12 of the best rooftop bars in London for sky-high sipping in the sun

Whether you're watching the sun melt behind the Shard or spying on Soho from above, rooftop bars are the capital’s ultimate warm-weather flex. And with spring flirting its way into the city, it’s officially rooftop season, baby.

From ultra-luxe sky lounges to secret terraces that feel like your mate’s (very rich) flat, here are London’s best and boujiest rooftop bars — complete with killer cocktails, top-tier views, and vibes as high as the elevation.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in it for the skyline selfies, sunset sipping or just an excellent excuse to dress up, London’s rooftop scene has something for every mood — and budget.

From Peckham’s painted car parks to the polished elegance of the South Bank, this city proves that everything really is better at altitude.

So grab your sunglasses, order something bubbly, and raise your glass to London — one rooftop at a time.

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1. Seabird, Southwark

Where: 14th floor, The Hoxton, Southwark

This one’s for the oyster lovers and Insta addicts. Seabird is like the Amalfi Coast with a London postcode. Think marble tables, rattan chairs, and the city skyline glittering like a glass of prosecco.

Order this: The "Pear Necessities" – a dreamy mix of pear vodka, elderflower and lemon.

Spot this: Sweeping views across the Thames with the Shard stealing the show.

2. Aviary, Finsbury Square

Where: 10th floor, Montcalm Royal London House

A classic contender with a glossy city crowd. The terrace is sleek, the drinks are punchy, and there’s a certain smugness in being this high up in EC2.

Order this: “Aviary Negroni” – a smoky twist on the classic with mezcal and cacao.

Spot this: The Gherkin and the City skyline lit like a motherboard.

3. Frank’s Café, Peckham

Where: 10th floor, Peckham Levels (summer only)

Cool, chaotic, and deeply South London. Frank’s is a summer rite of passage — it’s rough-around-the-edges in the best way. Come for the spritzes, stay for the sunsets.

Order this: Campari & Soda. Keep it classic, keep it cool.

Spot this: A raw, widescreen view of the city from the south. Bonus points if you catch golden hour.

4. 12th Knot, South Bank

Where: 12th floor, Sea Containers London

Formerly the Rumpus Room, this glam riverside bar is all velvet booths and glass walls. The DJs are on point, and it’s just boujee enough to feel special without scaring off your bank account.

Order this: “Thyme to Shine” – gin, lemon, thyme, and elderflower.

Spot this: The Thames winding past St Paul’s, lit dramatically for your viewing pleasure.

5. The Culpeper, Spitalfields

Where: Top floor, 40 Commercial Street

A gastropub with a greenhouse twist. The rooftop garden is part-bar, part-urban farm, with herbs picked fresh and pints pulled proper.

Order this: “Gin Basil Smash” – fresh, fragrant, and plucked from the rooftop itself.

Spot this: Brick Lane rooftops and Gherkin peeks between chimneys.

6. Netil360, London Fields

Where: 1 Westgate Street, Hackney

The East London rooftop for freelancers by day and craft beer lovers by night. It’s more picnic bench than plush sofa, but the views (and the crowd) are peak Hackney cool.

Order this: Espresso Martini on tap. Yes, really.

Spot this: Panoramic views of East London with just the right amount of grit.

7. Sabine Rooftop Bar, St Paul's

Where: 7th floor, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul's

This hidden gem is elegant without being snooty. The glass-domed space gives you skyline feels even when it's raining sideways.

Order this: “Pineapple & Sage Margarita” – tropical with a twist.

Spot this: A close-up of St Paul’s that’ll have your camera roll working overtime.

8. The Rooftop at The Standard, King's Cross

Where: 10th floor, The Standard London

One word: scene. With a revolving guest list of DJs and fashionistas, this bar’s rooftop is part Berlin club, part New York loft party — but with tube views.

Order this: “Desert Rose” – tequila, watermelon, rose, and lime.

Spot this: The Gothic grandeur of St Pancras and the city beyond.

9. Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

Where: 2-4 Boundary Street

Less raucous than its Shoreditch neighbours, the Boundary's rooftop is low-key luxe with Mediterranean food, fireplaces, and a retractable roof for London-proof lounging.

Order this: Aperol Spritz. Perfect with olives and sunshine.

Spot this: A surprisingly serene view of East London rooftops.

10. Coq d’Argent, Bank

Where: 1 Poultry, Bank

This is where the city suits go when they want to unwind. Polished lawns, topiary, and cocktails served like they’re filing your taxes — but make it sexy.

Order this: “French Negroni” – gin, Lillet, and orange bitters.

Spot this: A manicured oasis above the banking madness of Bank.

11. Pergola on the Wharf

Where: Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR

Less bougie, more block party. Pergola is vibrant, fun, and reliably chaotic with food traders, frozen cocktails, and rooftop vibes for days.

Order this: A frozen watermelon margarita. Trust.

Spot this: Office blocks, cranes, and finance bros. It’s more about the vibe here.

12. OXO Tower Bar, South Bank

Where: Barge House Street, South Bank

An old-school classic with unbeatable Thames views and cocktails to match. Chic without being flashy, perfect for date night or impressing your out-of-town mate.

Order this: “OXO Bramble” – gin, lemon, blackberries, and sass.

Spot this: Big Ben, the London Eye, and every postcard landmark you can name.

This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.