In London, the skyline isn’t just a backdrop-it’s the stage. From the glass towers of Canary Wharf to the historic domes of St. Paul’s, the city’s vertical architecture has turned rooftops into some of its most sought-after social spaces. If you’re after more than just a drink, if you want a cocktail that’s been shaken with care, served with flair, and paired with a view that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling metropolis, then you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in London. And they’re not hard to find-you just need to know where to look.
Why London’s Rooftop Scene Is Different
London doesn’t do rooftop bars the way New York or Miami does. There’s no neon-lit, club-heavy vibe here. Instead, you’ll find a quiet confidence-think exposed brick, copper cocktail shakers, and bartenders who know the difference between a London Dry gin and a Plymouth. The city’s rooftop bars are less about shouting and more about whispering. They’re the kind of places where you can have a serious conversation with a colleague, celebrate a promotion, or just sit alone with a well-made Negroni and watch the sunset over the Thames.
The secret? London’s rooftops are built on history. Many sit atop century-old warehouses, Victorian office blocks, or converted churches. At The Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie building, you’re sipping a gin and tonic 160 metres above the City, with the Gherkin and Tower Bridge framing the view. But you won’t find a DJ here-just ambient jazz, soft lighting, and the occasional murmur of a business lunch winding down. Reservations are mandatory, and they open at 11am, so you can even start your day here with a Bloody Mary and a view of the city waking up.
The Craft Cocktail Rules in London
In London, a craft cocktail isn’t just a fancy name for a gin and tonic. It’s an experience. Bartenders here study the provenance of their ingredients. They source botanicals from the Cotswolds, use house-infused syrups made with Earl Grey tea or blackberry from Kent, and age their own bitters in oak barrels. You’ll find drinks named after local landmarks-The Shard Sour, the Thames Tonic, the Camden Cold Brew Martini.
At The Curtain in Shoreditch, the cocktail menu changes seasonally and is inspired by East London’s street art and music scene. Their signature drink, the Peckham Bitter, combines London gin, smoked blackberry syrup, and a dash of smoked salt-served in a chilled coupe with a single dehydrated orange wheel. It tastes like autumn in a glass.
Meanwhile, at 28 Degrees atop the London Hilton on Park Lane, the focus is on precision. Their Botanicals of Britain cocktail uses gin distilled with juniper from the Scottish Highlands, coriander from Cornwall, and lemon verbena from the Lake District. It’s not just a drink-it’s a map of the UK’s terroir.
Top 5 Rooftop Bars for Craft Cocktails in London
- The Sky Garden (20 Fenchurch Street) - The most iconic. Free entry if you book ahead. Try the London Fog-a twist on the classic with Earl Grey-infused gin, lavender syrup, and sparkling wine.
- The Curtain (28 Curtain Road, Shoreditch) - Trendy but not try-hard. Their Peckham Bitter is a must. Arrive before 7pm to avoid the queue.
- 28 Degrees (London Hilton on Park Lane) - For when you want luxury with a view. The Botanicals of Britain cocktail is worth every pound. Dress code: smart casual.
- Sky Lounge (100 Bishopsgate) - Less crowded than Sky Garden, more intimate. Their Spiced Apple Old Fashioned, made with British apple brandy and cinnamon bark, is perfect for winter nights.
- Hoxton Rooftop (Hoxton Hotel, Shoreditch) - The local’s pick. No reservations needed for the bar area. Their London Mist-a gin-based spritz with elderflower and tonic-tastes like a summer evening in a London park.
When to Go and What to Wear
London weather doesn’t play nice. Even in summer, a breeze off the Thames can turn a rooftop into a chilly perch. Always check the forecast. If it’s overcast, go early-golden hour is your best friend. If it’s raining, most rooftop bars have covered sections, but you’ll still want a light jacket.
Dress code? It varies. Sky Garden and 28 Degrees expect smart casual-no trainers, no shorts. The Curtain and Hoxton Rooftop are more relaxed. You’ll see suits next to hoodies. The rule of thumb: if you’d wear it to a nice dinner, you’re fine. If you’re wearing flip-flops or a football jersey, you’ll stand out.
And here’s a tip: book ahead. Even if a bar says "walk-ins welcome," they’re rarely true. Rooftop bars in London have limited space, and many fill up by 6pm on Fridays. Use OpenTable or the bar’s own website. Some, like Sky Garden, require you to book a free timed slot-no walk-ins allowed after 7pm.
