10 best rooftop bars in London where you can sip and soak in the view
How about wrapping up your week with some chill vibes, good cocktails, and even better company while soaking in a killer view of London?
Picture this: you’re sipping on drinks and having a laid-back chat. As the night goes on, the DJ’s beats get you moving. Sounds like a perfect plan, right?
London’s got plenty of rooftop bars that are perfect for this. Check out our top picks for the best spots to hang out with your crew!
1. The Rooftop
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Address: 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens
Contact details: +44 20 7870 2904
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: £££
The Rooftop, perched on top of The Trafalgar St. James Hotel in London, is a fantastic spot to soak up incredible views of the city skyline. It’s right above Trafalgar Square and close to iconic landmarks like the National Gallery and Buckingham Palace.
The vibe is cosy yet stylish, with comfy seating that invites you to kick back with a drink or a meal. The outdoor area is a favourite during warmer months, ideal for dining under the open sky.
The bar offers a great selection of cocktails, wines, and other drinks. If you’re there in the morning, the breakfast buffet is a treat. It features hot and cold dishes, fresh juices, and even sparkling cocktails to start your day right.
Pro tip:
Planning a visit during the summer? Book ahead to snag a coveted outdoor seat and enjoy those stunning views!
2. Aprés Bar- London Bridge Rooftop
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Address: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk
Contact details: +44 20 3576 0674
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Thursday: 1 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 1 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM
Price: ££
Aprés Bar, located on the London Bridge Rooftop, mixes city vibes with a cosy alpine feel. It’s just a short walk from The Shard and offers stunning views of London’s skyline. Fully covered and heated, it’s a comfy spot all year round.
The energy here is always great, thanks to live DJs playing house, disco, and dance tunes during the week. When the DJs take a break, curated playlists keep the good vibes going. There’s even an interactive darts area if you’re up for some friendly competition.
The drinks are tempting, with signature cocktails, craft lagers, and plenty of Aperol Spritzes to choose from.
The bar is six stories up, and there’s no lift, so be ready for a bit of a climb.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss Saturdays at Aprés Bar! The bar offers 90 minutes of bottomless drinks paired with delicious brunch dishes, making it the ultimate weekend treat.
3. Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
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Address: 8 St. Martin’s Pl
Contact details: 44 20 7100 0234
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Price: ££
Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is the newest spot in London’s West End, sitting on top of the Page 8 Hotel. With amazing views of Trafalgar Square, it’s perfect for grabbing drinks with a killer backdrop.
The place has a chill, modern feel. It has lots of booth seating and a big terrace where you can check out iconic sights like Nelson’s Column.
The menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients. It features oysters (think Jersey Rocks and Carlingford), lobster and crab risotto cakes, and Cornish lemon sole with caper butter sauce.
There’s also a bottomless brunch on weekends that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. And don’t miss the cocktails—especially the Spicy Margarita. It’s a crowd favourite with its bold flavours and refreshing kick that keeps people returning for more.
Pro tip:
Book Kitty Hawk for your next event! With space for up to 200 standing guests, it’s perfect for everything from corporate meetings to birthday parties. Choose between semi-private areas or reserve the whole venue for a truly memorable occasion.
4. Radio Rooftop
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Address: 336-337 Strand
Contact details: +44 20 7379 6606
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM – 1:30 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: £££
Radio Rooftop is a cool bar on the 10th floor of the ME London hotel, right on Strand. The views are incredible, with sights like the Shard, Big Ben, and the London Eye all in one place.
The vibe is sleek and modern, with both indoor and outdoor seating to take in the views. Inside, you’ll find stylish wood and marble with a bit of Eastern Asian flair. The terrace is broken up into different sections, so there’s a spot for everyone.
For food, Radio Rooftop serves modern Asian dishes meant for sharing, so it’s perfect for a fun group meal. Their cocktail menu is also creative, with drinks like the Yuzu Negroni and the “It’s Giving Geisha”.
The atmosphere is lively, especially Thursday through Saturday nights. DJs play a mix of South African, Afro, Deep, and Melodic House music.
Pro tip:
Be sure to dress smart casual – no sportswear allowed. You’ll want to match the chic vibe of the bar, so go for something stylish and put-together.
5. LSQ Rooftop – Leicester Square
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Address: 1 Leicester Square
Contact details: +44 20 7123 5010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Friday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: £££
LSQ Rooftop is a stylish bar and restaurant atop 1 Leicester Square, offering stunning city views from its ninth-floor terrace. The open-air space lets you enjoy panoramic views of landmarks like the London Eye and the busy streets below.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu features light bites, set dinners, and canapés, with snacks like smoked almonds and crispy rice crackers. For something more filling, their Saturday brunch with free-flowing Prosecco and Rosé is a crowd favourite.
