London city and Shoreditch are home to some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in the capital for 2026. With their sensational views of London’s skyline, boujee vibes and creative cocktails it’s no wonder they have proven so popular. Some of my personal regular go to’s are this side of town. Here you will find all the rooftop bars for this area, so you just have to decide which is for you!
If you’re looking for a specific type of rooftop, explore my curated “Best Of” rooftop lists. From romantic rooftops to family friendly finds, budget friendly to the best London views. Each list helps you find the perfect rooftop for your mood or occasion – including when it rains. (As it is London!)
Angler Terrace
Best for: 🥂🍽🍸☕️
Nearest Tube: Moorgate – 3 mins 🚶🏻♂️or Liverpool Street – 5 mins 🚶♀️
Location: On top of the South Palace Hotel (map)
View: Offices / City
Vibe: Elegant
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾 (champers only)
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2021
Warm/dry weather only? No there is a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: This charming terrace sits adjacent to renowned Angler’s Michelin Restaurant. The food here focuses on serving sensational sustainable seafood. It serves as both an extension of the restaurant and a standalone bar. While it may lack expansive views, it exudes charm, sophistication, and an air of exclusivity, ensuring a delightful experience whatever your reason for visiting.
Website: Click here
Aviary
Best for: 🥂🍻🍷
Nearest tube: Moorgate – 5 mins 🚶♀️or Old Street – 7 mins
Location: On Finsbury Square Garden on top of the Montcalm Royal London Hotel (map)
View: The City
Vibe: Gorgeous and a bit boujee
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes until 6pm if accompanied by an adult
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? No but the restaurant is inside
Rooftop review roundup: Boasting breathtaking views of the city this rooftop bar is one of my personal favourites. Enjoy stunning sunsets whilst sipping on your champers all year. The bar isn’t weather proof but the restaurant is enclosed should the elements strike! Though it is worth noting there isn’t the same sensational view from the restaurant but you will be dry! In the winter, they know the weather is too risky so it transforms into a cosy winter terrace complete with incredible igloos.
Website: Click here
Boundary Project
Best for: 🍸🥂🍽🍷🥃
Nearest tube & train: Shoreditch high street train – 2 mins 🚶🏻♂️ or Old Street Tube – 11 mins 🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Boundary Hotel (map)
View: London sky line but not the wow views
Vibe: Chill & chic
Prosecco price: Just champers 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No over 18 only
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Yes though there are heaters in the winter and an indoor restaurant
Rooftop review roundup: If you are looking for a relaxed al fresco spot in Shoreditch then look no further. This rooftop bar is all about sofa’s, sunshine and champers! Whilst it doesn’t boast the views of some rooftop bars in the area it does provide peace away from noise below. A gorgeous gem.
Website: Click here
Box Park
Best for: 🍽🥂🍹🥃
Nearest tube: Shoreditch High Street – 2 minute walk
Location: Right by the station (map)
View: Shoreditch
Vibe: Hipster
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾 – varies
Food available? Yes – anything you want!
Booking available? For groups of 6 and over
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Partly
Rooftop review roundup: With over 20 food outlets this rooftop might just win the award for the most variety. Much like a food court just set on the first floor of Box Park. TV screen, DJs and a host of activities this is your affordable bench sharing rooftop right by Shoreditch High Street station – perfect on a summers day to prolong that commute or weekend destination for the less boujee rooftopers.
Website: Click here
Cloud M Rooftop Bar
Best for: 👩💻👨🏻💻🥂☕️
Nearest tube: Tower Hill – 1 min 🚶🏻♂️
Location: Above Citizen M hotel (map)
View: Now this is special – you have Tower Bridge,Tower of London, The Shard, The London Eye, The City and Savage Gardens rooftop! 😍
Vibe: City
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No, over 18 only
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the terrace
Rooftop review roundup: Set on top of a very smart hotel that’s ahead of the game in terms of customer service and experience. They also specialise in rooftops on their hotels. But for this rooftop wizz up to the clouds and an eclectic indoor bar awaits. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, relaxed seating areas you can enjoy unparalleled views of the Tower of London and the city skyline. Perfect for an afternoon meeting or sunset drinks. The outside terrace wraps round the bar for standing only with the odd bench but ideal for the for that perfect picture.
