With 2 million people expected to descend on Notting Hill for the Carnival on the August Bank Holiday weekend, being able to watch the party from above would be ideal for someone like me who suffers with overwhelm in crowds. Sadly, there are no rooftop bars in Notting Hill where you can watch the parade from.
There are however some Carnival rooftop parties and rooftop bars near Notting Hill if you are coming to London and fancy some fun close by but in a calmer setting! Especially as 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1966. So here’s your rooftop guide to Notting Hill Carnival from a rooftop so you can shine bright like a diamond!
Contents for Carnival
Rooftop Bars closest to Notting Hill Carnival
I will first caveat that Gold Restaurant in Notting Hill does have a rooftop terrace. However, you can’t book it as a rooftop bar, and I have been caught out before when the terrace has been pre-booked for private hire. More importantly, it isn’t somewhere you can perch with a drink and watch the Carnival parade below. It is a stunning restaurant if you are looking for something more glamorous than street food while at the Carnival but rooftop bar it is not.
Skylark Rooftop Garden
Where’s the rooftop? Skylark Rooftop Garden is around 20 minute tube from Ladbroke Grove to Paddington or about a 30 minute walk from Portobello Road
Notting Hill Carnival Weekend: Skylark Rooftop Garden is open all 3 days from 2pm. They are not doing a carnival event but they have their summer escape to Greece theme ‘PRIMADONNA – The Main Character’. Ideal if needing something different this weekend or just a rest from the chaos of the carnival.
Read my review about Skylark Rooftop Garden or book directly
The Broadcaster
Where’s the rooftop? The Broadcaster is a around 15-minute by tube from Ladbroke Grove to White City or about a 30-minute walk from Portobello Road. Opposite Westfield White City
Notting Hill Carnival weekend: The Broadcaster is hosting a 2-day party ‘The Carnival Rooftop Old School Rooftop Party’ on Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st August 12 – 10 pm. Be warned NOT to head to this rooftop without a ticket as the event is sold out and there will be no walk in’s. Your best bet would be to contact the rooftop or the event organisers: needaplacetogo@gmail.com to see if there are any returns.
However at the time of this article being published there is still plenty of availability to kick off your carnival fun with a rooftop lunch or maybe just drinks on their rooftop on Saturday 29th with view over the iconic Television Centre – that I once worked at and so this is a rooftop favourite of mine for nostalgia! And if a TV programme is being recorded that day who knows who you might spot!
Read my review about The Broadcaster or book directly
Ce La Vi
Where’s the rooftop? Ce La Vi is around 20 minute by tube from Ladbroke Grove to Paddington or about a 30 minute walk from Portobello Road. (If you are coming in to Paddington main station I love the fact you literally get off your train and glide up the escalators to this rooftop!)
Notting Hill Carnival Weekend: Ce La Vi – the highest rooftop in London is operating as normal over the bank holiday weekend. With their Saturday Sky High Brunch and Monday Golden Hour cocktail deals.
Read my full review about Ce La Vi or book directly
Rooftop bars hosting Carnival Parties 2026
Don’t fancy risking the hordes of humans for a rooftop near the carnival? ThenI have 2 rooftop parties happening in London that couldn’t be further away!
Bubba Oasis
Where’s the rooftop? Bubba Oasis is a 10 minute walk from Islington station
Pre Carnival Rooftop Party at Bubba Oasis, yes that’s right you can go to the carnival AND get warmed up the weekend before! 12-4pm on Sunday 23rd August followed by pre-carnival Rooftop fete into the evening.
Notting Hill Carnival Weekend: Bubba Oasis will have a rooftop soundtrack on Sunday 30th August of Afro Caribbean, Desi Edits, Amapiano and global sounds to celebrate the 60 years.
Read my full review of Bubba Oasis or book direct
LSQ Rooftop
Where’s the rooftop? LSQ Rooftop is above Indigo Hotel smack bang in Leicester Square
Notting Hill Carnival Weekend: LSQ Rooftop are hosting a ‘Rum & Raula Bank Holiday Special Carnival In The Sky’ on Sunday August 30th. Over 23 only. 4pm – 10pm (last entry at 5.30pm) This is a great one for tourists who don’t fancy trecking over west while it is so busy but want a taste of the carnival vibe!
Read my full review of LSQ Rooftop or book direct
The Brixton Carnival Rooftop Party
Where’s the rooftop? International House – not usually a rooftop bar. Next door to Birds Next Rooftop Cafe & Saunas.
Notting Hill Carnival Weekend: ‘Just Vibez’ are bringing the carnival to this pop up rooftop on Saturday 29th August , 6pm 1am and free rum punch until 8pm!
For more information see Eventbright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a rooftop bar overlooking Notting Hill Carnival?
No. There isn’t currently a rooftop bar overlooking the main Notting Hill Carnival parade route. While there are rooftop terraces and bars within reach of the Carnival, none a view directly over the parade.
Can you see Notting Hill Carnival from above?
Not from a public rooftop bar, unfortunately. If you want to enjoy the Carnival atmosphere from above, your best option is one of the rooftop parties taking place elsewhere in London.
What are the closest rooftop bars to Notting Hill Carnival?
The closest rooftop options I’ve found are Skylark Rooftop Garden, The Broadcaster and Ce La Vie. None overlooks the Carnival itself, but all are within reasonable reach if you want somewhere to escape to for a drink, lunch or rooftop experience during the Carnival weekend.
Are there rooftop parties for Notting Hill Carnival?
Yes! While there isn’t a rooftop bar overlooking the Carnival, several London rooftops are hosting Carnival-themed parties over the August Bank Holiday weekend. I’ve included Bubba Oasis and LSQ Rooftop above and Broadcaster (although it is sold out – one to watch for next year!)
