The heatwave is here, and it’s a bank holiday! This weekend, there’s no better place to be than drinking and dining al fresco with friends. These are the best rooftop bars in London to do so.
We’ve collated the best spots in the city to enjoy a cocktail with a view: venture to these sky-high terraces scattered across the capital this weekend, and make the most of London at its finest.
Mercer Roof Terrace, Vintry & Mercer
Offering sweeping views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, Mercer Roof Terrace is the place to be for al fresco dining and post-work drinks. Retreat to this expansive rooftop for a seasonal food menu of roasted chalk stream trout with English asparagus, paired with salt marsh spring lamb rump. Their summer partnership with Minuty brings a French Riviera feel to the rooftop – ideal for the upcoming sunny days and long evenings (best spent with friends).
Yasmin, 1 Warwick Soho
Soho’s super-sleek members’ club, 1 Warwick by Maslow’s, has Nessa restaurant downstairs and Yasmin’s wraparound terrace up top. Staying on theme with the club’s sleek woods and velvet seating, the decor transports you to the mesmerising metropolis of Istanbul with its geometric patterned rugs. Order a few small and large plates to share, such as the lip-smacking sumac cured salmon with smoked yoghurt paired with the za’atar-spiced mushroom skewer. Aside from the views and food, it’s the little details that make Yasmin stand out: glassware fans will relish in the illustrations on the menu, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Seabird, The Hoxton Southwark
Seafood fanatics in search of a rooftop should head straight to The Hoxton’s expansive Seabird terrace. Dishes are plentiful and strictly coastal, celebrating fresh Cornish produce and the flavours of southern Europe. Happy hour Oysters are served on decadent platters over ice; delicate plates of the grilled octopus are propped on a bed of smoky paprika aioli, and the juicy, red Argentinian prawns are presented with a meticulous eye. When the sun comes out, the leafy, plant-filled terrace comes alive with sun-seekers sipping ice-cold cocktails – though the inside area is just as chic.
The Berkeley Rooftop Bar
The Berkley’s stylish rooftop in Belgravia offers a much-needed retreat on hot summer days in the city. Perched atop the swish five-star hotel in a former 1700s coffee house building, the rooftop’s striped sun loungers and seasonal spritzes are enough to make you feel like you’re far-off in Italy somewhere. Cool off waterside with an iced Granita, with a bird’s-eye view of the capital. For food, try a selection of the seasonal Mediterranean small plates, including mushroom and truffle maki rolls and yellowfin tuna tartare.
Forza Wine, Various Locations
Forza Wine has been making its mark in London, popping up across the city. The first branch opened in Peckham in 2019, a popular rooftop wine bar just opposite Peckham Rye station. The National Theatre location opened in 2023, with a riverside rooftop terrace and light-filled inside area. In true British spirit, it can be near to impossible to nab a table outside when the sun comes out, so it’s worth arriving early. Pair your wine with a selection of “Italian-ish” small plates made for sharing, and make the most of the bar’s comprehensive wine list. The negronis and £5 vermouth cocktails are also worth a shoutout.
JOIA, Battersea
Moments away from Battersea Power Station’s many shops and restaurants, JOIA offers a hidden sanctuary that towers high above the hustle and bustle. It’s perched atop the 164-room boutique art’otel, complete with a pastel-hued palette of pinks and oranges that will immediately appeal to the millennial mind. On the menu, chef Henrique Sá Pessoa cooks up colourful plates of seabass crudo served with green oil vinaigrette, and the ultra-delicious bacalhau à brás – a salted cod with matchstick potatoes. Stay for the cocktails; there’s a comprehensive list of classics to choose from.
Flute, Broadwick Soho
Seven floors up, Broadwick Soho’s sophisticated rooftop bar, Flute, is a relief to retreat to on a hot, sticky summer’s day in the city. The non-alcoholic beverages here are treated with the same amount of care and attention as the regular cocktails, which are ever-changing. Opt for a stool by the centrally positioned oval-shaped bar to speak with and marvel at the mixologists. Attentive and outrageously talented, they can provide tailored recommendations and create just about anything on the spot.
Brooklands by Claude Bosi, The Peninsula
With scenic views over Belgravia, The Peninsula’s swanky rooftop terrace offers a stellar fine-dining helmed by Michelin-starred chef, Claude Bosi. A series of tasting menus will introduce you to Bosi’s bold, immaculate recipes made from seasonal ingredients. As for drinks, the wine list is comprehensive yet refined, and largely inspired by Lyon-born Bosi’s heritage, including a varied selection of French vintages and New World labels.
Los Mochis London City
Head straight to the rooftop of Los Mochis London City for a front row seat of London’s spectacular skyline. The menu fuses Mexican and Japanese flavours, bringing a touch of Tulum and Tokyo artistry to the heart of London. Feast on plates of ceviche, spiced edamame and crispy rice with a side of sushi. As all dishes are gluten, nut and celery free, there’s the ease of booking a group gathering safe in the knowledge that everyone’s catered for. This is one to visit for those seeking sky-high sunset views in the city with resident DJs aplenty.
Hanover Bar, Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s rooftop is a welcome retreat after a spot of retail therapy. A short stroll from Oxford Circus, Soho, and the swanky boutiques of Bond Street, the hotel’s glossy, light-filled atrium sets the tone with an elegant arrival. Just the views alone, extending as far as Hampstead Heath and the London Eye, are enough to make you feel instantly relaxed and a world away from the buzzy streets below. For drinks, start with one of Hanover Bar’s signature cocktails, which take inspiration from Mayfair’s longstanding heritage. Those staying for snacks can make the most of the bar’s beautifully presented Japanese small plates, including the standout tuna maki rolls.
The Culpeper, Spitalfields
A pub with a rooftop is a rare luxury in London. With the seasonal reopening of its kitchen rooftop, The Culpeper has blessed east London with a woodsy, sky-high sanctuary, moments from Spitalfields Market. The cuisine by Oliver Sharpe showcases the best of British seasonal produce and vegetables grown in The Culpeper’s Deptford farm. Highlights include grilled baby leeks with Romesco sauce; grilled half Soanes chicken with chanterelles; and The Culpeper farm salad made up of fresh leaves harvested from the farm. This spring and summer, we can look forward to a new selection of cosmic cocktails inspired by Nicholas Culpeper’s work as a herbalist and astrologer.
Lead image credit: Forza Wine
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