Looks like summer has finally arrived in London! With some of the best rooftop and terraces anywhere in the world, tourists, locals, foodies and day-drinkers will be flocking to these hot spots as the temperatures rise. From swanky Mayfair rooftops to edgy Shoreditch terraces, here’s our guide to London’s hottest rooftop bars and terrace restaurants for 2023.
Wagtail
Situated atop a stunning 1920s building, Wagtail at King William Street in East London has been open a year now and is proving to be a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Definitely one of the best rooftop bars and terrace restaurants in London, the stunning luxury rooftop is flanked by two alfresco terraces built around a historic dome and offers 360° views of the City. With a drinks list by Angelos Bafas, (previously of Aqua), there’s also a small plates menu offering faves like the soft shell crab sliders (£15) and English beef tataki with soy glaze and coriander (£20). It’s a redevelopment of the former House of Fraser by Maven Leisure which itself is owned by the team behind ETM Group who operate, among others, Aviary, The Botanist on Sloane Square and Chiswell Street Dining Rooms in Moorgate. This not-so-hard-on-the-eyes rooftop is open late from Wednesday to Saturday but make sure you secure your spot with a booking.
Whispering Angel Rosé Sky Terrace at Aviary
There’s nothing better than kicking back in the sizzling summer sunshine with a glass or three of Whispering Angel and what better place to do it than on a hot city rooftop terrace at Aviary?! This year Aviary hosts the Whispering Angel Rosé Sky Terrace which promises to transport guests straight to the heart of Provence. Escape the buzz of the city at this tranquil hideout with rooftop bar, pergolas, beautiful floral and the iconic Whispering Angel pink colour scheme. Guests will have the chance to enjoy a selection of the Château d’Esclans’ rosé wines with a special wine flight featuring three rosés from the renowned vineyard, Whispering Angel, Rock Angel and The Pale by Sacha Lichine. There’s also classic cocktails, champagnes, wines and a delicious menu featuring a sharing charcuterie board. Diners will get to enjoy a range of meats and a sensational seafood tower with lobster, langoustine, prawns, oysters, cockles and mussels as well as a meat and cheese sharing platter with a mediterranean twist. A range of small plates are also on offer, plus the resident DJ will be spinning the tunes throughout summer. From 27th May, a new bottomless brunch will be available every Saturday from 11am t0 5pm.
Trip CBD x St Martins Lane Terrace
Here’s a summer terrace with a difference! Trip CBD have partnered with St. Martins Lane Hotel in London’s West End for an al fresco experience like no other! The talented mixologist at St. Martins Lane have curated a special menu of Trip CBD infused cocktails like the Bon Voyage with TRIP’s Peach & Ginger CBD, Aperol, boudier crème de pèche, rosemary and fresh lemon, and the Elixir of Long Life featuring a mix of TRIP’s Elderflower & Mint CBD with Glenmorangie 10Y, Amaro Montenegro, Aperol and grapefruit. With stunning murals, neon signage and beautiful foliage, guests can enjoy the stylish terrace while feasting on light bites like spiced gazpacho with watermelon and mains such as beef fillet with confit carrot.
AMANO Covent Garden
On the seventh floor of Hotel AMANO, is the AMANO rooftop bar featuring spectacular views out across the city and delicious cocktails – perfect for sundowners. What’s more, the DJ spins the tunes from Thursdays to Saturday each week with a great line up, so you. can enjoy a selection of tasty cocktails like The Rooftop made with elderflower infused Grey Goose, or the Ristretto Negroni with a new take on the classic, while soaking up the atmosphere. Encapsulating the hedonistic spirit of Berlin throughout this boutique design led hotel, the rooftop will have you dancing and mingling as if you were in the German capital!
