London is host to some of the most iconic and historic buildings in the world and what better way to sit and admire them, than from a rooftop bar! Sipping your bubbles you can absorb years of history or admire some spectacular architecture. Whether you’re a Londoner who just needs a new perspective, or a tourist looking to take picture-perfect photos, London’s landmarks have never looked more impressive than from this viewpoint.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Where’s the rooftop? Sabine Rooftop Bar and restaurant in the city.
Landmark: St Paul’s Cathedral was first built in 604 AD but what we have today is actually the fourth version due to several fires. Under the architectural design of Sir Christopher Wren, St Pauls Cathedral as we know it today opened in 1711, and until 1963, it was the tallest building in London.
Rooftop: Sabine Rooftop bar opened in 2021 – 310 years later! It was a welcome addition to the London rooftop scene with such impressive views of St Pauls. This is one of London’s landmarks that can be seen from many rooftop bars, such as those on the Southbank. But this is an up close and personal experience. Madison’s rooftop bar previously held the rooftop crown for the best views of St Pauls and they are still magnificent. The difference is, the best photo ops at Madison’s are in a public space that you can’t take your drinks down to. So Sabine has stepped in and stolen the rooftop crown! For full details click here.
Trafalgar Square
Where’s the rooftop? The Rooftop at Trafalgar Square.
Landmark: Trafalgar Square was developed as a tribute to Lord Nelson who died defeating Napoleon in 1805 at the battle of Trafalgar. A column was also erected with his statue on the top. This became the centre piece to this square. In 1856 the square then became home to the Portrait gallery that still houses some of the worlds finest art.
The Rooftop perched on top of the aptly named Trafalgar Hotel is the sole rooftop owner of these views. It is a beautiful rooftop bar with the views being enjoyed from the outside terrace. For full details click here.
The London Eye
Where’s the rooftop? Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, at Southbank.
Landmark: The London Eye opened in 2000 as the tallest Ferris wheel but then lost that claim just 2 years later. It was meant to be a temporary attraction but due to its popularity it has become one of London’s most iconic symbols.
Rooftop: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Gardens is a secret summer garden escape above the bustling Southbank on top of the building of the same name. It is also a landmark of its own right. It opened in 1967 with the rooftop following 44 years later to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. With 200 native plants this rooftop was also originally part of the Eden Project. The London Eye is another landmark that can be viewed from afar from many rooftop bars but this is the closest view – shame it’s not open in winter. For full details click here.
The City
Where’s the rooftop? Jin Bo law in Aldgate.
Landmark: The city, known as the square mile within London is the home to many businesses from law firms, banks and headquarters for businesses. It forms an iconic skyline.
Rooftop: Jin Bo Law above the Dorsett City Hotel sits just on the edge of the ‘square mile’ meaning it has views you can almost touch. This modern skyline has attracted huge rooftop bar competition. And while this is one of the smaller terraces Jin Bo Law’s views will leave you awestruck as you step out. They have also created and crafted thoughtful cocktails such as ‘WFH’ and ‘Expense me’! If only!! For full details and the rooftop competition click here.
The BT Tower
Where’s the rooftop? The Nest at the Tree House hotel on Regent Street
Landmark: Originally called The Post Office Tower it was opened by the PM in 1965. It was opened to the public a year later with offices, a shop and a rotating restaurant called ‘Top of the Tower’. Tragically 5 years later a bomb was set off by the IRA in one of the restaurant toilets. This led to the closing of the tower to the public and being renamed to the BT Tower. It still hosts corporate events and still has the rotating floor – I know as I’ve helped organise an event up it! But 2024 sees it being sold and plans for it to be a hotel!
Rooftop: The Nest nestles up Regent Street with sweeping views over London with the BT Tower it’s most prominent landmark in view. This rooftop bar also boats an indoor bar that has recreated a nest in a treehouse cosy ambiance. For full details click here.
The Shard
Where’s the rooftop? London Bridge Rooftop on top of Colehouse Church building
Landmark: The Shard is a newer landmark to London’s skyline. It opened in 2013 and hosts it’s own (indoor) bar with mesmerizing sweeping views. If you are brave enough, the very top is open to the elements! No bar though, so no good! Home to a hotel, offices and residents it has succeeded in its ambition to create a vertical city.
Rooftop: London Bridge Rooftop is also new to the London scene arriving 8 years after the Shard. Originally as a pop up for the winter with the motto, ‘here for a good time not a long time’. Thankfully it stayed! And whilst it’s no where near as tall as the Shard – the view of its imposing neighbour is breathtaking. There are many rooftop bars that features a view of The Shard – this is more unusual as it’s so close. But for a classic view Wagtail would come a close second. for full details click here.
The Tower of London
Where’s the rooftop? Cloud M at Citizen M Hotel
Landmark: The Tower of London crowning more London history with its infamous dungeons and beheadings of the past, was first built it 1070s. It was actually a palace and home to the Crown Jewels. It was also and more famously used as a prison, with the last prisoner held in the second world war – the deputy of the Nazi party. The last execution was also during the war that of a Nazi spy! Since then it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
Rooftop: Cloud M is a secret treasure of a rooftop bar with sensational views. Not as popular as many as you can’t actually sit outside – just stand and pose! For full details click here.
Tower Bridge
Where’s the rooftop? Savage Garden on top of the Hilton at Tower Hill.
