South of the River

1. 12TH KNOT

Best for: 🍹🍸🍷🥂

Nearest tube: Blackfriars – 8 mins 🚶‍♀️or Southwark – 8 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️or Waterloo – 11 mins🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Location: In the Mondrain Hotel Sea Containers building.

View: St Paul’s & The Thames

Dress code: Smart/ casual or dress it up as it’s a sexy, classy venue!👠👗👔

Vibe: A mixed crowd but mainly a fun bustling atmosphere

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾 (no actual Prosecco – sparking wine tho and gorgeous cocktails!)

Food available: Menu has grazing and sharing light bites

Booking needed? No but advisable

Warm/dry weather only? Technically yes but the terrace would still be ok for nipping out on to and if the weather isn’t great the terrace has floor to ceiling glass windows so you can sip your champers on a sofa, in the warm (and dry) but still with a view!

Last visited / photos taken: 2019

Rooftop review: The rooftop terrace is just that – more a terrace to pop out onto for some nice photos, taking in the view. If you are lucky enough to bag a seat then perfect but it’s very small and quite cramped but worth it for the view! It’s often a place I wind up at for a post lunch treat drink on a weekend.

Address: 2th floor of Sea Containers, Mondrain Hotel, 20 Upper Ground, Southbank, SE1 9PD

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: 270 in Valencia

2. 601 Queens Road

Best for: 🥂🍷🍽☕️

Nearest tube: Wimbledon – 1 min 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Location: Right by the tube and shopping Center.

View: Sky! Buildings

Dress code: Smart casual 👕👚👖

Vibe: Classy, chilled, brunch & dates

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Yes

Booking available? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2018

Warm/dry weather only? No

Rooftop review roundup: Gorgeous airy restaurant with a lovely pretty terrace. Great food and modern feel.

Address: 601 Queens Rd
Centre Court Shopping Centre
No 4 Queens road
Wimbledon, SW19 8YA

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: The Boundary Project in Hackney

3. Auberge

Best for: 🍷🍽🥙🍕🥗

Nearest tube: Waterloo – 2 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Location: Round the corner from Waterloo station

View: Not much – a little of the Shard but mainly happy to be outside near Waterloo

Dress code: Anything – it’s a pub 👚👖👕 / after work geer also!

Vibe: Chill

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Yes

Booking available? Yes advisable but not needed

Last visited / photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? Has heaters

Rooftop review: Quite little English vibe pub with a terrace.

Not the swanky wanky vibe at all. Very chill, good food and the rooftop is low key and fun! Perfect for meets near Waterloo or a last drink before heading home!

Address: 1 Sandell Street, Lambeth, SE1 8UH

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Grand Central in Brighton

4. Bar Elba

Best for: 🥂🍻🍷🍸🍹🍺🍔

Nearest tube: Waterloo – 2 min walk 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Location: A few minutes from Waterloo – Old Vic theatre way.

View: Not much

Dress code: Casual or dress up if you fancy 👖👚👕👗

Vibe: Young, fun, party 🥳

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Yes – snacks, chips etc

Booking available? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? No – has a retractable roof and heaters

Rooftop review roundup: Once you have climbed the many many many stairs (painted with fun insta worthy quotes about the bar’s heritage) Its a great fun young vibe, lots of groups of friends, great location if needing southern overland train home after work!

Address: Mercury House
109-117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Golden Bee in Old Street

5. Bussey Rooftop Bar

Best for: 🍹🍸🥂

Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️

Location: Just off the high street

View: The city

Dress code: Whatever you fancy! 👗👔👖👕👚

Vibe: Chilled tunes, fun times

Prosecco price: 🍾

Food available? Yes – snacks

Booking available? No

Smoking allowed? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? No – they have a retractable roof

Rooftop review roundup: Gorgeous pretty insta worthy rooftop. Staff super friendly, great different spaces to sit and they have a cinema next door (see below for more)

Address: Roof B Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Upper 5th in Shoreditch

6. Bussey rooftop cinema

Best for: 🎥 🥤 🍿 🍦 🥂🍹

Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️

Location: On the Bussey building

View: The City (and the film 😉)

Dress code: Casual – blankets provided but bring layers

Vibe: 🤓

Prosecco price: 🍾

Food available? Snacks and we got a free ice cream 😋

Booking available? Yes though we didn’t as were in the bar next door and spontaneously went as there were seats still available to book there and then

Smoking allowed? No (can next door)

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? Yes

Rooftop review roundup: If you going to the movies then why not make it special and see a fab film with fab views watching the sun set beside you. Perfect night!