Bar 31 at Shangri-La The Shard
One of our fave London hotspots has had a Cointreau make over! There’s no mistaking those giant orange parasols at Bar 31 on the ground floor of Shangri-la The Shard, so grab a chair and indulge in some awesome cocktails and frozen margaritas while feasting on delicious sharing plates. We love the sound of the Mandarin Spritz with Cointreau, clementine, rosemary and prosecco, Margot with Cointreau, Tequila Blanco, pink grapefruit, honey and fresh lime and the Litchi with Cointreau, chile liqueur, lychee and fresh lime. You can even whip up your own frozen margarita by taking one of Cointreau’s bespoke bikes for a spin! We’re all over it.
Florattica
East London’s latest rooftop bar is a new addition to our list of the city’s best. Right at the top of the Canopy City Hotel, Florattica’s rooftop bar benefits from awesome views out across the city and the East London skyline includingthe stunning St. Paul’s, The Gherkin and even Canary Wharf. With a full inside bar that flows out, the expansive heated and covered outdoor terrace makes this an year round affair with cocktails and small plates for after work drinks or catch ups with friends. With a cocktail list that takes drinkers on a sensory journey through the elegant and aromatic world of flowers which Florattica takes its inspo from, you’ll love the Alma – a herbal cocktail made with Casamigos Blanco, Hibiscus Amores Espadin, Ancho Reyes, lavender syrup and citrus with spicy, sour, and earthy notes.
The MAINE Mayfair
Described as ‘bleeding an old-world elegance with a New England extravagance’, The MAINE Mayfair is one of those places you go to treat yourself! The sun-bathed terrace is atmospheric by day and seductive by night making it an easy contender for the most romantic ‘date-night’ spot in London. One look at its Instagram page and you’ll see the covered terrace in the Georgian townhouse, located just off Hanover Square, is rich with British style and elegance decorated with striped awnings, elegant wicker furniture and plenty of greenery. Relax over a weekend brunch with the likes of stacked buttermilk pancakes (£12) or try the à la carte menu with a variety of raw bar items, charcuterie, small plates and wood-fired fish and meats. The terrace also has an eye-catching Champagne and cocktail bar and an unrivalled rosé selection to enjoy at the standalone bar or at your table.
30 Euston Square
One of our hottest rooftops is the hidden rooftop at 30 Euston Square. With new BBQ party packages available, you can take your celebrations to new heights in the heart of the city. Located just moments from Euston Station and St. Pancras International, the party-ready rooftop comes with cushioned seating, built in AV and Bose speaker system and has a bright foliage aesthetic with space for up to 230 guests. With a menu created by MasterChef Professionals semi-finalist Michelle Trusselle, diners can feast on dishes like Herefordshire beef burger with West Country smoked Applewood cheese and cracked black pepper grilled chicken. Or choose the Big Easy BBQ with cola glazed baby back port ribs and brown sugar and paprika pulled chicken, while there are also vegan options including the Beyond Meat™ burger, Sticky bourbon glazed tempeh ‘ribs’ and salads. Creative cocktails inspired by British fruits are also on offer as well as a range of non alcoholic options. Add on live music, magicians and DJs to elevate the experience. Book now for events through to September starting at £99.
Cointreau’s Sustainable Margarita Terrace at The Stratford Hotel
The Eco Bar at Terrace E20 – The Stratford Hotel’s awesome outdoor terrace, has been transformed this year as Cointreau provides twists on the original margarita with frozen varieties also on tap for those hot summer days. Terrace E20 has been created using recycled wood as well as using crafted menus and coasters which are made from biodegradable materials. Drinks include The Classic with Cointreau, Los Arcos and lime, The Tommy’s with Cointreau, Los Arcos, lime and agave, The Mezcal with Cointreau, Illegal Joven, lime and agave, The Spicy with Cointreau, Los Arcos, house chilli blend, lime and agave and The Clear with Cointreau, Los Arcos, citric acid and agave. There’s also ‘pedal for margarita’ static bikes so you can burn some energy and then refuel with cocktails! A number of signature summer serves are also available.