The cocktail menu stands out with drinks like the Bugs Bunny (aged Appleton Rum with passion fruit), Big Ben Fizz (Zacapa rum with fresh juices), and Mind The Gap (strawberry vodka with hibiscus and lime).
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try the Furikake Sea Salt Edamame. It’s a tasty, guilt-free option with a delicious Japanese twist!
6. Savage Garden Rooftop Bar
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Address: Floor 12, 7 Pepys St
Contact details: +44 20 7709 1022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Friday: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: £££
Savage Garden Rooftop Bar is located on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton near Tower Hill. It offers amazing 360-degree views of iconic London landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The vibe is a mix of urban style and lively energy. It has a main bar, indoor lounge, and two terraces—one with a retractable roof.
The drink menu is full of creative cocktails with unique flavour combos, like the Horny Beast (pink gin, coconut rum, and smoked bitters), alongside classic options like Old Fashioneds and whisky sours.
Pro tip:
If you’re not drinking, check out their great mocktail selection. The Virgin Mojito is a refreshing mix of mint, lime, and soda water—perfect for a classic taste without the alcohol.
7. Aviary
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Address: Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square
Contact details: +44 20 3873 4060
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 12 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7 AM – 12 AM
Price: £££
Aviary is a cool rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of London, sitting on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel at Finsbury Square. The place has a stylish vibe with a mix of quirky design by Russell Sage Studio.
There’s a central bar that divides the lounge from the dining area, and the space feels cosy with hanging planters and comfy seating. The heated terrace lets you sip your drink while checking out iconic views like The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Aviary’s bar serves up unique, botanically inspired cocktails in fun cups like copper tankards and sharing pitchers. It also has a great selection of wines and beers.
Just note that kids are only welcome until 6 PM if they’re with an adult. Since it’s a popular spot, be sure to book ahead.
Pro tip:
Make sure to visit on a Saturday to enjoy events like the Rooftop Champagne Brunch, where you can savour great food and a lively atmosphere.
8. 12th Knot
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Address: 20 Upper Ground
Contact details: +44 20 3747 1063
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5 PM – 12:30 AM
- Monday: Closed
Price: £££
12th Knot is a rooftop bar on the 12th floor of the Sea Containers London hotel. It also has stunning views of the River Thames and the London skyline. The open-plan design and floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’ll get amazing views wherever you sit.
Inside, there’s comfy seating, lots of greenery, and bold décor that feels very South Bank. Add in live music on Wednesdays and DJ sets from Thursday to Saturday, and you’ve got a fun yet classy spot to hang out.
The food and drinks are just as impressive. They serve a mix of American, international, and European dishes.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the Southbank Spritz, a refreshing twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. It blends Aperol, Prosecco, passionfruit, and kalamansi for a burst of vibrant flavour.
9. Florattica Rooftop London
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Address: 11-15 Minories
Contact details: +44 20 3988 4489
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 12 AM
- Friday: 4 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 11 AM
Price: ££
Florattica Rooftop, on the 11th floor of the Canopy by Hilton London City, is a stylish spot with floral designs inspired by the area’s textile history. Its blend of chic indoor spaces and a heated outdoor terrace offers stunning views of landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf.
Head Mixologist Eleonora Esposito crafts uniquely floral cocktails that stand out. Highlights include a Lavender Margarita and a Negroni with black garlic.
The menu pairs perfectly with the cocktails too. It features dishes like crab tortelloni and prawn sliders.
Since opening in late 2022, Florattica has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination, even winning awards like the Nightclub/Lounge title at the Gold Key Awards.
Pro tip:
From Sunday to Friday, enjoy a great deal at Florattica—three dishes and a cocktail for just £30. Choose a nibble dish, a small plate, and a dessert, then pair them with a cocktail for a delicious and affordable treat. It’s ideal for a midweek outing or a relaxing Sunday!
10. Circe’s Rooftop Waterloo
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Address: Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Rd
Contact details: +44 20 3034 0922
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Thursday to Friday: 3 PM – 1 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 2 AM
Price: ££
Circe’s Rooftop in Waterloo combines Greek mythology with a vibrant nightlife vibe. Named after the Greek sorceress Circe, the bar features bright colours and playful decor inspired by the mythical island of Aeaea.
Located on top of Mercury House, the bar is easy to find, though you’ll need to climb a few stairs to reach it. Once you’re up, the views of the London skyline (including The Shard) will prove to you that the bar’s worth the effort.
The drink menu offers a variety of cocktails, spritzes, wines, and bubbles. The Mediterranean-inspired food includes small plates and larger dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to attend an event at Circe’s, be sure to grab early-bird tickets! These exclusive discounts are available for those who book in advance, but the details can vary depending on the event.