Explore the southern skyline of London, where rooftop bars stretching from Battersea to Peckham beckon, enticing you to venture across the river! From those nestled just over the water along the South Bank, boasting sweeping vistas of St Paul’s Cathedral across the River Thames, to some of London’s best party rooftops. Alternatively, bask in the laid-back ambiance of a neighbourhood pub rooftop. Whichever you choose, these rooftop bars guarantee an unforgettable experience beneath the vast open skies.
Auberge
Best for: 🍷🍽🥙🍕🥗
Nearest tube: Waterloo – 2 mins walk
Location: Round the corner from Waterloo station (map)
View: Not much – a little of the Shard
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2023
Booking available? Not for outside
Warm/dry weather only? Has heaters
Rooftop review: A cosy rooftop terrace inviting us to unwind after work and before the commute home! On top of the Auberge pub serving French inspired food, its perfect for meeting friends near Waterloo Station or looking for a relaxed spot for a final drink, this pub strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined.
Website: Click here
BFI Terrace
Best for: 🎥 🥂🍸
Nearest tube: Waterloo – 7 minutes
Location: On the Southbank at BFI (map)
View: Waterloo bridge and Southbank, the river Thames
Vibe: Arty!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes – a good venue for private hire
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes though it has an ecletic lounge vibe inside
Rooftop review roundup: The British Film Institute (BFI) is a staple of London’s cultural scene, and I’ve always loved their main bar and dining room, I’ve had many a night there! But this little rooftop treasure is perfect for those summer vibes. Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, this rooftop sits just above their main downstairs bar and is reminiscent of a less dramatic Sky Bar in Porto. If you want to soak up the Southbank buzz on a sunny day but prefer a calmer, quieter perch, this is your spot.
Website: Click here
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🍹🍸🥂
Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins walk
Location: Just off the high street (map)
View: The city – panoramic views
Vibe: Chilled tunes, fun times
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift Available? Yes a service lift BUT it is small: Measurements: 184cm Length / 83cm Width.
Children allowed? Yes – with an adult until 7pm
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? No – they have a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: Nestled in Peckham is Bussey Rooftop Bar – one of London’s most chilled and interesting rooftop bars. Found in the heart of the arty Copeland Park and on top of the Bussey building – this rooftop is worth the trek south and the views alone are worth those stairs! But what I love is their use of the space. One side always remains the bar, rustic quirky vibe and covered in winter. The other transforms to a rooftop cinema in summer and this winter 2025 an ice rink!
Website: Click here
Bussey Rooftop Cinema – summer only
Best for: 🎥 🥤 🍿 🍦 🥂🍹
Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins walk
Location: On the Bussey building (map)
View: The City and the film!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Snacks and we got a free ice cream
Booking available? Yes and advisable.
Smoking allowed? No (can next door)
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Lift available? Yes – advised to contact the venue for a wheelchair space if needed.
Children allowed? Yes until 5pm with an adult and to watch an age appropriate film
Warm/dry weather only? Yes – blankets provided but wrap up
Rooftop review roundup: Why settle for an ordinary trip to the movies when you can elevate your experience? Whilst it is weather dependant what a better way to watch a film than at a rooftop cinema surrounded by breathtaking views and a stunning sunset as the film starts. A magical night creating memories that linger long after the credits roll.
Website: Click here
CLF Art lounge & Roof Garden
NEW VENUE FOR 2025 – UPDATED PHOTOS COMING SOON
Best for: 🍸🍹
Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 10 minutes walk
Location: Summer 2025 CLF is moving to the old Skylight rooftop space (map)
View: N/a
Vibe: Arty, creative cool
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes – there’s a designated area
Last visited /photos taken: 2021
Warm/dry weather only? No – there’s a tin roof for the rainy days
Rooftop review roundup: This is a little gem of a rooftop so don’t let the stressed bouncer put you off. If you are looking for something less boujee and with character then this is for you. Speak easy bar vibes downstairs and a floral forest quirky rooftop bar on top! The tree top feel transports you far from Peckham train station below. Creative cocktails and kind staff await.
Website: Click here
Circe’s Rooftop Waterloo
Best for: 🍹🍸
Nearest tube: Waterloo 2 mins
Location: Opposite the station (map)
View: Shard and Boomerang building from one side
Vibe: Spirited
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes – out the back in a small terrace area
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Replacing the hugely popular Bar Elba, Circe’s promises to bring back the party vibe we had here. Named after the Greek goddess of potions and herbs, she channels her energy into crafted cocktails and saintly shots! The same great space with shared tables, but they have reduced them to make room for smaller groups and couples. With themed nights and bottomless brunches, this is your perfect temptation after work. Champagne or the train! Likewise, the location works well for rooftop rendezvous and revelry on the weekends.