PocketSquare
Located between White Chapel and Aldgate East, PocketSquare marries the formal luxury of the City with the edginess of East London in this one-of-a-kind rooftop terrace. Situated on the ninth floor of Hyatt London City East, PocketSquare seamlessly weaves artistic décor, outrageous views and distinctive cocktail and food–paired menus. One of the big drawing cards is the cutting-edge gin-led bar that showcases eight expertly crafted signature cocktails, creating new flavour profiles not found anywhere else in London. Cocktail-wise, we love the sound of the 101 – a summery blend of Hepple Gin with tropical cordial, prosecco and a silver glitter garnish paired with charcoaled breaded halloumi fries and Dalmation vegan aioli. PocketSquare is open from the afternoons for hangouts, business drinks and parties with live music on weekends.
The Happenstance by Drake & Morgan x Champagne Laurent-Perrier
You’ll feel like you’ve swapped the city for the French coast with The Happenstance by Drake & Morgan who’ve teamed up with luxury champagne brand, Laurent-Perrier for their 2023 terrace. The all-weather al fresco area smack bang in the city of London has been decked out with blush florals, twinkling lights and pretty-in-pink décor for the ultimate Instagrammable backdrop. Keep oh so cool whilst sipping on a glass of La Cuvée or Cuvée Rosé Champagne by Laurent-Perrier.
The Terrace at M Canary Wharf
The perfect spot for after work drinks, M Canary Wharf’s brand new terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the atmos and the sunshine this summer. With incredible riverside views, you’ll be able to enjoy M’s sensory dining menu which will take you on a journey far from the banks of the Thames! Look forward to signatures like the Waygu Scotch Egg with smoked ketchup and Black Gnocchi with spinach, pear and parmesan.
The Terrace by Megan’s x Mirabeau
One of our fave terraces in South West London, Megan’s has re-opened their alfresco restaurant and terrace on Clapham Common, this year in collaboration with Mirabeau. Complete with dreamy fairy-lit archway entwined with jasmine, you’ll find yourself being transported from Clapham to the Med with plenty of greenery, wicker decorations and splashes of pink as a nod to one of our fave rosés. It’s walk ins only on The Terrace where you’ll be able to enjoy Megan’s delicious sharing plates and summer cocktails with friends. Pides come in all flavours including their new to the menu N’duja & Labneh Pide, Burrata & Prosciutto Pide & the vegan Charred Tenderstem & Piri Piri Pide for this summer. Bruschetta flatbread is also a tasty new addition – especially when teamed with a frozen mango and passion fruit margarita, an iconic frosé, or glass of sangria. As long as it’s not raining, The Terrace is open for business!
Boundary London
Formerly owned by revered designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran, Boundary London in Shoreditch is famed for its contemporary atmosphere and convivial hospitality. It’s since undergone an extensive revamp under new owner James McCulloch where summer-lovers can drink in the spectacular view of the City and East London from the stylish surroundings of the heated Rooftop orangery, bar, grill and outdoor terrace. Italian Head Chef Roberto Branca oversees the new Mediterranean-inspired menu including vegan moussaka and grilled seabass, as well as the all-day British brasserie-style offering on the ground floor bar and restaurant. Centred around a new 20-metre zinc top central bar, the ground-floor champions seasonal, sustainable British produce cooked in a casual and simple style. Weekends is home to Saturday brunch and roasts on Sundays while drinks are served into the small hours of the morning!
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
Cali vibes, pink marble and panoramic views. Welcome to The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch, located on the 7th floor of the recently transformed hotel. With hanging plants, gorgeous outdoor seating, latin dance tunes from the DJ and a range of inventive cocktails to keep you cool, this is one of East London’s hottest rooftop hangouts. Choose from small plates of yellowtail ceviche, tostadas, truffle arancini and shrimp burger, while the cocktail list offers some awesome concoctions like the Shoreditch Sunset made with Kavka Vodka, Martini Fiero, ginger, orange juice, lemon and Angostura Bitters. Dress to impress and be sure to book.
