Best Rooftop Bars London: Where to Drink with a View
Introduction
London’s skyline is constantly changing, and the city’s rooftop bars are the best places to enjoy that view — accompanied by great cocktails, craft beer or a relaxed glass of wine. This guide lists the top rooftop bars across neighbourhoods such as Shoreditch, Soho, South Bank and Knightsbridge, plus practical tips on booking, dress code, prices and when to go.
Use the quick links below to jump to a neighbourhood or bar:
Central London & West End
1. Radio Rooftop Bar (ME London / Southbank view)
Why go: Sleek, hotel-rooftop bar with panoramic views over the Thames and the London Eye; great for sunset cocktails and hotel guests.
What to order: Signature cocktails or a champagne aperitif; sharing small plates available.
Price level: €€€ — expect premium prices for the view and location.
2. The Rooftop St James
Why go: Conveniently located near Piccadilly, this rooftop offers a relaxed terrace, cocktails and light bites — ideal before theatre nights.
Tip: Check for theatre-friendly early evening slots and book a table for pre-show drinks.
3. Aviary
Why go: Stylish rooftop with views over the City skyline; perfect for brunch cocktails or an after-work drink.
South Bank & Bankside
4. Skylon Bar
Why go: Located in the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon offers elegant cocktails with sweeping Thames views — a classic for visitors seeking refinement.
5. Oxo Tower Bar
Why go: Famous for its riverside terrace and panoramic views of the Thames and St Paul’s. Ideal for sunset cocktails and special dinners.
Tip: Book a table on the terrace for the best experience — sunset times are popular.
6. The Garden at The Hoxton (Hoxton, Southwark)
Why go: Casual rooftop garden with seasonal cocktails and a friendly vibe; good for groups and relaxed evenings.
Shoreditch & East London
7. Netil 360
Why go: Rooftop with panoramic views across East London, often with DJs and weekend events — great for a younger crowd.
Price level: €€ — moderate prices, lively atmosphere.
8. Queen of Hoxton
Why go: Known for its creative, themed rooftop pop-ups and large outdoor space — check the programme for seasonal installations.
9. Boundary Rooftop
Why go: Elegant rooftop terrace above Boundary Hotel, with cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates — popular with locals and hotel guests.
Knightsbridge & Kensington
10. Harrods Rooftop (Food & Terrace options nearby)
Why go: While Harrods isn’t primarily a rooftop bar destination, the nearby Knightsbridge hotels and terraces deliver a luxury rooftop experience that pairs perfectly with Harrods shopping (see your Harrods shopping guide for pairing ideas).
Tip: Combine an afternoon at Harrods with an early evening rooftop cocktail in Knightsbridge for a classic luxury day out.
11. Kensington Roof Garden (select hotel rooftops)
Many upscale hotels in Kensington run seasonal rooftop terraces — check hotel websites and Booking.com for current openings and reservations.
Westfield & West London
12. Rooftop Bars near Westfield
Why go: Westfield malls (Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford) are home to several rooftop terraces — ideal for families and shoppers who want a weather-proof experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rooftop Bars
- Book ahead: Popular rooftops fill quickly for sunset slots and weekend evenings — reserve online where possible.
- Dress code: Some venues have a smart-casual dress code; check in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Prices: Rooftop cocktails are premium-priced — expect €10–18 for signature drinks in central locations.
- Weather: London weather is changeable — many rooftops have covered areas but consider backup indoor options if rain is forecast.
- Access: Some rooftops are hotel-only or require a booking for non-guests — always check access policies.
What to Order & Local Drinks to Try
Rooftop menus vary from simple cocktail lists to full small-plates menus. Try a signature cocktail unique to each bar, sample British sparkling wine or a craft gin cocktail (the UK has a vibrant gin scene). If you prefer beer, many rooftops offer premium lager and craft beer options.
Nearby hotels & Rooftip bar and club tours
For guided bar tours, book a tour and let the tour guide show your around in London nightlife. Book your tickets for the London nightlife tours now!
Safety & Accessibility
Many rooftop bars are accessible but some have limited wheelchair access — check in advance. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy venues, and consider transport options: taxis and ride-hailing apps are reliable late at night, while the Tube and buses serve central areas well earlier in the evening.
Sample Rooftop Bar Itinerary (Evening)
- 18:00 — Pre-dinner cocktails at a central rooftop (e.g. Rooftop St James).
- 20:00 — Dinner in Covent Garden or Soho.
- 22:00 — Move to a riverside rooftop (Oxo Tower or Skylon) for late drinks and views.
- 00:00+ — Finish in Shoreditch at a lively rooftop or rooftop-adjacent terrace if still open.
Best Time of Year for Rooftops
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) is the best period for rooftop terraces. Summer evenings are warm and long, while autumn can still be pleasant for sunset drinks. Winter rooftop events happen (Christmas pop-ups) but expect covered or heated areas.
Typical Prices & Budgeting
- Cocktail: €10–18
- Glass of wine: €6–12
- Small plate / sharing dish: €8–20
- Entry fee (rare for rooftops): €0–10 — usually free unless special event
Related Reading (Internal Links)
Conclusion
London’s rooftop bars offer fantastic ways to see the city with a drink in hand, from luxury terraces in Knightsbridge to buzzy, creative rooftops in Shoreditch. Plan ahead, book prime sunset slots, and mix classic destinations with smaller terraces to get the full rooftop experience.
Ready to add rooftop stops to your London itinerary? Book hotels near your favourite neighbourhoods (click here to book your hotel) and consider London nightlife tours to guarantee access during peak times. Click here to book London Nightlife tickets.
