The sun is finally out! The Beast from the East has been defeated and it's time to dust off your sunglasses, slather on the suncream, pack a compact umbrella (because: reality check) and decamp to the best rooftop bars in London.
From Shoreditch to Soho, we’ve found a little something for everyone in the capital. Whether you seek grand views and city suits or whimsical décor and a hip east London crowd, roll up, roll up, and let us whet your appetite for an al fresco cocktail or five as we take you on a tour of the city’s finest rooftop bars for 2018…
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
At the top of one of London's most famous Brutalist buildings, this garden, which began as a partnership with The Eden Project, is one of the most surprising spots in the city. Surprising because you can find fruit trees and wildflowers in the middle of one of London's most developed areas, as well as stunning views over the river and a cracking café bar. Find yourself a piece of turf and watch the world go by.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Sitting atop Hackney's Netil House, Netil360 is one of the city’s best places to knuckle down in the sunshine – during the day, this venue offers workspaces, yoga and good café food. But the real news is the post-6pm vibe – think hot tubs, a croquet lawn, film screenings and more. Last orders are at 10.30pm and you can't book, but it's worth trying your luck for the views and friendly, relaxed vibe.
1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
With stunning views over the South Bank and some of London's most iconic skyscrapers, Rumpus Room's terrace is the ideal place to watch the sunset this summer, with a carefully crafted spritz in hand of course. If the British weather gets a little too...British, there's plenty of bar inside that still has killer views but is fortunately not open to the elements.
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
020 3747 1063
High above east London's office buildings, Aviary is the perfect place for a well-deserved post-work cocktail. Take a seat in the outdoor lounge, watch the sun set over the city and leave work far, far below. If you're looking for something more substantial, their indoor restaurant has the same killer views as well as a seriously amazing steak selection. You can even book a private terrace just for you (and whoever else needs a Friday cocktail).
Montcalm Royal, London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
If a party on the roof is all you seek this summer, look no further – the weekend DJ lineup at the Prince of Wales is sure to please, while the three bars serve nicely as a one-venue bar crawl during the week. It gets very busy in the sunshine but the prices are good and you'll likely make friends in the queue for the bar.
467-469 Brixton Rd, London SW9 8HH
020 7095 1978
This seriously central rooftop is the after-work drinking spot of choice for Mayfair's well-dressed crowd. Have a Japanese bite to eat at the delicious Aqua Kyoto or experience the true taste of Ibiza at the authentically Spanish Aqua Nueva. Either way, be sure to head out to one of the gorgeous terraces – we recommend their new Ibiza-inspired Formentera Terrace – for a really decent cocktail. Warning: it might be a bit of a squeeze at sundown, and space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (Entrance 30 Argyll Street), London W1B 3BR
Everyone will feel at home on One New Change's rooftop. Sunday is a good time to visit for a boozy brunch and live music. Or if you're feeling a little more saintly, you can enjoy a rooftop yoga session every Tuesday. The view of the city is really something to write home about (or, you know, Instagram), too.
One New Change, St Paul's, London EC4M 9AF
020 3693 5160
Don't waste your weekend sitting inside a pub when the sun is shining; sit outside at a pub instead! No.32's terrace is the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon in the sunshine overlooking Clapham Common, with a jug of their signature brunch cocktails and a few of your favourite friends.
32 The Pavement, London SW4 0JE
020 3535 0910
Enclosed in glass at the very top of the Walkie Talkie building, this is an ideal option for anyone who loves a rooftop but has a healthy distrust of British weather. You do have to book in advance but it's free and, once you're up there, you have access to five different restaurants and bars to suit any kind of evening. All five bars guarantee unparalleled views, though, and you'll stay dry if the typical British summer does make an appearance.
1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
There's a European feel at this all-white-everything luxe rooftop spot. Come the evening, the club music might be a bit of a turn-off for some, but it's worth splashing out on the pricey drinks for the view of Big Ben, the Shard, the London Eye and more. The Spanish tapas menu is really tasty – and you can also book in for a weekend brunch to remember.
Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
0207 395 3440
It's worth pre-booking for this trendy east London spot – and once you're in, you'll want to stay all afternoon for their excellent food and drinks. We'd recommend the sharing menu, although you might not want to share...
2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD
020 7729 1051
The prices are as high as this rooftop beauty spot, making it a favourite for city slickers. The food and wine are worth splashing out on for a special occasion, and don't leave without a stroll around the garden's carefully coiffed hedges. The views are stunning.
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
020 7395 5000
Downsides of this central rooftop drinking hole include the £5 entry fee and the cocktail prices. But the views are second to none and (possibly because of the aforementioned price list) it doesn't get too overcrowded, which sets it apart from most of the best rooftop spaces in the city.
2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS
020 7870 2904
At 39 storeys high, it's one of the loftiest rooftops in the city so vertigo sufferers should steer clear. (Although if you suffer from vertigo and are reading a guide to rooftop bars, it's likely you're a daredevil.) The It crowd migrates here for the summer for the outstanding cocktail collection, so prepare for a lot of "Yah darlings" and air kisses with your Sambatini. Natch.
110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
0203 640 7330
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Free The Bid Is Making Advertisements More Diverse