The best rooftop bars in London for summer 2026
London has no shortage of rooftop bars. From riverside terraces to exciting pop-ups atop skyscrapers, here are our favourite places to enjoy a cocktail in the clouds
London comes alive in the sunshine and, whether you’re making the most of some early spring warmth or soaking up the rays in the height of summer, every Brit knows it pays to embrace every opportunity for a dose of vitamin D while you can. Luckily the capital is home to more than its fair share of al fresco restaurants and bars promising stellar views combined with great food and even better cocktails. So where should you be heading this season? Here’s our guide to the best rooftop bars in London – but be quick: tables are already booking up fast.
Sabine, St Paul’s
Boasting a seriously Instagrammable view of St Paul’s Cathedral, Sabine brings an air (literally) of luxury to the summer season with the opening of its gorgeous rooftop. By day, guests can sink into soft seating with the moreish menu, while evenings bring warm lighting, seductive beats from DJ Munro and an alluring buzz above the city. Indulge in calamari fries with smoked paprika aioli, and pumpkin and sage raviolini, before desserts such as a warm sticky date pudding.
The cocktail list is equally sumptuous, balancing classics with seasonal signatures. Zephyr, a blend of cinnamon-infused rum, grape cordial and citrus solution offers a warming sweetness, while the Lyra layers coconut and condensed-milk with Aba pisco, chocolate liqueur, chocolate bitters, fresh pineapple and lime juice. Plus, the brand is expanding, with a new Sabine venue set to open in Holborn in April 2026 – watch this space.
Carter Lane, EC4V 5AJ, visit sabinelondon.co.uk
Yasmin, Soho
Perched on the sixth floor of 1 Warwick in Soho, Yasmin is an Istanbul-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar with a wraparound terrace. The interiors, designed by London and LA-based studio Fettle, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, pink velvet seating, and marble-topped tables, creating an inviting atmosphere from day to night. Meanwhile, the menu features Turkish culinary highlights such as whipped sheep’s cheese with hot honey, baharat duck skewers with orange and saffron mayo and manti Turkish dumplings with guindilla peppers and mint. Dishes are paired with vibrant cocktails such as the Aknediz, made with Ramsbury Gin and strawberry, and the Golden Punch, featuring House Pisco and tropical fruits.
1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR, visit yasminsoho.com
Wagtail, The City
Located in the eaves of one of The City’s grandest Art Deco buildings, Wagtail boasts one of London’s most impressive rooftop terraces, with the Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie directly in its eyeline. The indoor-outdoor space is served by a menu by new executive chef Henrik Ritzen, featuring dishes of baked beetroot with sheep’s yoghurt, harissa dressing and dukkha, and fallow deer with celeriac and pickled blackberries. The weekend brunch is one of its most popular events, taking place every Saturday and Sunday without fail, and, thanks to a late-night license and resident DJ evenings, there’s few better places to party into the wee hours.
68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR, visit etmcollection.co.uk
Savage Garden, Tower Bridge
Nestled on the 12th floor of the Hilton London Tower Bridge, Savage Garden is one of London’s most stylish rooftop destinations. Known for its bold design, inventive menu of small plates, and expertly crafted drinks, Savage Garden sets the stage for everything from after-work gatherings and weekend brunches to private events and late-night celebrations. With a resident DJ spinning high-energy beats, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces including an expansive terrace, make the most of sharing boards featuring cheeses and Suffolk cured meats, as well as an array of burgers and pizzas, before getting the party started.
Savage Garden has partnered with The Drinks Trust to support its incredible work in the drinks and hospitality industry. To contribute, Savage Garden has created a unique selection of cocktails, with 25p from every cocktail sold donated to the trust. In that spirit (ahem), pick from lemony Euphoria featuring savagello liquor, matcha and Portofino dry gin, and the minty Kokoro with lychee, yaguara cachaca and vodka.
7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF, visit savagegarden.co.uk
Hanover Bar at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Mayfair
Perched atop Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, the Hanover Bar offers a sophisticated escape just moments from Hanover Square and Regent Street. Boasting panoramic views of London’s skyline at every turn, this exclusive lounge is serviced by delectable cocktails, champagne and a seasonal food menu. Featuring Japanese small plates, dine on spicy tuna maki rolls, miso aubergine and salmon tataki, alongside seriously stylish cocktails that are inspired by the local neighbourhood. For example, look to the Tailor's Cut, nodding to nearby Savile Row, for a negroni-like serve, and the Bond, which is inspired by the luxury London shopping street and takes the form of a martini with lemongrass and coconut oil.
