the majestic Royal Liver Building and River Mersey beyond.