From Classic to Contemporary: London’s Best Rooftop Bars for Every Taste

In London, the skyline isn’t just a backdrop-it’s the main attraction. From the glass spires of the City to the historic domes of Southwark, the city’s rooftops have become some of its most sought-after social spaces. Whether you’re sipping a gin and tonic with the Thames glittering below or sharing a craft beer under string lights with the Shard in sight, London’s rooftop bars offer more than drinks-they deliver moments. And with new openings and seasonal twists every year, there’s always a new spot to discover.

Classic Rooftop Charm: Where London’s History Meets Highballs

If you’re after old-school elegance with a view, London’s classic rooftop bars still set the standard. The Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street) isn’t just a tourist hotspot-it’s a local favorite, especially on weekdays when the crowds thin. Free entry, no dress code, and panoramic views stretching from St Paul’s to the Tower Bridge make it a go-to for after-work unwinding. Bring a friend, grab a £12 gin and tonic from the Botanist bar, and watch the sunset paint the City in gold.

Then there’s the Roof Gardens in Kensington, a hidden gem tucked above the Kensington Roof Gardens building. Open since 1938, it’s one of the last remaining rooftop gardens in London. Think rose-lined walkways, peacocks strolling near the fountain, and a terrace bar serving Pimm’s with a side of old London charm. It’s the kind of place where your mum would say, “This is what London used to be like.”

Contemporary Vibes: Where Design and Drinks Collide

London’s newer rooftop bars are less about tradition and more about experience. In Shoreditch, The Curtain’s rooftop-perched above the hotel on Curtain Road-has become a magnet for creatives and tech workers. The design is industrial-chic: exposed brick, hanging plants, and a retractable roof that opens to the stars. Their signature cocktail, the Shoreditch Sour, mixes London Dry gin with elderflower and smoked honey, served in a glass rimmed with black salt. It’s the kind of drink you order because you want to say you tried it.

Over in King’s Cross, The View from The Shard’s Level 72 bar doesn’t just offer views-it offers altitude. At 244 meters, it’s the highest bar in Western Europe. The cocktails here aren’t just priced for the view-they’re crafted for it. Try the London Fog, a twist on the Earl Grey tea latte, now with vodka, lavender syrup, and a spritz of bergamot. It’s expensive-£22 a drink-but if you’re celebrating a promotion or a birthday, this is where you do it.

Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go When They Don’t Want to Be Seen

Not every great rooftop in London has a Instagram hashtag. Some are tucked away, accessible only through unmarked doors or hotel lobbies. In Camden, the rooftop bar at The Zetter Townhouse is one of those secrets. You have to know to ask for it. The space is small, cozy, and lit by lanterns. They serve homemade elderflower cordial and local ciders from Somerset, and the staff remember your name. It’s the kind of place you return to because it feels like your own.

In Peckham, The Rooftop at The Arches is a community-driven space above a converted warehouse. No bouncers, no velvet ropes, just a DJ spinning soul and funk, locals chatting over £6 pints of Camden Hells, and a view of the South London skyline that includes the old gas towers and the new apartment blocks all at once. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly unpolished.

Seasonal Shifts: What’s Open When in London

London’s weather doesn’t wait for your plans. Rooftop bars here are seasonal beasts. Most open in late March and close by late October. But some, like the rooftop at The Standard Hotel in King’s Cross, have heated terraces and fire pits that keep them going into December. If you’re planning a winter visit, check ahead-some bars switch to indoor lounges with the same view, just without the wind.

Summer is when the magic happens. From May to August, you’ll find pop-up bars like Bar on the Roof at the Tate Modern, where they serve Pimm’s in mason jars and play vinyl records under fairy lights. Or head to the rooftop of The Hoxton in Shoreditch, where they host free jazz nights on Thursdays and bring in food trucks from across the city.

How to Pick the Right Rooftop for You

Not every rooftop bar suits every mood. Here’s how to choose:

• For a date night: Go for The View at The Shard or Sky Garden. The views are unforgettable, and the lighting is perfect.
• For a post-work drink: The Curtain or The Hoxton Shoreditch. Casual, quick, and always a buzz.
• For a quiet escape: The Zetter Townhouse or the rooftop at The Bloomsbury Hotel. No loud music, no queues.
• For a group hang: The Rooftop at The Arches or The Roof Gardens. Plenty of space, good value, and a vibe that welcomes everyone.
• For a splurge: Level 72 at The Shard or the Sky Pod at the Hilton London Metropole. You’re paying for the moment, not just the drink.

What to Know Before You Go

London rooftop bars aren’t like pubs. They have rules. Here’s what you need to know:

• Reservations are often required. Especially on weekends. Book via their website or OpenTable. Walk-ins are rare after 6pm.
• Dress codes vary. Sky Garden? Smart casual. The Curtain? Jeans and a nice shirt. The Shard? No flip-flops, no sportswear. When in doubt, lean toward neat.
• Entry isn’t always free. Sky Garden is free, but you need to book a time slot online. Most others charge a cover during peak hours-usually £5 to £15.
• Bring a light jacket. Even in July, the wind on a London rooftop can be chilly. It’s not just a fashion tip-it’s a survival one.
• Check the weather. Rain cancels rooftop access. Many bars have indoor lounges, but you lose the view.

London’s rooftops aren’t just about height-they’re about perspective. Whether you’re watching the lights come on over Canary Wharf, catching the last rays of sun behind the Gherkin, or sharing a laugh with someone new over a £10 cocktail, these spaces turn the city’s verticality into connection. There’s a rooftop for every mood, every budget, every kind of Londoner. You just have to go up.

If you’re new to London, start with Sky Garden. If you’re a local looking for something different, head to The Arches. Either way, the city’s rooftops are waiting-just don’t forget your jacket.