Plus, the rooftop comes alive with music every week: on Saturdays, a DJ sets the mood from 6pm, alongside a curated negroni menu. But with just 50 seats, we recommend getting here early to secure your spot.
22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP, visit mandarinoriental.com
Brooklands at The Peninsula London, Belgravia
Accessed via a hot air balloon-themed lift (complete with sound effects and a light show), the elegant 26-cover rooftop terrace attached to Claude Bosi's two Michelin star restaurant Brooklands is one of the hottest tables in town. Crowning the five-star Peninsula London hotel, not only does it promise incredible views across Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Belgravia but the full Brooklands bar, à la carte and tasting menus can be served here. The even better news? Every table reserved on the terrace comes with a back up table inside the restaurant so if the weather doesn't play ball there's no chance your ham croquette with Lincolnshire poacher or leek and autumn truffle tarts will be ruined by the drizzle.
1 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ, visit brooklandslondon.com
One Hundred Shoreditch
Get the celebrations going at One Hundred Shoreditch's rooftop pink party palace this summer. Found on the seventh floor of the boutique hotel, with gorgeous interiors by Jacu Strauss and a foliage-decked oasis outside, Kaso serves pretty cocktails and even prettier plates inspired by the Mediterranean. Cocktails include the Amber Fig featuring Woodford Reserve, briottet fig and angostura, and the margarita-like Herbal Heat with Patrón Silver, agave, jalapeños and rosemary. Pair with cold and hot mezze such as harissa chicken shish and lamb fritters.
100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ, visit onehundredshoreditch.com
Madison, City of London
Inspired by New York's legendary dining scene, and boasting some of the best views of St Paul's Cathedral London has to offer, Madison is a prime spot for everything from after-work drinks to a full blown private party. Set atop One New Change in the heart of the City of London, cocktails are the order of the day here, with Madison's new Spring Spritz menu featuring the Golden Hour – Renais Gin, elderflower cordial, lemon and Fever-Tree soda water – and the Explorer's Spritz: Mezcal Espadín, pineapple and melon liqueur, agave and prosecco.
One New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF, visit madisonlondon.net
Mercer Roof Terrace, City of London
Located at boutique hotel Vintry and Mercer in the City, Mercer Roof Terrace offers an all-day dining experience, accompanied by sweeping views across London’s skyline. The rooftop restaurant, with an al fresco terrace and indoor dining room, champions the very best British cuisine, such as Salt Marsh lamb rump, roasted chalk stream trout and succulent steaks.
If you're in the market for a sundowner, discover the terrace's excellent wine selection, including a variety of English sparkling wines and cocktails including Paper Plane – Elijah Craig bourbon and chocolate bitter – and the Huggin Hill: orange rum with pineapple juice and coconut milk. From the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to the glass tip of The Shard across the Thames, we guarantee the unrivalled vistas will make you never want to leave...
20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU, visit vintryandmercer.com
Rucola at The Conduit, Covent Garden
This month sees The Conduit open its doors to Rucola: a Brooklyn-founded restaurant located on the rooftop of the Covent Garden private members' club. The vibrant dining destination will offer member and non-member guests a space to soak in panoramic views of London’s skyline while enjoying plant-based dishes made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, alongside natural wines and sustainable cocktails. Menu highlights include the fennel and sausage paccheri, stone bass sashimi and truffle and mushroom pizzas.
6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA, visit theconduit.com
Garden Terrace at The Hari, Knightsbridge
One of London's better-kept secrets, The Hari hotel in Knightsbridge boasts an intimate, open-air garden terrace with a slick retractable roof. Tastefully trimmed with foliage and hanging lanterns, the space comfortably seats 20 and can be booked for private events. The Hari's cool, contemporary interiors stand out against the postcode’s more traditional offerings, while an extensive cocktail list (including Blood and Sand, with Scotch whisky, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and oranges) and a menu focusing on light, bright flavours featuring stand-out dishes truffle arancini, avocado and prawn salad, and larger plates of pizzas and sandwiches (we love The Hari Club).
20 Chesham Place, SW1X 8HQ, visit thehari.com
12th Knot at Sea Containers London, Southwark
12th Knot is perched in a glass box atop Sea Containers London, the Tom Dixon-designed hotel on the Southbank. Verdant greenery, velvet furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows accompany iconic vistas of The Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. Nab a seat on the open-air terrace and work your way through the cocktail menu – we recommend High Tide with refreshing raspberry and lemon alongside red wine and gin – served with a selection of sophisticated grazing plates. Think sea bass ceviche tacos, popcorn buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese fritters. Plus, there's a DJ every Saturday evening for a guaranteed good time.
