London has no shortage of captivating rooftop bars.
Those high-kicking vibrant rooftop bars come together to bring the best views and boozy drinks that London has to offer.
From the tropical Bar Elba to the Asian-inspired Jin Bo Law, these top rooftop bars promise jaw-dropping views and delish cocktails.
Here’s your essential guide to the best rooftop bars in London.
Bar Elba is a rooftop bar in London situated on top of Waterloo’s Mercury House. It offers a panoramic view over the capital’s skyline – yep, a view over the infamous Shard is included in the landscape.
Bar hoppers flock to Bar Elba’s terrace thanks to its tropical-inspired decor and roof-rising live music. Whether you are a sucker for sunsets or a proud early bird, this watering hole is the place to be.
When it comes to serving, the bar doesn’t stop at the good vibes. It features a menu brimming with over 20 cocktail items – from the mainstream Negroni to the Skittles-infused shots, Bar Elba has them all covered.
Pro tip: Be sure to pre-book your table during weekend days, as it can get very uber busy.
Situated five minutes away from St. Paul’s Subway Station, Sabine Rooftop Bar is nestled on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel.
When it comes to scenery, this London rooftop bar offers a stunning view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard to everyone who passes through its glass doors.
Filled with lush greenery and beautiful foliage, the Sabine Rooftop Bar is dripping in sophistication. With a weather-safe area (thank you, retractable roof) and two alfresco sun terraces, this bar will give you the feel of a real garden.
Not that the cocktail menu is to be sniffed at, mind you – the bar is all about channeling the botanical vibes into the drinks. Their signature Coco Mar-granita is a concoction of coconut, cointreau, lime, and coconut shavings – can it get more tropical than that?
Press the 14th-floor button when in Dorsett City Hotel’s elevator – you’ll find Jin Bo Law, an Asian-inspired rooftop bar situated in the Aldgate area.
Home to some of the most majestic views of the city, this London rooftop bar is orientated towards the breathtaking Tower Bridge and striking Walkie Talkie.
Despite having a rather narrow build, the bar features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to refract on the interior’s stunning gold and marble decor.
Take a peek at the masterfully-curated cocktail menu while you’re busy soaking Jin Bo Law chill vibes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the bar’s signature City Sky Line – a yummy combination of bitter Campari, Martini Rubino, sake, and orange bitters you are doomed to fall in love with.
Featuring groovy DJ sets and ultra-friendly staff, Jin Bo Law has earned its place on your must-visit rooftop bars in London list.
Just seven minutes away from the Southwark station, 12th Knot is a rooftop bar perched on Sea Containers London’s 12th floor.
Ritzy and frilly, this upscale rooftop bar treats its guests to a spectacular view of the iconic Saint Paul’s Cathedral and the gleaming Illuminated River (aka the world’s longest public art commission).
Embodying the vibrant energy of South Bank, 12th Knot features bright and attention-grabbing interiors in an open-plan layout.
Fresh ingredients are at the heart of 12th Knot’s mixology mantra – so expect the cocktail menu to change every season. The rooftop bar keeps it British with its signature Big Ben cocktail – a blend of Grey Goose citron, English tea, thyme syrup, apricot, and lime.
Whether you are curled up on the plush sofas, or it’s the go-to rooftop bar for a relaxing night out.
Go down south to St Katharine’s & Wapping, and you’ll find the three-level Skylight at Tobacco Dock.
The rooftop bar does more than offer great vistas of London’s sparkling skyscrapers. During summertime, this watering hole becomes an urban lawn club where guests can engage in a wide range of activities – from croquet to table tennis.
The summeresque playground switches to igloo mode as the temperatures drop. Those snuggly ice palaces are equipped with mounds of cushions to ensure guests feel ultra-cozy and super warm.
If the alpine-inspired food menu doesn’t catch your attention, the boozy drinks will for sure. One of their signature cocktails, Skylight 75 is a classic French 75 with a twist – it features Beefeater gin, lemon, and prosecco.
Go up to the DoubleTree by Hilton’s 12th floor and you’ll bump into Savage Garden – a London rooftop bar that promises the best vistas of the capital’s Canary Wharf, The Shard, and Tower Bridge.
Only two minutes away from the Tower Hill subway station, this watering hole has a modern-chic appeal to it – it’s either because of the stylish pinkish hues or the opulent interior design.
Despite its relaxed environment, Savage Garden’s cocktail menu is truly untamed. It features cheeky names such as Devil’s Advocate and Horny Beast that are doomed to feast your eyes and taste buds.
Let’s take the bold Horny Beast – a concoction of Beefeater pink gin, coconut rum, almond, lime, green strawberry, oak bitters, apple, rhubarb, and cinnamon soda.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, London Bridge Rooftop is a rooftop bar – in London Bridge. Situated on the sixth floor, this sky-high destination is so close to The Shard that it seems you can almost touch it.
The casual urban bar is popular for post-work drinks and impromptu catch-ups over burgers and mimosas. But the cozy atmosphere doesn’t stop at the fairy lights and lush foliage.
The fruity cocktail menu at London Bridge Rooftop is not something you want to miss out on. A popular signature cocktail is the Raspberry Kiss, a Vodka-based raspberry drink topped off with white chocolate pieces – the ultimate dream for sugar addicts.
Take note that the rooftop bar is located six levels above the ground and lift access is unavailable. It’s best to wear comfy shoes for this cardio challenge.
Both eye candy and soul food, the Nest Rooftop Bar is located on top of the Treehouse London Hotel London, right in Marylebone’s heart.
This one is less about the views, and more about being swanky. The foliage-filled hotspot embodies a tropical jungle – there is a bunch of lush greenery scattered throughout the terrace, plus a treehouse fort where DJs take over the audio mixer.
The highlight of the rooftop bar is its banging cocktail menu, which only features market-driven local ingredients.
Be sure to give their signature Treetop Sour a taste. Prepare your tastebuds for a combination of Ketel One vodka, Campari, orange, oils, citrus, and egg white.
Overlooking the London skyline, Radio Rooftop is nestled on the 10th floor of ME London Hotel.
The venue takes pride in its strategic location, delivering jaw-dropping views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Thames, Westminster, and the London Eye.
The menu, specially curated by the bar’s Chef, uses only locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients.
If you want to take a break from the bubbly champagne and classic cocktails, take a sip of Radio Rooftop’s Apple and Wood, a mixture of Woodford Reserve, apple liqueur, lemon juice, sage, and grapefruit syrup and soda.
Right in the middle of the Shoreditch area is the stylish Boundary Rooftop,
Offering spectacular views of East London, this watering hole features both an indoor and outdoor terrace to keep things boozy all year round. Both areas are housed within a stylish glass extension.
Lush greenery brimming with fairy lights is de rigueur, of course.
You might get lost in the wide array of drinks that Boundary Rooftop offers – so go for the delectable Veuve Clicquot Rosé d’assemblage 1818, a mixture of Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, damson liqueur, walnut bitters, and lemon.