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When the sun comes out in London, finding hidden outdoor drinking spots is always top of the agenda. So with that in mind we have put together a list of the best rooftop bars in London, so you can enjoy your sunshine drinks from on high, away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Vista
Best for: Rooftop romance
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 12pm–Midnight, Sun: 12pm–11pm (cover charge of £5 after 4pm (£1 of which goes to their partnered charity)
Signature Drink: Vista Fling
Getting there: The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1A 2TS
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Prices: ££££
Website
Rooftop review:
With a name like Vista, you’ll no doubt be expecting a stunning view and fortunately, this bar delivers. Overlooking iconic Trafalgar Square (you are practically eye level with Nelson on the top of his column) and the National Gallery, this is one of the best sunshine spots in the heart of Central London.
The vibe:
Fun, chilled and cheeky, with cracking cocktails including bespoke sharing jugs and a seasonal menu.
Need to know:
They’re closed outside of the summer season, and when it rains, but there are heaters and blankets to keep you warm on a dry evening. When it’s busy, you can wait in the downstairs hotel bar – the staff will give you a buzzer to will tell you when your table is ready. And it’s well worth the wait.
LOOKS FAMILIAR? The episode of Doctor Who, when the TARDIS lands in the square, was filmed from the bar’s terrace. It’s also popular with reality TV shows, with everything from filmed interview links for Britain’s Got Talent to “scenes” from Made in Chelsea popping up on the small screen.
The Sky Lounge
Best for: Commuter cocktails
Opening times: Main bar: 11am – 2am, outside terrace: 11am to midnight (weather permitting)
Signature Drink: Sky at Night
Getting there: Doubletree by Hilton, 7 Pepys Street, London EC3N 4AF, United Kingdom
Nearest tube: Tower Hill
Prices: ££££
Website
Rooftop review:
Just a few minutes walk from Tower Hill, this glamorous rooftop bar has views of The Shard, The Gherkin and the Tower of London.
The vibe:
Sleek and sophisticated inside, chilled and funky out.
Need to know:
Tables are available on a first come first served basis, so get down there early. They usually have a pop-up residency in the summer – selling bespoke cocktails – so check the website to see what’s on.
Coq d’Argent
Best for: Super swanky Champagne in the city
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 11.30am – 11pm, Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm
Signature Drink: Champagne, darling!
Getting there: No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Nearest tube: Bank
Prices: £££££
Website
Rooftop review:
The bane of expense accounts across The City, this is a swish and sophisticated oasis bang in the heart of London’s financial centre. Tucked inside the entrance to No1 Poultry, take the funky orange lift straight up to the top for views of famous city landmarks like The Gherkin.
The vibe:
Seriously suited. Popular with business lunches during the week, it is a little more relaxed at the weekend.
Need to know:
Terraces along this bars famous garden are covered (and heated in the winter). There’s even a menu dedicated to its fabulous fizz selection.
Radio Rooftop Bar
Best for: Rooftop riverside views
Opening times: Mon to Wed: 12pm-1am, Thur to Sat: 12pm–3am, Sun: 12pm til midnight
Signature Drink: Bespoke seasonal cocktails
Getting there: ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London, WC2R 1HA
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Prices: ££££
Website
Rooftop review:
This ultra-modern, light and bright bar has incredible riverside views across the city, from Big Ben and the London Eye, right across to The Shard. It has an exclusive feel, and has hosted celebrities ranging from Graham Norton to One Direction. If you’re feeling peckish, it serves a decently priced tapas menu, reflecting the hotel’s Spanish roots. However, you can just pop in for a drink in the enclosed bar.
The vibe:
Chilled out during the day and a party place at night. With a DJ spinning the tunes at volume, this is the perfect pre-clubbing venue for those looking to splurge.
Need to know:
Access is from a separate side entrance of the five-star ME hotel. They operate a guest list and queuing system, as it can be up to a two-hour wait on busy nights. Reserving an outdoor table requires a minimum spend of £50 per person from 5pm (£100 from 9pm). And be sure to dress to impress.
Madison
Best for: Sensational views of St Paul’s Cathedral
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10am – Midnight, Sun: 10am – 9pm
Signature Drink: Rooftop (£11.50) Hendricks gin, elderflower cordial, apple and lemon juice
Getting there: Rooftop Terrace, 1 New Change, St Paul’s, London, EC4M 9AF
Nearest tube: St Paul’s
Prices: ££££
Website
Rooftop review:
This rooftop bar is so good it even has a separate viewing area alongside it so tourists can capture the perfect picture of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The vibe:
Laidback European café-culture
Need to know:
After a bit of retail therapy in the New Change shopping and business centre, catch the interior glass lift six floors up to the bar. You’ll find an excellent cocktail list and comfy sofas to recline on while admiring the iconic dome of St. Paul’s across the road.