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD, visit seacontainerslondon.com
The Nest at Treehouse London, Fitzrovia
Overshadowed somewhat by its more famous neighbour across the road, The Langham, the Treehouse Hotel is something of a hidden gem in central London. The jewel in its crown is the Nest, a rooftop bar and terrace boasting 360-degree views of the London skyline. The indoor lounge is filled with green foliage and natural materials, but when the sun is shining, head to the adjacent wraparound terrace decked with loungers.
Pick from a Johnnie Walker Black Ruby menu, where the brand showcases cocktails like Velvet Fizz: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, Nonino Amaro and ginger ale. Those with four-legged friends in tow are invited to soak up the vibes every Sunday with Drinks on the Woof, or kick off your weekends with a lively oyster shucking event every Friday evening.
14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS, visit treehousehotels.com
The Prince, West Brompton
Set across three floors in what was once a traditional British pub, The Prince is an open-air epicurean playground offering a vast array of drinking and dining options. Styled as a classic English garden, complete with floral walls, barrel tables and fairy light-strewn verandas, The Prince is lent a village feel thanks to its row of foodie pop-ups, including pizza aficionados, Crust Bros, and Japanese-inspired Temaki. There’s also a summery cocktail list while the open-plan rooftop venue is well set-up to cater to summer’s sporting events. We’ll see you at the bar.
14 Lillie Road, Hammersmith, SW6 1TT, visit theprincelondon.com
Seabird at The Hoxton, Southwark
Positioned on the 14th floor of The Hoxton hotel in Southwark, guests flock to Seabird for its al fresco terrace, marble tabletops, palm trees and panoramic views, with the Thames, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's and The Shard all in scope. The restaurant was designed by the team behind Williamsburg’s acclaimed seafood restaurant Maison Premiere and serves a similarly cool combo of oysters and atmosphere. Alongside lavish seafood platters and the longest list of oysters in London, Seabird's menu reels off Cornish mussels, fried calamari and scallop crudo while sophisticated cocktails make it the perfect date night spot.
40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB, visit thehoxton.com
Aqua Kyoto, Soho
The outdoor terrace at Aqua Kyoto is often overlooked in round-ups of the capital’s best rooftop bars – which is surprising given that the ritzy restaurant is a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus and offers some top views of central London. Aqua Kyoto's heated terrace is available for booking and on a walk-in basis. Food (upscale Japanese) is served at lunch Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Sunday. Don't miss the Butterfly – strawberry-infused mezcal, basil, yogurt and coconut.
30 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR, visit aquakyoto.co.uk
Radio Rooftop, Strand
On a warm day, Radio Rooftop is like a slice of Ibiza at the top of the ME London hotel: all minimalist monochrome decor and leather sofas, with slow house music and wafting palms. Drink prices also match the White Isle, with cocktails starting at £18 and bottles of champagne from £130, steadily climbing to £1,100 for a jeroboam of Krug Grande Cuvée Brut. For a glamorous start to the day, try the weekend brunch menu – served against panoramic views of the Shard and St Paul’s – or for something really special, book one of Radio Rooftop's three 'bubbles'. Decked out with sofas and electric fires, there's no chicer place to sip champagne and sup yaki gyoza and pork dumplings with dipping sauce, and tiger prawn katsu donburi.
336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA, visit radiorooftop.com
Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, Marylebone
What's your favourite summer al fresco activity? If shopping and socialising appear near the top of your list, then satisfy both cravings at Selfridges, where you can bargain hunt in the seasonal sales before getting your Aparello spritz fix at rooftop restaurant and terrace Alto by San Carlo. The shop-top sanctuary, which has a fully retractable roof in case the heavens open, serves hearty Italian food seven days a week. Outside, Alto’s landscaped terrace is decked with lounge seating, cabanas and four dine-in huts to cater to whatever mood you're in. Shop until you drop then take a lift upwards for a sky-high slice of Little Italy.
400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB, visit selfridges.com
Coq d’Argent, City of London
A titbit of Square Mile trivia: Poultry, the short street opposite Bank Station, takes its name from the produce that was sold there in the 16th century. The same goes for nearby Bread Street and Milk Street. Fitting, then, that the restaurant at the top of No.1 Poultry, one of London’s most divisive post-Modernist buildings, should call itself Coq d’Argent – or Silver Rooster.
The City suntrap offers tables for up to six on its outside terrace for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday while the restaurant’s three-course brunch will also be operating every Saturday and Sunday. Menu highlights include rabbit and pork terrine with toasted sourdough, roasted pumpkin and goats cheese ravioli, and haunch of wild roe deer with parsnip puree. Pinstripe suits not required.
1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ, visit coqdargent.co.uk
Read more: Show stoppers: The best pre-theatre menus in London
