Cheers to the Sky: London’s Best Rooftop Bars for Unbeatable Views and Vibe

When the sun dips behind the Shard and the city lights flicker on, London transforms. The skyline becomes a glittering mosaic of glass towers, historic domes, and neon signs - and the best way to take it all in? From a rooftop bar. In London, these elevated spots aren’t just about drinks; they’re about perspective. Whether you’re a local craving a quiet moment after work, a tourist chasing Instagram-worthy sunsets, or an expat looking for a slice of home with a view, London’s rooftop bars deliver more than cocktails - they deliver the city itself.

Why Rooftop Bars in London Are Different

London doesn’t do rooftops like Miami or New York. There’s no single formula here. Some bars are tucked into converted warehouses in Shoreditch, others perch atop luxury hotels in Mayfair, and a few cling to the edges of century-old office blocks in the City. What they all share? A deliberate escape from street-level chaos. You won’t find sticky floors or booming bass here - unless you’re at the right place. London’s rooftop scene thrives on contrast: polished concrete next to velvet banquettes, craft gin cocktails beside classic Pimm’s, quiet contemplation one minute, buzzing chatter the next.

And the views? They’re curated. The Shard’s glassy silhouette dominates the south bank, while the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie frame the north. From the top of The Rooftop at 110, you can see St. Paul’s dome like a crown. At Sky Garden, you’re surrounded by 360 degrees of London’s skyline - and yes, you can get in free if you book ahead.

The Top 5 Rooftop Bars in London You Can’t Miss

• The Rooftop at 110 - Perched above a 1920s bank building in the City, this is where City workers unwind after a long day. The bar serves a mean Negroni and a selection of British cheeses that change weekly. The real draw? The heated outdoor terrace with views of St. Paul’s and the Thames. No dress code, but smart casual is the unofficial rule.
• Sky Garden - Free entry, yes, but you need to book weeks in advance. Located atop 20 Fenchurch Street, it’s London’s largest public sky garden. The bar offers a rotating cocktail menu inspired by British seasons - think elderflower gin fizz in spring, spiced apple toddy in winter. Don’t skip the free viewing gallery on the way up. It’s the only place where you can see the Tower Bridge and the London Eye from the same angle.
• Radio Rooftop Bar - At the top of the Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch, this is where the creative crowd gathers. Think exposed brick, retro lighting, and a playlist that blends 90s Britpop with modern soul. Their London Fog cocktail (lavender-infused gin, Earl Grey syrup, soda) is a local favorite. Weekends get loud, but weekdays are perfect for a solo drink with a view of the Tower of London.
• Bar 61 at The Zetter Townhouse - Hidden in Clerkenwell, this is the city’s best-kept secret. Accessible only through a discreet alleyway, Bar 61 feels like a private club. The terrace overlooks the old Victorian waterworks, and the cocktails are made with British botanicals - try the London Dry Martini, stirred with a gin from the nearby Sipsmith distillery. No music, no flash, just quiet elegance.
• Chiltern Firehouse Rooftop - If you’re feeling fancy, this is your spot. The rooftop bar at the former firehouse in Marylebone is a magnet for celebrities and influencers. The drinks are expensive, but the view of the BBC Broadcasting House and the distant Battersea Power Station is worth it. Book a table for sunset - the amber glow over the rooftops here is unforgettable.

What Makes a Great Rooftop Bar in London?

Not all high-up spots are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the great in London:

• Views that matter - The best bars frame iconic landmarks, not just more buildings. Can you see the Tower Bridge? The London Eye? The dome of St. Paul’s? If yes, you’re in the right place.
• Weatherproof design - London rain doesn’t stop. The best rooftops have retractable roofs, heated seating, and wind shields. If a bar doesn’t offer shelter from the drizzle, it’s not built for London.
• Local spirits - Look for gin made in London (like Sipsmith, Hendrick’s, or The London Distillery Company). Many bars now serve small-batch English sparkling wine or cider from Somerset.
• Booking culture - You can’t just walk in. Most top spots require reservations, especially on weekends. Use platforms like Resy or TheFork - or call directly. Walk-ins are rare after 6 PM.
• No tourist traps - Avoid places that charge £20 for a gin and tonic with a view of a bus stop. The real ones are often tucked away in courtyards or above boutique hotels, not right on the South Bank.

Seasonal Tips for London Rooftop Drinking

London’s weather changes fast, and so does the rooftop experience.

• Spring (March-May) - The best time to go. The air is crisp, the light is long, and the terraces are just reopening. Try a Pimm’s or a London Love cocktail (raspberry, rose, gin) to celebrate the season.
• Summer (June-August) - Book early. This is peak season. The Sky Garden terrace fills up by 5 PM. Bring a light jacket - even in July, the wind picks up at 100+ feet.
• Autumn (September-November) - Fewer crowds, golden light. The Rooftop at 110 serves a Spiced Apple Cider Negroni that’s worth the trip.
• Winter (December-February) - Cozy up under heated canopies. Bar 61 and Chiltern Firehouse turn on their fire pits. Hot mulled wine and chocolate truffles are standard. Don’t forget to wear gloves - the metal railings get icy.

How to Plan Your Rooftop Night Out

Here’s how to make sure your rooftop experience goes smoothly:

1. Check the weather - If it’s raining or over 25 mph wind, call ahead. Some bars close the outdoor areas.
2. Book 1-3 weeks ahead - Especially for weekends. Sky Garden books up months in advance.
3. Go at golden hour - Arrive 30 minutes before sunset. The light on the Thames, the Shard, and the Houses of Parliament is magical.
4. Wear layers - Even in summer, rooftop temps drop 5-8°C from street level.
5. Bring cash or a card - Some places, especially smaller ones, don’t accept contactless for drinks over £15.
6. Don’t expect a full menu - Rooftop bars often have limited food. Snacks, charcuterie, or small plates are the norm.

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Most guides miss these:

• The Roof Garden at The Hoxton, Holborn - Quiet, artsy, and often overlooked. The cocktails use herbs from their own rooftop garden. Try the Thyme & Honey Gin Sour.
• Bar 100 at The Savoy - A hidden speakeasy-style bar on the 10th floor. No sign. Just ask for the elevator to the 10th floor and say you’re there for the bar. The mixologist will make you a London Fog Old Fashioned with Earl Grey-infused bourbon.
• Up at The O2 - Not a bar, but a viewing platform with a pop-up cocktail station. It’s open until 11 PM on weekends. Great for a quick drink with the whole city at your feet.

And here’s one more tip: If you’re looking for a truly local vibe, skip the tourist-heavy spots and head to the rooftop of the White Hart Hotel in Bethnal Green. It’s run by a former pub landlord from Hackney, serves only British ales, and has a view of the Olympic Park. No Instagram filters needed.

Final Thoughts: London’s Rooftops Are More Than a View

London’s rooftop bars aren’t just places to drink. They’re places to pause. To watch the Thames turn silver under the streetlights. To hear the distant chime of Big Ben. To share a quiet moment with someone you care about - or just sit alone, sipping a gin, and remembering why you love this city.

So next time you’re wondering where to go after work, skip the crowded pub. Climb up. Look out. And raise a glass - to the sky, to the city, and to the quiet magic only London can give you from above.