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.

Stanley’s, Mayfair

New for 2026 is Stanley’s, now open at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel. Inspired by Red Carnation’s founder Stanley Tollman and his quiet gift for making people feel at home, the bar sits atop the very first property in the portfolio, which has flanked Mayfair’s Charles Street for more than 40 years. Offering a fully retractable roof and space for up to 60, guests are welcomed via an Art Deco lift and a striking walkway lined with Saudade in Yellow – a bold, cubist-inspired design featuring interwoven facial profiles and vibrant hues that set the tone for the rooftop oasis beyond.

Framed by cedar decking, gentle peach-hued lighting, and a bespoke mosaic of Tollman crafted by Maggy Howarth Studio, the space is centred around a marble bar which stretches from one side of the rooftop to the other. Take one of the al fresco seats or perch at the bar to peruse Stanley’s delectable seasonal menus. The cocktail list features refreshing spritzes, elevated gin and tonics, and Stanley’s Signatures, from the crisp Stanley’s Martini infused with cacao nibs and a touch of tobacco liquor, to Thymes in Paris: a fragrant blend of gin, thyme, blackberry liqueur and foam. Pair with one of the small plates from the sharing-style menu, where grilled chicken satay skewers with a classic peanut sauce and native lobster rolls in toasted brioche sit alongside local bites such as the indulgent Neal’s Yard aged cheddar toastie. Trust us when we say this is the place to be this summer.

35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB, visit chesterfieldmayfair.com

The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

Usually the reserve of its hotel guests, the five-star Berkeley hotel is opening its rooftop bar to all for the scorching summer season. From May until late summer, and open from 7.30pm on Wednesdays through to Sundays, the skyline space will see the return of Capri in the City, in collaboration with Acqua di Parma. Surrounded by lemon trees and unrivalled views of Hyde Park and the London skyline, expect a space akin to Italy’s colourful beach clubs with a brand-new Riviera-inspired menu. 

Guests will be whisked up to The Berkeley rooftop by lift, discovering a sun-bathed mural by Italian artist Chiara Perano along the way. Head to the bar to be greeted with cocktails and refreshing spritzes including the Capri Negroni – a refreshing blend of citrus notes, gin and Campari – and the signature granita della casa, offering a revitalising mix of Aperol, freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice and sugar. A poolside pizza oven will churn out stonebaked savouries while generous sharing platters will celebrate the best of Italian produce in the form of Calabria anchovy fillets, paccheri with clams and small plates of marinated octopus and a classic panzanella salad. For a sweet treat in the sun, indulge in a generous tiramisu for two or Amalfi lemon sorbet served in a lemon, as it always should be, complete with a refreshing drop of limoncello on the side. Bellissimo. 

Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL, visit maybourne.com 

El Fenn at Broadwick Soho

This summer, the spirit of El Fenn Marrakech arrives in Soho as two rooftops unite in a bold design collaboration. From 25 June to 31 August, Flute – the crowning jewel of Broadwick Soho – will transform into a vibrant extension of Marrakech’s most eclectic hotel, transporting its world-famous terrace, complete with signature red and white stripes, enormous suspended Moroccan lanterns, bold prints, and bespoke tables, to London. 

The menu is a masterclass in Moroccan cuisine – think traditional batbout with smoked aubergine zaalouk, crisp lamb briouats finished with smoked paprika labneh, and charcoal-grilled octopus paired with a hibiscus margarita, as well as the El Fenn mule and the Marrakech negroni. Throughout the summer, the residency will host intimate art talks and cultural discussions, exploring the intersection of Moroccan heritage and contemporary creativity, as well as a rotating roster of DJs and musicians bringing North African-influenced sounds to the capital. Fancy taking a slice of El Fenn home? A limited-edition retail collaboration featuring tote bags, caps and T-shirts alongside artisan Moroccan coasters, playing cards and printed postcards will be available. 

20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT, visit broadwicksoho.com 

Kioku by Endo, Westminster

Kioku by Endo, the acclaimed high-end Japanese restaurant atop the historic Old War Office, has partnered with Provence wine estate Château Minuty to create a serene summer sanctuary. Set high above the bustling city of London, this collaboration brings the spirit of St Tropez with a unique terrace menu featuring award-winning wines, Château Minuty Rose et Or and 281, summer florals and a music playlist to ignite that summer feeling. Culinary director Endo Kazutoshi and executive chef George Gkoregias has created a selection of new dishes alongside a limited-edition bento box, featuring a vibrant chirashi of assorted fish and tamago over steamed rice, as well as traditional tsukemono pickles and white miso soup. 

Sixth Floor, The OWO, 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX, visit kiokubyendo.com 

Solaya, Shoreditch

Solaya – the French Mediterranean restaurant and bar – nestled on the 25^th floor of Art’otel London Hoxton – boasts not one, but nine rooftop terraces offering sweeping views of the capital from the highest vantage point in Shoreditch. Dressed with florals and inspired by the Côte d'Azur, the main terrace offers an unrivalled setting to soak up the sun, as well as ripe opportunities to enjoy Mediterranean savoir faire by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson. Go hungry to enjoy hand-dived scallops with sauce vierge and roasted octopus with kalamata tapenade, alongside returning favourites including the blue fin tuna carpaccio, côte de bœuf and a revamped lobster calamarata. 

25^th Floor, Art’otel London Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DT, visit solayalondon.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 Iberian-inspired restaurant is famous for its lavish seafood platters and boasting one of the longest list of oysters in London, and, exclusively for the summer, has teamed up with Herradura Tequila to offer a Mediterranean-inspired drink list.

Stand-out serves include the hot honey Margarita with apricot, ancho chilli and lime; big salted watermelon highball with salted watermelon, amontillado and soda; and blood orange mule with blood orange, carrot, ginger and lime. Food takes its cues from Spain and Portugal, while soundtracks boast international influences courtesy of BBE Music, who will be curating a rotating line-up of DJs on the terrace each weekend.

40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB, visit thehoxton.com

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, as a new Sabine venue opened in Holborn last month, you have more than choice than ever before.

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 12^th 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.

For 2026, Nest has partnered with Silverhand Estate to launch the British Summer Terrace – an elegant seasonal rooftop experience celebrating the very best of British summer until 31 August. The collaboration will showcase Silverhand Estate’s sustainable sparkling wines alongside classic British bites including fish and chips, mini Yorkshire bites and Eton Mess. Guests can also enjoy a new cocktail menu featuring playful seasonal flavours – our top pick is the truffle martini, made with sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur and gin – and make the most of live DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, alongside wine tastings, plant-potting workshops and classic board games.

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

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

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