The very best rooftop bars in London for booze with views (2024)

What is it?Peckham’s most popular summer-only bar, unglamorously perched on a multi-storey car park.

Why go?Opening back up for summer season on May 17 2024,Frank’s has gained cult status, and its reopening alwaysheralds the start of summer. Head up for a Campari at sunset and to check out always-interesting art installations. The place to be seen until it closes again inSeptember.

What is it?A spring- and summer-only astroturfed eleventh-floor terrace bar atthe firsthotel outside of the US from hip hotel group The Standard, opening for the 2024 season on April 5.

Why go?Foran up-close view ofthe Gothic spires of St PancrasInternational just opposite, and to dance and drink the night away to live music as well as Afrobeats and house DJs. This year there'll also be a food truck serving New York-style pizza slices.

What is it?A chic wine bar and restaurant in London's alt-capital of the rooftop bar; Peckham.

Why go?The bar snacks are serious stuff (don't ignore the fritti) and the wine is outstanding. Plus, you can shelter indoors and still enjoy the views, making it a great year-rounder.

What is it?A Hackney rooftop bar up nine flights of stairs (there’s no lift), but boy, when you get up there, it’s simply divine. From October to March there are indoor areas to book, so you can stay dry and check out the views.

Why go?To drink and dance your way around the panoramic bar and garden for full-circle views of our fair city. There are also saunas up there, if you fancy getting steamy.

What is it? An East End boozer that just so happens to have a rooftop you can drink your pints on. A spot overlooking Hackney Road might not quite offer a Mary Poppins-esque rooftop views, but we love it anyway.

Why go? So you can also scoff some of east London's best food – the Marksman is one of the best gastropubs around.

What is it? Up on the seventh floor ofBroadwick Soho hotel, Flute pays tribute to a famous flute maker whor*sided on Broadwick Street in the 19th century. And wetting your whistle is just what you'll be doing here, at this outré, OTT terrace with views of the Soho skyline. There's also plenty of animal print, an onyx bar, cork walls and lots more seriously camp decor.

Why go? For co*cktails inspired by movies shot in Soho – make ours a Peeping Tom, with rum, sherry and acai berries – and the feeling like you might have just stepped into a drag queen's boudoir.

What is it? The glorious adjunct to artsy Somerset House, this San Miguel-sponsored terrace opens up every spring for the season, offering tapas, beers, co*cktails and a sterling view of the Thames.

Why go? Immersive masterclasses and supper clubs as well as live music are all on offer alongside your pints and pan con tomate.

What is it?You’ll get double the gherkin at this idyllic spot near the famous pickle-shaped office block, since The Culpeper’s rooftop space is used to growveggies for its kitchen.

Why go?The co*cktails from the cute greenhouse bar are of real quality and pack in loads of herbs from the neighbouring beds.

What is it?Every summer this massive rooftop play space and bar offers drinks, views, mini golf, batting cages and hip-hop lawn bowls (‘bringing the banter back to bowls’ *shudder*). Feed yourselves from street-food vendors or catch a film under the stars. It's re-opening April 18, 2024.

Why go?If that little lot sounds like it’s right up your alley, it’s a good laugh. If not, probably best avoid.

What is it? Forza Wine's second spot is on the top floor of the National Theatre and features a wonderful wraparound terrace, perfect for sipping a flute of pét-nat when London's t-shirt weather returns.

Why go? For Forza's beloved small plates, co*cktails, natty wine and a seriously impressive review of the Thames and South Bank.

What is it?E8’s happening rooftop bar with a cause that has snowballed into a multi-faceted events space.

Why go?Expect natural wines, beer and pizza, along with film screenings, day parties and club nights.

What is it?Boundary does rooftop drinking in style, with a glass roof for protection from the elements in inclement conditions.

Why go?The kitchen offers great Mediterranean grub – thinkgrilled chermoula prawns,lamb köftes,octopusand vegan moussaka–even if the London climate doesn’t always match it.

What is it?Whether or not your budget stretches to actual jet-setting, you can get some posh holiday vibes on the seventh floor of glossy hotel The Stratford.

