When the weather puts a damper on rooftop bar plans, and you’re craving a culinary feast or craft cocktail right in the heart of London, look no further. Central London on a rainy day is no fun, but fear not – I’ve got you covered with a selection of fantastic alternatives to rooftop bars that I personally swear by.
Galvin at Windows Bar
Nearest tube: Green Park / Hyde Park
Why is it so awesome: Located atop the Hilton Park Lane, it offers breathtaking views. Ideal for a pre-dinner special drink or a dinner experience when rooftop plans are thwarted by the weather.
Website: Click here
34 Mayfair Restaurant
Nearest tube: Bond Street
Why is it so awesome? A classic guaranteed for a special occasion; superb food, service and drinks. If the sun should reappear they do have a small outside terrace too.
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5th View Bar Cafe
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
Why is it so awesome: A must for rooftop bar & book lovers, located on the 5th Floor of Waterstones bookshop. Order some cake or a cocktail, pick up a book and head to the café bar to browse before you buy or catch up with friends in the dry and warm!
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Berners Tavern
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Why is it so awesome? A beautiful bar with a feeling of old luxury and decadence. Blow the budget and eat as this is Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s place. Or just perch at the bar for a cocktail and catch up after work.
Website: Click here
Blind as a Pig
Nearest tube: Oxford Street
Why is it so awesome? A secret speak easy bar in Soho, sat above Jason Atherton’s restaurant, Social Eating House where the cocktails are more than creative – the are a work of imaginative art.
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Dalloway Terrace Restaurant
Nearest Tube Tottenham Court Road
Why is it so awesome: Gorgeous little hideaway from the bustle of Tottenham Court Road at the Bloomsbury Hotel. Great for after work dinner catch ups or pre theatre drinks. It’s seasonal too and the terrace is open all year round with heaters.
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Disrepute Bar
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Why is it so awesome: Date night cocktails with a tale! Super sexy speak easy underground bar at Kingly Court for ‘libations, high jinks & late night liaisons’ It is where the Profumo affair allegedly began. Cocktails all have a story… so choose wisely!
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Harry’s Bar
Nearest tube: Bond Street
Why is it so awesome? This pudding! Every gram grid needs this and every belly too! The rest of the menu is pretty delicious too set in an old fashioned diner vibe.
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The Jones Family
Nearest tube: Victoria
Why it so awesome? Not quite wanting to venture up to dizzy heights of a rooftop then this place provides all the summer vibes, vino and the steak!
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Min Jiang Chinese Restaurant
Nearest tube: High Street Kensington
Why is it so awesome: Stunning views of Hyde Park. With white linen table cloths in the restaurant head for a more relaxed atmosphere in the bar. Refined and quiet with great Chinese food.
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The Nomad
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
Why’s it so awesome: One of the insta famed restaurants for its sleek design, foliage and high bright ceilings making for a perfect grid photo. But it is not style over substance – the service is outstanding and thoughtful. (Menu is very limited and pricey to do check before you go if there’s something for you)
Website: click here
Sexy Fish
Nearest tube: Green Park
Why is it so awesome: Boujee sushi spot in the heart of Mayfair. It’s the go-to spot for being seen, so dress to impress. Opinions can be polarized but if you love love this scene then this your place. I found it a great fun vibe for lunch so much so I was still at the bar when the after work crowd arrived.
Website: Click here
Sketch
Nearest tube: Oxford street
Why is it so awesome? The bathrooms and bars are Insta famous! The former are pink and fabulous with rainbow lighting – a bathroom selfie is standard. The bars are stunning and there’s even a game of hopscotch to play!
Website: Click here