Website: Click here
Coq D’Argent
Best for: 🍽🥂🍹🥃
Nearest tube: Bank – mins 🚶♀️or Mansion House – 3 mins
Location: I always get lost but it’s a over a lot of offices, with its own elevator, tucked in a corner (map)
View: The city
Vibe: Boujee/ after work in the city
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – French
Booking available? For some parts
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Partly
Rooftop review roundup: At this upscale rooftop venue, you’ll find four distinct areas to explore. During the winter months, cozy snug areas beckon, while in the summer, inviting sofas await your leisure. While reservations are available for lunch tables, it’s worth noting that none of these spots offer the panoramic views that this rooftop is renowned for. These tables are situated within the Rooftop garden bar area, which operates on a walk-in basis only.
Website: Click here
The Culpeper Rooftop
Best for: 🍸🍷🍽🍾
Nearest tube: Aldgate East – 3 mins 🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Culpeper Pub (map)
View: The Gherkin and the city
Vibe: Super chill
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾 (
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes – encouraged. In winter it is first come for drinks.
Lift available? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2024 (the large cucumber was back in 2018 but deserves a place here!)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: The very reason for this pub being in this building was the rooftop! They believe in utilising the space not just for us to enjoy the views but to utilise the space to grow their own veg! 2025 saw a revamp to a woodland theme though I remember back in 2018 they had a summer mission to grow 13 different varieties of cucumber! One that grew to an impressive and talked about size!! It really is a rooftop garden oasis. But you don’t have to eat. This is a rooftop bar with some insane city views. My favourite aspect is their policy against standing on the roof. With only about 10 tables in this cosy space, having people stand over you would feel intrusive. During winter reservations aren’t accepted due to the weather which can be a gamble. Nonetheless, they offer a convenient service of notifying patrons when a table becomes available while you wait in their downstairs pub. (Which is also a great venue.) With fantastic food, breathtaking views, and impeccable service, this rooftop destination promises an unforgettable and unique experience.
Website: Click here
Florattica
Best for: 🍸🍹🥂🌸🌺
Nearest tube: Tower Hill or Aldgate 🚶♀️ 5 mins
Location: On top of the new Hilton Canopy Hotel (map)
View: The city
Vibe: Boujee
Prosecco price: Just the good stuff and 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes but heaters and blankets available if it’s cold and the bar is inside.
Rooftop review roundup: Just opened before the end of 2022 this rivals some of the best rooftop bars in the area. Famed for their city views, DJs tunes and boujee bubbly atmosphere this rooftop bar has joined the party in style! It brings a host of floral inspired cocktails and interior decorations plus gorgeous sunset views. This is one your insta feed needs!
Website: Click here
Jin Bo Law
Best for: 🍸🍹🥂🍷
Nearest Tube: Aldgate – 1 min 🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Location: 14th Floor of the Hotel Saint (map)
View: The city skyline
Vibe: Swanky but chill
Prosecco price: No actual prosecco but sparking wine 🍾🍾🍾 (and some awesome cocktails)
Food available? Snacks only
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No. Over 18 only
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? No the terrace area is a strip & limited but the good thing means like the others it has a inside that you can be warm, dry and still enjoy the views.
Rooftop review roundup: A firm favourite for the walk out and be wowed factor. Self described as ‘elegance, excitement, and an unforgettable experience’ they have achieved all that and more since their inception in 2016. Crafting creative cocktails such as ‘City Jingle’ and ‘WFH’ and even their mocktails are curated under the ‘hangover-free’ section. Both a testament to their thoughtful approach. Set to the backdrop of great tunes, it’s the kind of place that effortlessly evokes a sense of fabulousness. My only wish is that they opened an hour or so earlier during the week, but the wait is always worth it.
Website: Click here
Kaso Rooftop
(formally known as One Hundred Rooftop)
Best for: 🍹🥂🍽
Nearest tube: Liverpool St 🚶🏻♂️13 mins (or overground closer from Shoreditch High Street station)
Location: At the hotel named the same (map)
View: Shoreditch
Vibe: Fun & friendly
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No. Over 21s. (Except on the weekend for brunch between 12 – 3.30pm)
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Channelling California energy this rooftop is bringing sunshine to Shoreditch. The indoor restaurant and bar runs parallel to the terrace with hosts front row seating to this side of the city. I really like that the tables were engulfed with foliage- not just trying fool me I was surrounded by pam trees in the states! But making for a more private and personal experience. Perfect for date night – or date night debrief with brunch!