Website: Click here
Cubana
Best for: 🍹🍸🍤🍝🥗
Nearest tube: Waterloo 5 mins
Location: On top of their restaurant (map)
View: Nada
Vibe: Young, fun… Cuban
Prosecco price: 🍾 – cava only… its all about the cocktails
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: 2025 update: The rooftop is now being used for over spill from downstairs seating or private hire. So no guarantee you will be sat upstairs. I would advice you to email them for the rooftop availability and it is worth asking as the cocktails are cheap! And its open late – this place is a vibe!
Website: Click here
And Then Tooting
(Formally The Corin)
Best for: 🍹🥂
Nearest tube: Tooting Broadway – 1 min walk
Location: Opposite the station, sandwiched between to buildings with a small entrance (map)
View: N/A
Vibe: Fun in the sun
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes but limited – small plates
Booking available? Yes
Children allowed? No. Over 2
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2023 (2025 Update new management same space)
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Taken over from The Corin Rooftop, this newly named and managed rooftop is bringing affordable drinks and vibes to south London. I haven’t been back yet but leaving these photos up as they still show the space.
Website: Click here
Forza Win – Southbank
Best for: 🥂🍷🍾
Nearest tube: Waterloo – 8 mins walk
Location: At the National Theatre (map)
View: The Thames & southbank
Vibe: Thespian, after work catch ups.
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾 – no added addittives!
Food available? Yes ‘Italtian – ish’
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the terrace
Rooftop review roundup: Technically not a rooftop, but it scrapes in it has most of the right ingredients! Set across two terraces at the National Theatre, this is a great spot for pre- or post-theatre drinks. If it’s a hot day, I’d recommend booking it gets packed, especially around 5pm. Just FYI for fellow fryers, the terrace is mainly in the sun with limited shade. But it’s a great little escape from the Southbank crowds, with a wine list sourced from distributors that avoid additives and they even make their own limoncello in-house. Yes please!
Website: Click here
Forza Wine – Peckham
Best for: 🍽🍸🍹🍻🍷
Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins walk
Location: On top of the Market Place building – out the station through the passage way ahead, right then cross the road and left down Rye Lane then a few feet on the right… you go up in the lift not the stairs! (note there is another Forza Win on the other side of the building that’s not a rooftop) (map)
View: The whole of London – even the millennium dome in the distance
Vibe: Chilled yet classy
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Big Snacks – good enough for a small meal
Booking available? Yes 4 people minimum
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? Yes and no. Currently they have no cover outside but watch this space! However they do have seating inside should it be cold and rainy.
Rooftop review roundup: Opened in 2019 as an extension of their already successful restaurant a few 100 yards away. This bench sharing tables, good tunes and vibes is as you’d expect from Peckham but this one has a little more shine & polish than some of it’s rooftop bar neighbours. So pop along for amazing views and vino.
Website: Click here
Franks Café – summer only
Best for: 🥂🍽🍺
Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 3 mins walk
Location: On top of a car park (map)
View: The city
Vibe: Sunday afternoon chilling
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No – I usually always get a seat though as it’s big!
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift available? Yes but on request
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: Available exclusively during the summer months, the iconic Peckham rooftop has been a beloved fixture since its inception in 2009. Renowned for its signature pink staircase and many flights of stairs to climb! But it is worth the climb. With sweeping views extending all the way to the city skyline, this rooftop oasis offers the perfect setting for chilled gatherings.
Website: Click here
Joia Rooftop Bar and Pool
Best for: 🍸🥂🏊♂️
Nearest Tube: Battersea Power Station 🚶♀️ 2 mins
Location: On top of the Art’ Otel Hotel at Battersea Power Station (map)
View: London skyline (in the distance)
Vibe: Chill and tunes
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes small plates
Booking available? No walk in only
Lift available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? No part is covered
Rooftop review roundup: Joia, meaning jewel, really is gem in south London’s rooftop bar crown! Boasting views over Battersea Street and beyond. There is a rooftop restaurant and bar on the floor below the actual rooftop which is needed as the rooftop bar is only open from Spring. However when it is this is a rare opportunity to dip in a rooftop pool in London, if staying at the hotel. There are only a few sun-beds so you’d need to be quick in the morning, if you were wanting a proper pool day! The views are reserved for the pool area but there’s no restrictions for popping up for that perfect poolside pic if visiting for drinks. And if you are then you can enjoy the rest of the Lisbon inspired rooftop – that transports you to all the holiday feels. For more on this and London rooftop news click here.
Website: Click here
London Bridge Rooftop bar
Best for: 🍾🍸🍻🍷🍔
Nearest tube: London Bridge -1 min walk
Location: On top of the Colechurch House building at the end of the bridge (map)
View: Shard, St Paul’s, London eye
Vibe: Tunes and chill
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – burgers etc
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? No and get ready for a stair work out!