Aqua Spirit
Best for: Sun worshipping in the West End
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 12pm – 1am, Terrace Lunch: Mon-Sat: 12pm- 3pm, Terrace Drinks: 3pm onwards
Signature Drink: The Emperor (Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, maraschino, amaro, Cynar, Campari)
Getting there: 5th Floor, 30 Argyll Street (entrance opposite The London Palladium), London, W1F 7EB
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Prices: ££££
Website
Rooftop review:
Take a break from shopping on Oxford Street and visit the uplifting Aqua Spirit. The bar has several cocktail menus, including twists on classics and a range inspired by Japanese flavours. Relax and enjoy your drinks in the sunshine with only a muffled backdrop of noise from London’s busiest street below.
The vibe:
Fabulous fusion in chic and chilled surroundings
Need to know:
The discrete and slightly intimidating entrance (think moody lighting and velvet curtains) is right opposite the Palladium Theatre. But don’t worry, a warm welcome awaits when you venture in and take the stylish lifts to the top. Walk past the charcoal-ringed bar through to the two wonderful roof top terraces where you can grab lunch – Japanese (on the Kyoto side) or Spanish (on the Nueva side) – you won’t need a reservation to sit outside.
SUSHISAMBA
Best for: Skyscraper Sushi
Opening times: Mon-Sun 4pm–1am
Signature Drink: NINA FRESA® (£13) An updated SUSHISAMBA classic with Ketel One vodka, strawberry, grapefruit and guava shaken with rhubarb bitters, lime and sugar. Served ‘up.’
Getting there: Floors 38 & 39, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Prices: £££££
Website
Rooftop review:
With the highest outdoor terrace in Europe, this has to be on the list for those wanting to take their nights out to new heights.
With breathtaking views across the City and an array of contemporary cocktails with a twist; this is outdoor drinking in London on an epic scale.
The vibe:
Dress to impress
Need to know:
This destination bar has a finely tuned cocktail list and a fabulous fusion menu, taking in Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine.
It has three small bars, including the outdoor roof terrace, which are accessed by taking the express glass lift on the side of the building straight up to the 38th Floor. Yes, it’s that high! You don’t have to book to visit the bar, but entry is based on space availability.
The Boundary Rooftop
Best for: Sophisticated Shoreditch sunshine
Opening times: Mon to Fri: 12pm-11.30pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-11.30pm
Signature Drink: Earth and Smoke: Montelobos Mezcal, Patron Silver, lime juice & sugar syrup (£12.50)
Getting there: Entrance on Redchurch Street, 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DD
Nearest tube: Shoreditch High Street
Prices: £££
Website
Rooftop review:
This incredible rooftop bar is tucked away down a side street at the top of a boutique hotel (catch the lift from reception). Expect wooden floors and chic furniture, along with a pretty vine-entwined canopy; a stylish surprise hidden away from the urban sprawl outside.
The vibe:
Mediterranean meets East London
Need to know:
Open all year round thanks to its new weatherproof pergola, you can begin with brunch (10am-12pm Sat-Sun), sample their seasonal cocktails, or tuck in to their Mediterranean lunch and dinner menu. They don’t take bookings for small tables in the bar, so walk-ins are welcome. Booking is advised for larger parties.
Terrace Restaurant
Best for: Cultured cocktails
Opening times: Mon to Sat: 5pm to 11pm (also opens for Midweek and Sat matinees noon to 2pm)
Signature Drink: Prosecco with Wild Hibiscus
Getting there: National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Nearest tube: Waterloo (from the south side of the river) or Embankment (north side of the river)
Prices: £££
Website
Rooftop review:
As well as being a cultural treasure, The National Theatre also has a very high-up terrace with romantic riverside views. The theatrical influence can be seen in the seasonal cocktail menu, with drinks being themed around the plays being performed.
If the mixologists can’t tempt you, then try the locally brewed Meantime beer or choose from their decent wine list.
The vibe:
Theatrical tipplers
Need to know:
The NT is bigger than you think, so head straight to level 2 on the Lyttelton side of the building. Booking is advisable for eating, they do a great range of cheese and charcuterie if you want something to share.
Otherwise, just pop in, order a drink and head out onto the terrace.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Best for: Fabulous flora and fauna
(c) Belinda Lawley
Opening times: 10am-10pm (depending on the weather)
Signature Drink: For an English garden, it has to be gin & tonic – chin chin!
Getting there: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Prices: £
Website
Rooftop review:
There are roof gardens…and then there are roof gardens. Where else can you enjoy a drink and outstanding riverside views of the London skyline in the middle of an English meadow?
The vibe:
Sit back, relax and soak up the sights and smells of the countryside
Need to know:
Open from April through to September, venture above the Brutalist concrete architecture of the Southbank Centre to discover 100 native UK species of wildflowers and woodland while you drink. This huge space is the perfect place to while away the hours surrounded by nature.
“It is a bit of a secret, it rewards the adventurers who are willing to go up the yellow staircase and I’d like people to explore the woodland garden more. A lot of people just stay in the front section of the garden so I’d say keep exploring when you’re up there and you’ll be rewarded” – Julian Cox –Roof Garden Guru.