Website: Click here
Llama Inn Rooftop Bar
Best for: Peruvian food
Nearest tube: Old street 🚶♀️6 mins
Location: On top of the Hoxton Hotel (map)
View: City
Vibe: Vibrant
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾 🍾
Food available? Yes – Peruvian
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2024
Warm/dry weather only? No – retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: (Formally known as Maya) In 2023 the rooftop turned Peruvian and was renamed ‘Llama Inn’ after this symbol of Peru. Still the same superb setting, that on a summers day transports you far out of London. There is an indoor area and both have limited covers so do book! Note, to find it you can go through the hotel and there is very clear signage but the entrance is separate to the hotel. But if you find yourself round the back then you can’t miss the bright pink and yellow doors!
Marlin’s on the Roof
Best for: 🏊🏿♀️☕️🫖🥓🥚🥐🥑
Nearest tube: Old street
Location: On top of the Mondrian Shoreditch hotel (map)
View: The local area
Vibe: A cross of chic meets the sunny shores of Ibiza
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2024
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: (Formally the Curtin Club and Laurel’s and Altitude) A rooftop refresh for 2024. This time by the infamous ‘Blue Marlin’ brand of Ibiza beach club fame. Happily they have not restricted this rooftop bar which remains open to all including breakfast which is a rooftop rarity not to just be for hotel guests. (Sadly the pool still is for guests or club members.) The outside is small but has been beautifully decorated with mirrors (oh yes that mirror selfie is waiting for you – reminds me a bit of Bella Celia in France!) The inside opens up the roof in the summer but in winter still feels outside with the decor! So what are you waiting for! (Click here more beach clubs in Ibiza).
Website: Click here
Los Mochis City
Best for: 🍸🥂🍷🍽
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street – 2 minutes walk
Location: 9th Floor at Broadgate (map)
View: The City and from certain tables – St Pauls Cathedral
Vibe: Fun
Prosecco price: No prosecco – the real deal 🍾🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – nut and gluten free, a fuse of Mexican and Japanese.
Booking available? Not for the rooftop but the indoor restaurant yes.
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes and dogs (in the main dining areas)
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? No – can be covered and have heaters.
Rooftop review roundup: Opened April 2024, this where Tokyo meets Tulum with London views and vibes. Tequila and sake being their speciality for drink and gluten and nut free for food – this rooftop will fast become a summer staple. It’s motto it also to bring the fun and staying open till 3am on weekends is sure to do that! The whole rooftop floor is dedicated to Los Mochis with an indoor bar, lounge, dining and private dining too! The only place you can’t book is the rooftop as whilst they have a retractable roof it is being kept for walk in’s. Opening from 11.30am in the week and 11am on weekends – brunch never looked so rooftopy! The only caveat is whilst from some tables offer views of St Paul’s cathedral this isn’t your rooftop for London landmarks. However the design is so dazzling that it bring the rooftop magic that you don’t even need them.
Website: Click here
Madisons
Best for: 🥂🍸🍹🥃
Nearest tube: Mansion House – 2 mins 🚶🏻♂️ or St Paul’s – 2 mins walk or Bank tube – 5 mins 🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Location: On top of One New Change Shopping centre – you need to go into the Centre and there’s usually a security guard to show you up at the lift. (map)
View: St Pauls
Vibe: Swanky city boy & boujee
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾 (sparking wine)
Food available? Yes
Booking needed? No but advisable
Lift available? Yes – worth going just to see the views from it!
Children available? Only in the restaurant until 3pm and not on Saturdays. The rest of the time it is over 21.
Warm/ dry weather only? Yes
Last Visited / Photos taken: 2025
Rooftop review: Probably one of London’s most well known rooftop bars. until recently, the sole rooftop offering such proximity to St. Paul’s Cathedral. This is boujee with a capital city B,. The inside restaurant is reminiscent of New York brassiere scene as they aspired for. The terrace has limited seating so you could be standing on a warm summer day… or dancing! As they have regular DJ sessions on the weekend. This is champagne summer fun in the city.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind: drinking near the edge by St. Paul’s isn’t permitted for safety reasons, though you’re welcome to snap a photo in that public space, just leave your drink. Secondly, there have been reports of bouncers and some staff not being the most amiable. While I’ve personally never encountered this during my visits I am not dressed in logos or as a group of lads who have started early somewhere else. Their policies are some of the more extensive I have been but they have laid out the rules.