Children allowed? No. Over 18 only
Smoking allowed? No
Dress code and a sense of humour: “No dress codes. Wear what shoes you like, though socks with sliders will be frowned upon.”
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: London Bride Rooftop is the perfect balance of chilled tunes, reasonably priced booze and impressive London views. Every visit the staff are flawless in their pursuit to ensure guests had a good time. Even on my first visit when they opened running around in the rain, soaked through, seeing how they could keep us dry! My last visit was November 2025 to launch their winter make over… super snug and warm with mulled wine, winter spiced Negroni and the snowball is back! I know I will be too! And to top it off, amazing views of the shard that towers over this rooftop (That was only meant to stay one season – so glad it got comfy here!)
Website: Click here
The Loft
Best for: 🍽🍹🍷🥂☕️
Nearest tube: Wimbledon – 3 mins walk
Location: On top of the Alexandra Pub (map)
View: Buildings
Vibe: Pub, chilled, fun
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: A colourful eclectic rustic rooftop terrace in the heart of the town known for tennis!. There is a little rooftop terrace strip that overlooks the main street and then a bigger terrace area to relax on. Coupled with heaters and hearty roasts this is the perfect pub rooftop for those who like friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Website: Click here
Pergola Brixton (formally Lost in Brixton)
Best for: 🍸🍾🥂🍷🥃🍻
Nearest tube: Brixton – 2 mins walk
Location: Through the market (note there’s more than one market in Brixton so follow the address not market signs) and at the back the entrance is next to ‘Artisan stories’ shop. (map)
View: None
Vibe: Chillax
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – in carry take away bag you can eat in or take with you on your way.
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes until 5pm on Friday and Saturdays when it is then over 18’s
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (2024 update – name change to Pergola Brixton)
Warm/dry weather only? No they retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: You would not feel like you are in south London but a beach club somewhere fabulous – an oasis of floral fun. Smaller in size than anticipated but still a great space for a rooftop bar. The decorative foliage made up for the lack of views. Staff couldn’t be more helpful and the music added to the summer vibes that this place oozes.
Website: Click here
Mezemiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Best for: 🍽🍷🥂
Nearest tube: Vauxhall – 9 min walk or from Lambeth North – 15 min
Location: On the Hyatt Regency Hotel (map)
View: The river, House of Parliament and Big Ben
Vibe: Classy
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes – get your phone ready!
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Opened early 2019 and a much needed addition to the area. The only rooftop bar and restaurant with views over to Parliament and Big Ben. The terrace is small with just a few tables with a handful of tables – but have heaters and blankets. It is now (2024) a shisha terrace but you can just have a drink and it does have a roof but I am allowing it for the open sides and its unique vantage point. The indoor restaurant and bar is boujee and decadent with floor to ceiling windows.
Website: Click here
Midnight Apothecary – spring/summer only
Best for: 🍸🍹🧉🍺
Nearest tube: Canada Water 🚶🏻♂️ 8 mins
Location: Brunel Museum (map)
View: The sky!
Vibe: Cosy
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – snacks & burgers
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: The teeniest rooftop garden set above the Thames tunnel – the first tunnel in the world under a navigable river where they grow all their own herbs for their cocktails and locally brewed beer. Little toad stools to perch on & fire pits to toast marshmallows and the finest crafted cocktails – it’s like camping with a butler for a few hours. And knowing the profits are for the museum means you can justify a few!
Website: Click here
No 32 The Old Town
Best for: 🍻🍽🍷
Nearest tube: Clapham Common – 4 mins walk
Location: On the pub of the same name! (map)
View: Clapham – not much!
Vibe: Gastro pub
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No
Lift available? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Clapham Common cutest and only rooftop pub terrace. Blankets provided while you drink your bubbles in winter and sun shade umbrellas in the summer. Perfect place to spend lazy weekends whatever the season.
Website: Click here
Oxo Tower
Best for: 🍽🥂🍹🍸
Nearest tube: Blackfriars – 10 mins walk or from Waterloo – 11 mins
Location: Above the Oxo Tower Building (map)
View: St Paul’s, the river & the city
Vibe: Sexy, smart yet relaxed
Prosecco price: No Prosecco – just the original 🥂 at 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes and recommended
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the terrace but they have floor to ceiling windows should you need to move inside or it’s winter!