Address: Roof B, Bussey building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Queen of Hoxton that also does cinema screenings (tho I’ve not been to that one other than drinks)

7. Forza Win

Best for: 🍽🍸🍹🍻🍷

Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 2 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️

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)

View: The whole of London – literally the share even the millennium dome!

Dress code: Casual

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: Brand spanking new this extension of their already successful resturant 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.

Address: Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Culpeper in the city

8. Franks cafe

Best for: 🥂🍽🍺

Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 3 mins 🚶‍♀️

Location: On top of a car park

View: The city

Dress code: Casual

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

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? Yes

Rooftop review roundup: Summer only – the original Peckham rooftop open for over a decade. Insta worthy pink stair case and many flights of stairs to climb but worth it to come and chill with a group of friends. Suits all types tho disclaimer they do serve drinks in plastic cups 🙅‍♀️ (as do many rooftops for health and safety reasons but they provide plastic flutes or wine glasses, a little remiss for the princesses out there but if it doesn’t bother you then probably perfect place for you!

Address: Bold Tendencies, 7-10 floor multistory, 95a Rue Lane, SE15 4ST

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like:Topo in Lisbon

9. Mezemiso

Best for: 🍽🍷🥂

Nearest tube: Vauxhall – 9 min 🚶🏻‍♂️or Lambeth North – 15 min 🚶‍♀️

Location: In the Crown Plaza Embankment hotel.

View: The river, House of Parliament

Dress code: Smart Casual up! 👕👗👔👖

Vibe: Classy

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾

Food available? Yes

Booking available? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? No

Rooftop review roundup: Opened early 2019 and a much needed addition to the area. Quite small inside so intimate with stunning views and mostly covered indoors. The actual outdoor terrace is small with a handful of tables – but have heaters and blankets. Makes for a perfect mix of all round weather safe place!

Address: Crowne Plaza London, 10-11 Albert Embankment, SE1 7SP

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Smith’s of Smithfield in Farringdon

10. No 32 The Old Town

Best for: 🍻🍽🍷

Nearest tube: Clapham Common – 4 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Location: By a little green

View: Clapham – not much!

Dress code: Casual 👖👚👕

Vibe: Gastro pub

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Yes

Booking available? No

Last visited /photos taken: 2018

Warm/dry weather only? No

Rooftop review roundup: A cute little terrace, perfect for a lazy Sunday. We went in the winter and was heaters though we decided to eat inside. Staff were brilliantly helpful.

Address: No 32 The Old Town,
32 The Pavement, SW4 0JE

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Grand Central in Brighton

11. Oxo Tower

Best for: 🍽🥂🍹🍸

Nearest tube: Blackfriars – 10 mins 🚶‍♀️Waterloo – 11 mins🚶🏻‍♂️

Location: Above the Oxo Tower building

View: St Paul’s, the river & the City

Dress code: Smart Casual – dress up a bit! 👗👔 (and take a cardy!)

Vibe: Bustling restaurant yet really relaxed. A complete mix of ages and people.

Prosecco price: No Prosecco – just the original 🥂 at 🍾🍾🍾

Food available? Yes – the reason to come!

Booking available? Yes and recommended

Smoking allowed? No

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

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 was my first! Been a firm favourite for over 20 years! Though since then the rooftop competition in London has grown but it remains a classic. With iconic sweeping London views, good food (if a little pricey), lovely friendly staff and an indoor to dash into if the weather lets you down! One point to note is as it is mostly in the shade and a rooftop it is cooler than you would expect. Perfect on a barmy summer day but usually in the summer I would recommend a cardy or even light jacket, they even do their own champagne so worse case a champagne jacket! 😉

Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge St, SE1 9PH

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: The Mercer Rooftop Terrace over the river

12. Peckham Rye Society

Best for: 🍺🍷🍹🍺🍷🍹🍺🍷

Nearest tube: Peckham Rye – 3 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️

Location: Out the station through the passage way ahead, turn right then cross the road and left down Rye Lane and follow the passage way all the way to the end where you will see the sign at the end of the Bussey building

View: South London!

Dress code: Uber casual 👟👖

Vibe: Fun and chill depending!