Nusr-Et
Nusr-Et is located in the heart of Knightsbridge, nestled between Belgravia and South Kensington and a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. Serving signature dishes al fresco, you can book the Nusr-Et discrete terrace for dining, providing a lush oasis in the city, ideal for those seeking a coveted sense of escapism.
The No. 3 Gin Terrace at The Sloane
Make the most of the blue skies at The Roof Terrace’s luscious outdoor space lined with verdant plant walls and stylish, comfortable furniture in the heart of Chelsea. Part of a 100-year-old private members club (The Sloane Club), The Roof Terrace at The Sloane has become the No. 3 Gin Terrace at The Sloane Club until the end of June. Enjoy signature cocktails all made with No. 3, as well as starters and small plates like roasted cauliflower salad and dressed Devon crab along with mains like Cornish lemon sole goujons and seafood and basil risottle. Friday nights bring with it live music so you can dance the night away or sit back and enjoy the vibes.
Laurel’s on the Roof
Inspired by 1970s Hollywood, Laurel’s on the Roof is an all-day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour in Zone 1. Having just opened in May, you’ll find it on the sixth floor of the Mondrian Hotel in Shoreditch which was previously a members-only area. Laurel’s is such a hot spot that it’s still hard to secure a spot with bookings filling up months in advance over the summer! Don’t let that put you off because once you’re there, the views, cocktails and vibes make it well worth the wait. The design of Laurel’s encapsulates the laidback, yet sophisticated aesthetic of LA’s pool party scene with relaxed lounge seating, low-hanging rattan chandeliers and splashes of neon colours throughout. The tunes pay homage to the East London neighbourhood and extend to live DJ sets every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Tempt your tastebuds with Californian-inspired seasonal dishes and drinks that incorporate bold flavours served in 70’s inspired glassware. We have to say, one of the standout features is the rooftop pool but this is exclusive to Curtain Club members and hotel guests so you may want to consider booking in for a night to enjoy everything Laurels’ on the Roof has to offer. Sunday brunch has also just launched, whereby diners design their own perfect feast, curating a bespoke offering of 10 items for £55 per person. Standout dishes include starters of shakshuka and a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel before main course options such as avo on toast or eggs royal lobster.
The Wigmore Summer Terrace and Garden
Just off Regent Street you’ll find The Wigmore Summer Terrace and Garden which has partnered up with The luxurious Langham Hotel. The perfect spot to meet up with friends, family or a date, this gorgeous oasis is an enclosure of pretty greenery. Climbing plants creep up and down the pergolas showing off flashes of fushia pink amongst the foliage. Heat lamps blend into the background – both freestanding and overhead the big round tables. There’s covered areas too, so should you become victim to the British weather, there’s somewhere to dive under, and what’s more, with drinks from Artesian, and food from the legendary Michel Roux Jr, you can’t really go far wrong!
Le Petit Beefbar
Chelsea’s neighbourhood restaurant Le Petit Beefbar has opened a brand new terrace – perfect for some alfresco action whether you’re eating or drinking. Try the Beefbar Daisy tequila based cocktail, made with Olmeca Altos Blanco tequila, crème de cassis, homemade jalapeno cordial, fresh lime juice and agave syrup, and tuck into delicious dishes like Miso black beef, filet mignon, or baby spinach salad. Open daily 12-10pm, this one’s definitely worth a visit next time you’re in West London.
Radio Rooftop
The rooftop bar of the ME London Hotel is set on top of the former BBC building in London’s West End. It’s a design-lovers dream with big name DJs, a sleek asymmetric look and a wrap-around balcony so you can soak up the sun. With a view of many of London’s most iconic landmarks including The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and The London Eye, Radio Rooftop offers up a mix of bar seating, tables and plush-looking couches with muted tones throughout. Arguably, one of London’s most well-known rooftops, it has a great atmosphere and is only a stone’s throw away from some of the capital’s best nightclubs. The bar boasts an exciting and inventive cocktail list (with more than 15 different variations on the classic gin and tonic) served with seasonal, locally sourced tapas-style plates. The dress code is very much “to impress” and reservations are recommended.