Website: Click here
Mercer Roof Terrace
Best for: 🍹🍸🍽
Nearest tube: Mansion House – 2 mins 🚶🏻♂️or Canon St – 5 mins 🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Vintry and Mercer Hotel (map)
View: St Pauls & The Shard
Vibe: Chille
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: During the summer months, nothing beats enjoying alfresco dining with breathtaking city views from this rooftop terrace. As winter sets in, cosy cabins and igloos emerge, providing warmth and shelter. Though you can also dine inside as the main rooftop restaurant is encased with floor to ceiling windows. With excellent cuisine and some of the finest cocktails in London, this rooftop restaurant stands out as one of my personal favourites.
Website: Click here
The Ned Upstairs
*** Private members only ***
Best for: 🍾🥂🍽🍷
Nearest tube: Bank – 1 minute 🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Ned Hotel and restaurants below (map)
View: St Paul’s, the Shard, the city
Vibe: Understated boujee!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Yes – though the main bar is inside.
Rooftop review roundup: This is not a public rooftop bar nor can you access it as a hotel guest. This is a perk of being a member of the Ned Club or one of the Soho House memberships. Disappointing, for sure but understandable they prioritise their members. I have included it, like the other private rooftops, to provide this clarity. I am not a member of any but have friends that kindly take me as their plus one as I do get asked by potential members about the rooftop pools, so obviously had to do my research! The Ned is partially exclusive private members rooftop. It owns some of the best views in London, with a pool to admire St Pauls from, defiantly make friends with someone who will take you too!
Website: Click here
No 3 Smiths of Smithfield
Best for: 🍾🥂🍽🍷
Nearest tube: Farringdon – 4 mins 🚶♀️ or Barbican – 5 mins🚶🏻♂️
Location: Opposite Smithfield Market (map)
View: St Paul’s, the Shard, the city
Vibe: Chilled to party downstairs!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? No – have heaters and retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: The weather may have let me down but this rooftop bar did not. Super friendly staff and with sneaky surprise views of St Pauls Cathedral this rooftop bar should not be missed. Working from home? Well downstairs bar also doubles up as a working space. So grab your colleagues for a day together then you don’t have far to climb for after work drinks with a view! (One thing to note that was a bit disappointing – the cheapest bottle of bubbles is £36.25 in the bar downstairs but if you want to drink on the roof then its a different menu and the cheapest is £66!)
Website: Click here
Pocket Square Skyline Bar & Terrace
Best for: 🥂🥗
Nearest tube: Aldgate 🚶🏻♂️8 mins
Location: On top of the Hyatt Place Hotel (map)
View: City
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2022
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: New in 2021 this rooftop bar this is where East meet The City. Small plates thoughtfully paired with cocktails. With an indoor bar that spills on to the rooftop terrace this is a welcome addition to this area even if it doesn’t bring the wow views – its definitely brings a different perspective.
Website: Click here
Queen of Hoxton
Best for: 🍹👯♀️
Nearest tube: Liverpool St – 8 🚶♀️Old street – 9 mins 🚶🏻♂️Moorgate – 10 mins 🚶♀️
Location: Just down from NSPCC (map)
View: Not much – office buildings but themed to make up for that!
Vibe: Casual in the day, party at night
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? No
Lift available: No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes – they advise to call and check if bad weather as won’t open.
Rooftop review roundup: The Queen of Hoxton rooftop doesn’t bring the views but it does bring the dopamine! It a unique characteristic—it’s constantly evolving. Twice a year the greatly anticipated rooftop is transformed from film themes to summers in different countries. I last went for their winter wigwam – the theme is to keep warm! With clever crafted cocktails to always match. Past themes have included Moulin Rouge, Mexican and Wizard of Oz. Fair warning that there are a lot of steep stairs to the top but with each season we also are treated to new art on the walls to keep us going on the journey up! With also a legitimate excuse to stop for a rest and snap for the gram! And while it may exude a slight youth hostel student vibe it makes for a relaxed rooftop where catching up with friends is the priority not how you look. (However if you did want to dress up for dancing then downstairs is where that is at!)