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? All vegan

Booking available? Yes

Smoking allowed? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? It is weather permitting! So if it’s raining in the day it won’t be open in the evening and isn’t open for winter… yet! Plans are for 2020!

Rooftop review roundup: Like a pretty beer garden but on a rooftop. Capacity is 250 with lots of benches and then standing room when it gets party vibe on.

Address: Roof D, Bussey Building, Rue Lane, SE15 4ST

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Dalston Roof Park

13. Prince of Wales (POW)

Best for: 🍹🍸💃👯‍♀️🕺🏼

Nearest tube: Brixton – 2 mins 🚶‍♀️

Location: On the corner of the main street

View: Nothing much

Dress code: 😎 trendy

Vibe: Party

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Snacks

Booking available? Yes for certain nights – and would be needed.

Smoking allowed? Yes

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? Yes

Rooftop review roundup: A two tier terrace with several bars dotted around, lacking in seating and what they did have was mostly reserved. I went on a ticketed night so they were expecting huge number of people for standing room only. DJs and party vibe – we arrived when it opened (to get a seat! Doh) so was lacking in any vibe as still too early. Am sure would have been a fun young crowd dancing the night away.

Address: 467-469 Brixton Road, SW9 8HH

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch

14. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

Best for: 🥂🍹🍺☕️

Nearest tube: Waterloo – 5 mins 🚶‍♀️

Location: Above the Southbank Center – follow the yellow stairs💛

View: Waterloo bridge, Somerset House, St Paul’s, London eye.

Dress code: Casual 👚👖👕

Vibe: By day coffee meet ups and chats, by night after work drinks.

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾

Food available? Yes

Booking available? No

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? Yes! No cover. Summer opening only.

Rooftop review roundup: Gorgeous Gardens providing an oasis of calm from the bustle below… open all day and night. Perfect for all ages… till summer nights hit then there’s often an after work queue – so get there early. Perfect for a sunny afternoon. ☀️

Address: Southbank Centre, Belverdere Road, SE1 8XX

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: St James Cafe in central London

15. Seabird

Best for: 🍽 🍤🍣🥂🐠🐟

Nearest tube: Southwark – 3 mins 🚶‍♀️Waterloo – 8 mins🚶🏻‍♂️Blackfriars – 10 mins 🚶‍♀️

Location: 14th floor on top of the newly opened Hoxton hotel

View: The shard, the city,

Dress code: Smart Casual

Vibe: Lounge piano music

Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾

Food available? Yes – seafood including the longest oyster list in London!

Booking available? Not on the terrace but inside yes!

Smoking allowed? Again on the terrace, yes.

Last visited /photos taken: 2019

Warm/dry weather only? No… but as they are very new they aren’t quite equipped for the wind and cold. The heaters are being reviewed! BUT the roof can be covered to protect from rain but the windows are real… with no glass, so wrap up it is worth it!

Rooftop review roundup: A gorgeous rooftop, with its own named lift! 2/3rds it is an indoor restaurant with a raw bar… yes that’s right, a raw fish bar! The views are available in or outside…

Address: 40 Blackfriars Rod, SE1 8PB

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: Soho House white city in West London

16. SKY BAR

Best for: 🍹🍸🍷🥂

Nearest tube: Lambeth North – 6 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️or Waterloo – 9 mins 🚶‍♀️

Location: On top of the H10 Hotel

View: London Eye, Shard and general London roofs.

Dress code: Anything went! We went in dresses 👗👖👚👕👠👡

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

Warm/ dry weather only? Yes

Visited / photos taken: 2018

Rooftop review: Great table service which considering it’s a small terrace was a bonus when you want to laze in the sun! Recommended as post shopping/ sightseeing pit stop or post dinner nightcap to take in the view.

*** Due to COVID-19 this rooftop will open but will only be available for guests of the hotel until further notice ***

Address: H10 Hotel, 284 – 302 Waterloo Road, SE1 8RQ

Website: Click here

Rooftop extra tip: If you like this rooftop then you might also like: De Robertis in Malta

17. The Loft

Best for: 🍽🍹🍷🥂☕️

Nearest tube: Wimbledon – 3 mins 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️

View: Buildings

Dress code: Casual 👖👕👚

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: Cute little terrace a rooftop indoor area to keep warm tho they do have heaters too. Lovely warm fuzzy feeling! Imagine fun in the summer!

Address: The Alexandra Pub, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE

Website: Click here