Sushisamba London Heron Tower
Sushisamba near Liverpool Street is the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe so you’re guaranteed some of the best skyline views in London. You’ll be whisked up in a glass elevator before arriving at the 39th floor of the Heron Tower to breathtaking views, a lively atmosphere in a colourful setting, fresh food and a wide selection of sake. You’re spoilt for choice with the option to taste the Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian cuisine at the main terrace dotted with lounge sofas, dining tables and front-row seats to amazing views over the London skyline. Or enjoy a tipple and bite from the Bar Menu at the Tree Terrace, featuring the restaurant’s iconic orange tree, or the East Terrace with views of north and east London. The open kitchen and fiery robata grill offer brilliantly roasted and flavoured meats, vegetables and fish, while Sushisamba’s conceptual small plate style of service encourages a “shared” dining experience. There are often DJs and performances too, plus it’s open until 3 am on the weekend, which makes it quite the party spot!
The Rooftop at The Trafalgar
One of Luxe Bible’s favourites is The Rooftop at The Trafalgar which overlooks, you guessed it, Trafalgar Square. It’s exactly the kind of plush bar you would expect to find in this affluent neighbourhood but without the added snobbery. In fact, The Rooftop at The Trafalgar is incredibly cosy and welcoming with a minimalist aesthetic and attentive service that makes the price tag worth it. It’s the perfect place for enjoying an alfresco-crafted cocktail (make sure you try the Old Fashioned) from the long drinks list, or nibbling on some pan-Asian small plates. From crudos to carpaccio, fresh focaccia, seasonal salads and sashimi (and plenty for the vegan diner too), we’d say 4 or 5 small dishes is just the perfect amount for a rooftop cool-off with friends for lunch or dinner. The laid-back atmosphere is helped by the tropical house soundtrack and 7th-floor location, making you feel removed from the hustle and bustle back down on the ground.
The ITALICUS X Madison Terrace
Looking for a Mediterranean-inspired getaway without leaving the capital? This summer, Madison has teamed up with the Italian Aperitivo brand ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto to give the terrace an Amalfi makeover with lemon trees and vibrant floral arrangements to compliment the new spritz drinks list. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax amongst lush, verdant foliage – evocative of Amalfi coast vistas – and sip on delectable cocktails that transport you to the heady glamour of warm Mediterranean climes. Not to mention, the delicious tapas and mezze boards, all set against the stunning backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Pergola Paddington
Pergola Paddington is an escapist paradise with feel-good summer energy. The Tulum-inspired beach club takes its cues from the balmy beaches of Mexico, with an immersive drinking and dining experience like no other. Awash with palm trees, wicker chairs and sofas, hammocks and cabana day beds, plus a dance floor with DJs, dancers, fire performers and live percussionists, there are pop-up restaurants from big names in the restaurant industry, and naturally, an extensive menu of Margaritas making this one of London’s hottest rooftop terraces. The best part is it’s largely free to enter with no ticket required but you will need to get there early to avoid the queues. If East London is more your vibe, then make sure you check out Pergola Canary Wharf perched on the northern dock where you can enjoy those sun-bathed afternoons amongst the indoor foliage or outside in the 200-capacity terrace which wraps around the venue.
Queen of Hoxton
Queen of Hoxton is known for its ever-changing rooftop and this year, you’ll be welcome at Little Barcelona. The new summer rooftop theme in collaboration with Estrella Damm will have you fully immersed in Spanish culture with coastal vibes, hand-drawn murals and beach club aesthetics. Sip on sangria slushies and signature cocktails paired with Spanish theme food. It’s a first come first seated policy so you’ll wanna get down there early doors!