Rooftop review roundup: This rooftop bar and restaurant holds a special place in my heart – it was my very first in London! For over 20 years, it’s been a steadfast favourite of mine, though the competition in London’s rooftop scene has certainly grown since then. Nevertheless, it remains a timeless classic. Offering iconic, sweeping views of London, along with good albeit slightly pricey food, thee loveliest of staff, and the convenience of an indoor space to retreat to if the weather turns sour, it checks all the boxes. One thing to keep in mind is that, being mostly shaded, it tends to be cooler and windier than expected. Perfect for a balmy summer day, but I’d advise bringing along a cardigan or light jacket, just in case. And as they even serve their own champagne – so worst case scenario, you’ll have your very own “champagne jacket”!
Website: Click here
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Best for: 🥂🍹🍺☕️
Nearest tube: Waterloo – 5 mins
Location: Above the Southbank Centre – follow the yellow stairs (map)
View: Waterloo bridge, Somerset House, St Paul’s, London eye.
Vibe: By day coffee meet ups and chats, by night after work drinks.
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No
Lift available? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes! No cover. Summer opening only.
Rooftop review roundup: Perched above the Queen Elizabeth building, the rooftop was unveiled in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. Adorned with 200 native plants, this space transforms into a serene garden oasis, offering respite from the hustle and bustle below… until the warmth of summer evenings draws crowds, often resulting in after-work queues so arrive early if standing isn’t for you! Ideal for soaking up sunshine on lazy afternoons while relishing uninterrupted views of the River Thames and the iconic London Eye.
Seabird
Best for: 🍽 🍤🍣🥂🐠🐟
Nearest tube: Southwark – 3 mins walk or from Waterloo – 8 mins
Location: 14th floor on top of the Hoxton hotel (map)
View: The shard, the city
Vibe: Lively
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – seafood including the longest oyster list in London!
Booking available? Not on the terrace
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Yes and no. If its raining you can risk it but it is hit and miss.
Rooftop review roundup: Some rooftop bars just take your breath away when you walk out on to them. Seabird is one of those. Its stunning design transports you to holiday vibes with palm tress, alfresco feel and all set with a stunning back drop of the city sky scrapers. And if you love seafood then you are in for a treat with the largest oyster bar just inside. Definitely a rooftop you won’t want to miss – especially in the summer.
Website: Click here
Waterloo Sky Bar
Best for: 🍹🍸🍷🥂
Nearest tube: Lambeth North – 6 mins walk or from Waterloo – 9 mins
Location: On top of the H10 Hotel (map)
View: London Eye, Shard and general London roofs.
Vibe: Quiet. Good for a drink. Good to take parents to. No tunes.
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes though we went just for drinks
Booking needed? No
Lift available? Yes
Warm/ dry weather only? Yes
Visited / photos taken: 2018
Rooftop review: A hidden gem among London’s skyline, this rooftop bar remains a well-kept secret, tucked away from the city centre. Despite its slightly more distant location, just a brief 10-minute journey from Waterloo Station, it unveils itself as a stunning oasis waiting to be discovered. There has been some uncertainty regarding its accessibility to the public in the past, but it welcomes all seeking a tranquil escape! So head over to enjoy an afternoon elevated above the city, relishing enchanting views of the London Eye in the distance.
Website: Click here
12th Knot – Sea Containers
Best for: 🍹🍸🍷🥂
Nearest tube: Blackfriars – 8 mins walk or Waterloo – 11 mins walk
Location: On top of Sea Containers at Southbank (map)
View: St Paul’s & The Thames
Vibe: Boujee and fun
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾 (no actual Prosecco)
Food available: Menu has grazing and sharing light bites
Booking needed? No but advisable for inside
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No. Over 18 only.
Warm/dry weather only No – there is an inside with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the view in the warm.
Last visited / photos taken: 2023
Rooftop review: Set above Sea Containers this fabulous rooftop offers a retreat from the everyday. Walk in’s welcome though on the weekend it is advisable to book. You are greeted by the indoor rooftop bar, where plush furnishings create an ambiance of indulgence. A floor to ceiling window protects you from the rain and wind but not the views. But to truly appreciate them the terrace beckons with your bubbles. It boasts views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the serene River Thames. Space is limited and can’t be booked outside so get there early or keep your eyes peeled for a spot! (Note the terrace closes at 10pm but the bubbles keep flowing in the bar!)
Website: Click here
601 Queens Road
Best for: 🥂🍷🍽☕️
Nearest tube: Wimbledon – 1 min walk
Location: Right by the tube and shopping centre. (map)
View: Not much.
Vibe: Classy, chilled, brunch & dates
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes – but not for outside
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes – there’s also a children food menu
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: This gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant is brought to us from the same company behind No 32 pub and its a true gem. Despite being just one floor up, it embodies all the essence of a rooftop bar. The indoor area is equally inviting with its bright and airy atmosphere which is good as it can be booked unlike the terrace. Heading to see the tennis then this rooftop makes for an excellent pre or post-match champagne stop!
Website: Click here