Queen of Hoxton
Best for: Regal rooftop revelry
Rooftop review:
A fun and funky bar with fabulous views over Canary Wharf, you’ll certainly need a drink after climbing up all those stairs!
They’ve brightened it up for the summer, and then some. The summer themed-bar, Bangarang, is inspired by Peter Pan, with the Lost Boys’ hideout housing the bar and a pirate ship to explore.
The vibe:
By day – chilled out sun-worshippers – by night – jam-packed for post-work drinks with pals
Need to know:
Now open rain or shine thanks to some additional cover, if sticky –glazed ribs, burgers and fairy-themed cocktails sounds like your kind of afternoon / evening, then you can’t go wrong.
Visit the “Rooftop Summer Club”, where organisers have created a space to forget your responsibilities and be spontaneous doing crafty workshops. On some days, they close at 9pm for their Rooftop Film Club screenings (www.rooftopfilmclub.com) so check before you go.
Golden Bee
Best for: Creating an alfresco buzz
Opening times: Tues-Thurs 5pm-Late, Fri: 5pm–3am, Sat: 5pm-3:30am. Rooftop closes at 11pm
Signature Drink: Golden Bee (£9)- Tequila, banana liqueur, passion fruit, sugar, lemon & cloudy apple juice
Getting there: Singer Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9DD
Nearest tube: Old Street
Prices: £££
Website
Rooftop review:
For post-work or pre-club drinks, the Golden Bee’s large rooftop garden is hard to beat. Think comfy sofas and wooden decking, along with a cracking cocktail menu, and all within a stone’s throw of Old Street station.
The vibe:
Laidback clubbers quaffing cocktails in a stylish setting
Need to know:
Tuesday through to Friday they have a happy hour between 5 and 7pm. Although the rooftop closes at 12am, you can head down the spiral staircase to one of the club nights at the weekend.
It’s free entry before 9pm but afterwards door charges apply. When the sun goes down the fire pit and moveable heaters will ensure that the atmosphere remains warm and welcoming.
Dalston Roof Park
Best for: Music and movies with your membership
(c) Matthew Black
Opening times: Closed Mon eve. Mon-Fri 9am to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm, Sat: 3pm to midnight, Sun: 3pm to 10pm
Signature Drinks: Keep it local with the Meantime Brewing Company’s lager and pale ale.
Getting there: 18 Ashwin Street, London, E8 3DL
Nearest tube: Highbury and Islington – but right next door to Dalston Junction on the Overground.
Prices: £
Website
Rooftop review:
Describes itself as a urban utopian oasis; and who are we to argue. This is basically a park on a roof with amazing views across the East London skyline.
So either pull up a plastic chair or find a nice grassy spot to relax on – it’s perfect for groups of friends looking for a fun evening in the sunshine. And it’s been newly refurbished for 2017, so why not head down to see what they’ve done with the place.
The vibe:
Laidback people enjoying a bit of Park-life in Dalston.
Need to know:
When you think “membership” you think big bucks, but here for the princely sum of £12 you can have access to a host of free music, movie and lifestyle events throughout the summer; check their Facebook page for listings as sometimes it is ticket only.
It might seem like a magical mystery tour to get to the top, four floors and no lift, but it’s well worth the climb.
Netil 360
Best for: Shopping and art
Opening times: Closed Mon-Tue.Open Sun & Wed 9am to 9pm, Thur-Sat: 10am to 11pm
Signature Drinks: Local drinks from independents: Beers from Five Points Brewery, spirits from East London Liquor Company.
Getting there: 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London E8 3RL
Nearest tube: London Fields or Cambridge Heath
Prices: ££
Website
Rooftop review:
This is a place for both day and night time – as its now part workspace, café, gallery and bar.
You can watch the sun set over East London where you get glorious views.
Take a pew on the wooden seating and try some local drinks.
The vibe:
East London culture vultures can roost here
Need to know:
At the top of Hackney’s Netil House, they got a license in late 2015 which means they can put on pop-up parties throughout the year.
Try and combine a visit with a trip to Netil Market which takes place on Saturdays.
Honourable mentions
Frank’s Cafe, Peckham has an annual summer residence at the top of Peckham Multi Story Carpark (133 Rye Ln, SE15 4ST).
The Culpeper pub in Aldgate has a rooftop garden where it grows organic food for its bar and restaurant food offerings. You can also have a drink up there (40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP).
Rooftop recommendations
Please let us know your thoughts on our best rooftop bar selection by leaving a comment below. Have we have missed off one of your favourites?
If so we would love to hear about it and any other outdoor bars, pubs or terraces we haven’t discovered yet. And don’t forget to check out the weather forecast before you venture out!
The post The Ultimate Guide to London’s Best Rooftop Bars appeared first on lastminute.com Blog.
Source: lastminute.com