Hidden Gems You Might Not Know About
Most visitors stick to the big names. But if you want to feel like a local, try these:
- The Roof Garden at The Standard Hotel (King’s Cross) - Quiet, unpretentious, and open until 2am. Their Spiced Rhubarb Gin Fizz uses rhubarb grown in Yorkshire.
- Bar 13 at The Zetter Townhouse (Clerkenwell) - Hidden behind a bookshelf, this is a speakeasy-style rooftop with a garden. Cocktails are named after Victorian inventors. Try the Isambard-a mix of gin, ginger, and lemon verbena.
- The Roof at The Ned (City of London) - Not technically a rooftop, but the upper floor of a former bank with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the Bank of England. Their British Isles Negroni uses gin from Wales, Campari from Italy, and vermouth from London.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Don’t just drink. Look. London’s skyline tells stories. From the Shard, you can spot the old Lloyd’s building with its pipes and ducts on the outside-like a giant mechanical heart. From the Sky Garden, you’ll see the Tower of London’s white walls glowing under streetlights. From The Curtain, you’ll hear the distant clatter of the Overground train rolling past Shoreditch.
Bring a friend-or go alone. Rooftop bars are perfect for people-watching. You’ll see finance types in tailored coats, artists with paint-splattered boots, tourists with cameras, and expats catching up over a glass of something unexpected. That’s the magic of London’s rooftops: they’re not just about the view. They’re about the people.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, pair your cocktail with a late-night snack. Many rooftop bars now serve small plates-think Scotch egg with truffle mayo, pickled herring on rye, or a cheese board with Wensleydale and honeycomb from the Cotswolds. It turns a drink into a moment.
What to Skip
Not every rooftop bar is worth it. Avoid places that charge £25 for a drink that tastes like syrup and gin. If the menu lists "signature cocktails" but doesn’t name the ingredients, walk away. If the bartender doesn’t ask you how you like your gin, they’re not making craft cocktails-they’re pouring pre-mixed bottles.
Also skip the places that require a table reservation just to get to the bar. You should be able to order at the counter. If you’re paying £40 just to sit on a stool, you’re paying for the view, not the drink. And in London, the view is free-you just have to know where to look.
Final Tip: The Best Time Is Always Now
London changes fast. A rooftop bar that was hot last year might be quiet this winter. New ones open every season. The one thing that stays the same? The quality of the craft cocktails. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday in December or a golden afternoon in June, there’s always a rooftop bar in London waiting for you-with a well-made drink, a quiet corner, and a view that reminds you why this city never sleeps.
Are rooftop bars in London open year-round?
Yes, most rooftop bars in London operate year-round, though some scale back in winter. Many have heated seating, covered areas, and even fire pits. The Sky Garden and 28 Degrees stay open through December, often with seasonal cocktails like mulled gin or spiced chocolate Old Fashioneds. Always check the bar’s website before visiting in colder months.
Do I need to book a table for a rooftop bar in London?
It depends. Places like Sky Garden require a free timed entry slot booked online. Others, like The Curtain or Hoxton Rooftop, accept walk-ins at the bar but may have long waits on weekends. For dinner or a group of four or more, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Use OpenTable, the bar’s website, or call directly.
What’s the average cost of a cocktail at a London rooftop bar?
Expect to pay between £14 and £22 for a craft cocktail at a top rooftop bar. At Sky Garden, a gin and tonic starts at £16. At 28 Degrees, signature drinks like the Botanicals of Britain are £20. Budget-friendly options exist at Hoxton Rooftop and Bar 13, where cocktails start around £12-15. You’re paying for quality, not just the view.
Are rooftop bars in London family-friendly?
Most rooftop bars in London are adults-only after 6pm. Some, like Sky Garden, allow children during daytime hours (before 6pm), but they’re not designed for families. If you’re looking for a family-friendly rooftop, try the garden at the Southbank Centre or the terrace at the London Eye’s café. For cocktails, stick to bars that clearly state "18+" or "adults only" on their website.
Which rooftop bar has the best view of London?
The Sky Garden offers the most iconic 360-degree panorama, with unobstructed views of the Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, and the Shard. For a more intimate view, The Roof at The Ned gives you a direct line of sight to the Bank of England and the Thames. If you want to see the city lights twinkle at night, 28 Degrees and The Curtain are both excellent choices-especially on a clear evening.