Why go?Yes, the bar and terrace of Allegra restaurant have views across to Westfield Stratford, but once you discover the joy of its deckchairs that slip around on rails among the wildflowers and water features, well, you might as well be sitting under the Provençal sun. For summer 2024 it's transforming into 'Terrazza Focaccia',where you'll be able to scoff four special hot sarnies as well as getting stuck into some serious sundaes.

What is it?A Peckham rival to Frank’s Café that’s open in the spring and summer. April 18 will be the first day of the 2024 season.

Why go?For a huge co*cktail menu, with decent virgin options. And for everypizza ordered from the rooftop’s resident kitchen, Share a Slice, onewill be donated to someone in need. Reduced-guilt pizza! And new for 2024 are bottomless rooftop party brunches.

What is it? The top floor of an east London hotel, with a bar and kitchen that's giving summery Miami energy; all plants and pink marble.

Why go?To swig their signature margs (spicy or lemongrass) and snack on Mexican-ish food; seabass ceviche tacos, corn ribs and queso dip. Those panoramic views are a bit tasty, too.

What is it?Up on the sixteenth floor of the Treehouse, a hotel with a focus on sustainability, and affording 360-degree views of the capital from its centre, the Nest Rooftop Bar is a foliage-filled hangout.

Why go?There’s an outdoor terrace that wraps around the building and is filled with loungers. We also love the bar’s blossoming living wall.

What is it?The King’s Cross branch of this buzzy bar harbours one of the area’s best rooftops – an expansive, attractive space with wooden shacks.

Why go?Graze on modern pub grub such ashalloumi fries and bulging burgers, plus boozy brunches on sunny weekends.

What is it?A surprising rooftop terrace bar in the One New Change shopping centre. It attracts a crowd of City slickers and hen nights, though bride-to-be costumes are not allowed.

Why go?For brilliant close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral, just ignore the generic house beats and suits. For summer 2024 Aperol have taken over the terrace, so expect the spritzes to flow to a backdrop of live music and DJ sets on Friday nights alongside a menu of ceviche and lobster tacos.

What is it?The downstairs bit of this grungy bar and club is better suited to nocturnal drinking, but the partially covered rooftop space is bright and airy. For the 2024 season the theme is Latin; so expect tacos, tequila and, hopefully, lots of sun.

Why go?For drinks and snacks in a colourful space. Head downstairs for parties and shows.

What is it?The Alexandra, a south London all-rounder, has a roof terrace that’s the pride of SW19 andhas a burger menu and a craft beer range.

Why go?Although only open from springtime, The Lofthas patio heaters, a sheltered bar and lots of seats to squabble over.

What is it?This rooftop bar in Shoreditch has a bit of an Ibiza feel (plus pollution) with its palm trees, rattan furniture and DJs playing out house hits.

Why go?Happy-hour co*cktails and buckets of beer, plus customers who bring the fun.

What is it?Sky-high rooftop bar on the thirty-eighth floor of the City’s Heron Tower, with a prettily lit tree at its centre.

Why go?On sunny days it attracts crowds like the Rio Carnival, but it’s worth the scrum for the serious co*cktails and sensational widescreen views.

What is it?The indoor/outdoor space above Netil House is taking group bookings. Entertainment comes from DJs and live jazz acts.

Why go?Head here if you like your rooftops all jungly and plant-filled: fronds dangle from the ceiling indoors and on the terrace, palm trees fan out on the perimeter.

What is it?There’s a secret beer garden on the roof of this small-but-handsome wood-panelled pub.

Why go?It’s not the most glossy or bucolic spot, but it’s a handy retreat from the comings and goings of King’s Cross station, with ample parasol-laden benches.

What is it?Although Tobacco Dock’s Skylight is primarily an all-weather playground, it also offers a prime position for rooftop drinking with unparalleled panoramas.

Why go?Multiple seating options – open-air, outdoor but covered and heated, igloos, huts etc – and a range of activities that changes throughout the year, including ice skating,pétanque, table tennis and croquet.