Landmark: Tower bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge!) opened almost 800 years after the Tower of London as a much needed crossing for the Thames.
Rooftop: Savage Garden opened under the name of Sky Lounge over a decade ago and whilst it wasn’t rebuilt like many of our landmarks, it was rejuvenated to the wickedly wild rooftop bar we know today. It also has great Shard views. For full details click here.
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Where’s the rooftop? Mezemiso at the Hyatt Hotel on the Embankment.
Landmark: Big Ben isn’t actually called Big Ben! That’s its nickname. It’s actually called Elizabeth Tower (and before that the Clock Tower) The nickname is from the name Benjamin Hall who over saw the construction of Houses of Parliament and name is inscribed on the bell. The House of Parliament is actually a former Palace!
Rooftop: Mezemiso is a Lebanese rooftop restaurant with a small terrace and whilst the views aren’t in your face they are the only rooftop in London with them! For full details click here.
One Blackfriars (The Boomerang)
Where’s the rooftop? Seabird at The Hoxton Hotel, Southwark
Landmark: Nicknamed ‘the Boomerang’ for its shape, One Blackfriars is a lesser known landmark. Partly because it is a residential building. It was meant to have a public viewing gallery but plans changed. So you can’t access its views unless a resident.
Rooftop Bar: Seabird landed in London back in 2019 and has been serving some of the most fantastic seafood and views ever since. It also has a sister rooftop in Brussels! For full details click here.
Television Centre
Where’s the rooftop? The Broadcaster, at TVC
Landmark: Television Centre known as ‘TVC’ or ‘BBC TVC’ was the base of the BBC for 53 years until it was sadly sold. It was home to some of the UKs most iconic TV from The Two Ronnie’s to Strictly Come Dancing. (Both of which I worked on in my TV days!) Whilst the studios are retained and now used by many TV companies including ITVs This Morning, the rest is flats, Soho House (with a rooftop!) and restaurants.
Rooftop Bar: The Broadcaster was new in 2022 offering guests the chance to almost touch history and if you are really lucky you never know who might have finished filming and be enjoying some alfresco drinks! For full details click here.
20 Fenchurch (The Walkie Talkie)
Where’s the rooftop? Wagtail at the end of London Bridge at Monument.
Landmark: 20 Fenchurch Street, named as such because yes it’s at that address, arrived into our lives in 2014. Fondly referred to as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building due to its shape, it is home to the famous Sky Gardens. It’s often claimed to be a rooftop garden and bar but as it’s enclosed is not. In fact during Covid they were so convinced they reopened when outdoor dining was allowed. They quickly had to close again as it is actually enclosed and were breaking the guidelines!
Rooftop Bar: Wagtail is one of London’s newest and most impressive rooftop bars. If you are short on time and need to see as many landmarks as possible, whilst not rushing your rose, then this rooftop bar covers St Paul’s, The Shard, The City, London Bridge. And of course… the Walkie Talkie. For full details click here.
Hyde Park
Where’s the rooftop? The Dorchester Hotel, Park lane
Landmark: Hyde Park was originally a Royal hunting space that didn’t become open to the public until 1637. From duels, to demonstrations to Winter wonderland! This park has seen a lot of drama!
Rooftop: The rooftop at the infamous Dorchester Hotel was first opened 2021 to help manage the need for al fresco dining. It has become a hit and miss summer and even once a winter rooftop! For full details click here.
Somerset House
Where’s the rooftop? ME Radio Rooftop, at The Strand.
Landmark: The original Somerset house was once home to the Queen of England as a royal palace. The building we have today was a replacement and been in use since 1801. Today is is home to offices, exhibitions, summer open air concerts and at Christmas the ice rink!
Rooftop Bar: ME Radio Rooftop Bar is one of London’s most popular boujee rooftops. With sensational views over London it also stands towering over Somerset House. For full details click here.
St James Palace (Buckingham Palace & Westminster Abbey)
Where’s the rooftop? Sadly we don’t have a rooftop bar with views of Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. What I do have is St James Café in James park. It has views of St James Palace and is in walking distance of both other landmarks.
Landmark: St James Palace was build on the site of a leper hospital in the 1530s. Since then many historic moment have taken place here from Queen Victoria’s marriage to the proclamation of the current King.
Rooftop: St James Café is from the Benugo group offering an indoor and outdoor café serving breakfast and lunch it makes for a great spot between landmark spotting! For full details click here.
Covent Garden – from the Royal Opera House
Where the rooftop? Piazza at the Royal Opera House
Landmark: The Royal Opera House despite it’s name is actually home to ballet and opera. Originally built in 1732 then again in 1808 after fires destroyed it. The building we see today was opened in 1858. Covent Garden however dates back to 1200 as just fields! In 1630 it was developed into the first public square.
Rooftop Bar: The Piazza, which means a public square, actually looks over this historic site. Go for drinks before a performance or if you just want a different vantage point to enjoy one of London’s most famous markets. For full details click here.
The 02
Where the rooftop? Sunborn, by the Excel.
Landmark: Formally known as the Millennium Dome, it was opened on 31st December 1999 as an experience for the public marking the turn of the year 2000. It closed a year later, over budget. The building was meant to be temporary but it was transformed into the entertainment hub we know it as today.
Rooftop Bar: Whilst technically not a rooftop bar as we know it, this floating hotel and bar offer fabulous views over this side of London since 201. For full details click here.