Savage Garden
Having opened in 2108, Savage Garden is still London’s ‘wildest’ terrace, located twelve floors above the Hilton DoubleTree hotel in Tower Hill. The rooftop, which protrudes out from the bar area, is long with plenty of space for mixing and mingling. With dark modern interiors and a cut-throat menu, Savage garden is “brutal yet sultry, urban yet opulent” and provides something completely different to the traditional offering in London. The cocktail menu which currently has a Royal theme, is as creative and exciting as the views and the decor, with innovative cocktails such as Lady Grey with Grey Goose la vanille, Hendrick’s Orbium, Cocchi Americano Vermouth, peach bitters, white chocolate and pineapple; or the Crown Jewels made with Tapatio Blanco Tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, Galliano liqueur, pineapple, sour, ginger, agave and mezcal. If the savage cocktails weren’t enough, you need to try the theatrically presented food, ranging from sharing plates through to substantial mains and feasting boards – just make sure you leave room for the injectable doughnuts!
Seabird
With a beautiful alfresco terrace, marble tabletops, panoramic views of the City and London’s largest Oyster menu, Seabird is a serious contender for the title of the capital’s best rooftop bar. Located on the 14th floor of The Hoxton Southwark, nabbing a seat at this idyllic location feels like securing a little slice of heaven on earth. The Spanish-Portuguese restaurant serves up an array of sea-to-table options including lavish seafood platters (£220), whole boneless sea bass fish with smoked honey butter (£60) as well as meat dishes such as the middle white pork chop. There is an excellent selection of biodynamic wines from some of Europe’s best small-scale producers, and the cocktails are fun and fruity, including the frozen Palomita cocktail, made with Patron Silver, martini bitter and grapefruit as well as sharing cocktails, such as the Calypso Punch, served in a glorious fish jug. Every Friday, there will also be a roster of DJs taking to the decks to provide the ambience as you watch the golden sun fade into the night.
The Prince
Known as London’s ‘largest beer garden,’ The Prince in West Brompton is always packed with party-goers in the summertime thanks to its hanging plants, neon signs and woodland garden. The large converted pub-turned-beer-garden is set across three floors with a retractable roof and comprises four restaurants and three bars meaning you’ll be spoiled for choice. On the menu is a host of rotating street food options including exciting pop-ups such as burger joint Filth&Co., hand-rolled sushi favourites Temaki and Nonna Madonna who serve up Neapolitan pizzas. There are also plenty of beers, cocktails, spritzers, wine and no-alcohol options to cool you down on those scorching summer days. Established by the same people who brought you Pergola on the Roof, it’s the ideal summer hangout.
Tattu
A firm favourite in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds, Tattu has already established a cult-like following for its delicious dishes and Instagrammable locations and the West End location promises to be no different. Tattu’s modern Chinese menu includes dishes that are made to be shared, with beautifully presented small plates and a colourful array of dim sum. There’s a £33 lunch menu which includes three dishes from the list such as red belly pork, tuna sashimi blossom and aromatic duck spring rolls, while there are set evening menus starting from £100 per person. Signature cocktails include the Jade Flower with Grey Goose Vodka and the Cherry Blossom Negroni.With a design inspired by a traditional Chinese Courtyard House, the crown jewel lies on the Rooftop Terrace, boasting unrivaled views over the capital, perfect for intimate alfresco gatherings and drinks. Book early for the special bank holiday brunch parties.
RoofGarden by Booking Office 1869
Having launched in 2022, Booking Office 1869’s summer terrace – RoofGarden, is a verdant and secluded space in the heart of King’s Cross. The epitome of a secret garden, RoofGarden by Booking Office 1869 serves a snack-style menu from its indoor counterpart alongside a refreshing array of cocktails, wines and beers. The terrace cocktail menu will feature classics such as Pimms Cup, Margarita, Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Alongside drinks, you can tuck into a host of light sharing plates and sweet treats, from crispy calamari and the charcuterie platter to seasonal Eton Mess and a selection of ice cream. One of the lesser know but equally appealing rooftops, it’s much easiest to secure a spot at this North London hotspot.