Website: Click here
Sabine Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🍸🍹🥂
Nearest tube: Blackfriars/ St Pauls 🚶♀️7 mins
Location: On top of the Leonard Royal Hotel (map)
View: St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard
Vibe: Floral feast of fun and fabulousness
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes essential!
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No. Over 21s
Last visited /photos taken: 2022
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for main terrace
Rooftop review roundup: What an absolute delight this rooftop experience is. For the longest time, we’ve cherished the marvellous views of St. Paul’s from Madisons. However, Sabine has emerged as a serious competitor, captivating both our hearts and our Instagram feeds. The food surpassed expectations, the staff provided impeccable and enjoyable service, the atmosphere was spot-on, and the view utterly fabulous. Recognizing the unpredictable weather of London, this rooftop bar has ingeniously designed a garden-inspired interior. You’ll feel like you’re basking in the outdoors, regardless of the climate. Whether it’s a girls’ night out or a romantic rendezvous, this rooftop spot is an essential destination. For my full review click here.
Website: Click here
Savage Garden Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🍷🍸🥂🍹🍺
Nearest tube: Tower Hill – 2 mins 🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Double Tree Hilton (map)
View: Tower of London & The shard
Vibe: Self described as ‘London’s wildest Rooftop Bar’ certainly one the places to be seen. By day has a more chilled cocktail and summer day vibe.
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes until 6pm then it is over 18s only
ID: Is required
Dress code: No hoodies, caps, sports wear – can be found here.
Last visited /photos taken: 2024
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the terrace but there is a glamorous indoor bar.
Rooftop review roundup: As you step inside the bar, the sweeping views unfold, creating a captivating “wow” moment. A small terrace leads out for front row seats of some of the best views in London of the Tower of London. For those seeking a vibrant late-night London rooftop experience on the weekends, look no further. However, due to its popularity booking is wise. The clientele comprises a diverse mix of hotel guests and regulars, drawn back by the exceptional staff and cocktails. (Also small touch but this rooftop bar’s website also lists the dates reserved for private events. More need to do this as shows they value their customers experience.)
Website: Click here
Sessions Arts Club Rooftop Terrace
Best for: 🍾🍽️☕️
Nearest tube: Farringdon – 5 mins walk
Location: On Clerkenwell Green (map)
View: N/a
Vibe: Eclectic bohemium inside summer vibes on the roof
Prosecco price:🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – highly recommend
Booking available? Yes not by email
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? No
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2025
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: The Sessions Arts Club is a gorgeous indoor restaurant that is packed with character and charm. (I have included a couple of images as it is that beautiful). But the rooftop reason we are here – it also boasts two secret rooftop terraces – perfect spots to enjoy summer spritzes and soak up some sunshine in this private hideaway. One terrace offers a unique view of the building’s architecture and overlooks the restaurant below, while the other features a fascinating glass floor revealing the kitchen beneath. When I visited for lunch, the weather had been a bit dicey so the rooftop wasn’t an option but they explained it was more for drinks. But later as the clouds cleared I was able to enjoy my coffee alfresco. So, when booking, it’s worth checking where you’ll be seated to make the most of your visit. Food wise, it was superb. Quality, and quirky to match the venue. Fully recommend this gorgeous treat as a different vibe for Shoreditch.
Website: Click here
Sushi Samba
Best for: 🍣 🥂🍹
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street – 3 mins 🚶🏻♂️or Aldgate – 7 mins 🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Heron Tower sharing the building with Duck and Waffle (map)
View: The city of London
Vibe: Fun & cool
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available: Yes – Sushi!
Booking available? Yes for the restaurant – make sure you book in advance as it’s always popular. You can try your luck with the doorman – certainly for the bar.
Lift available: Yes – get your phone ready, its on the 38th floor and its a glass elevator
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/ Dry weather only? No – whilst the restaurant is floor to ceiling glass and indoors the bar is outside and open all year which is why it made the rooftop cut not an awesome alternative as it’s neighbour Duck and Waffle did!
Rooftop review roundup: Perched on the 38th floor, this venue offers sweeping views of London. While the bar itself may lack panoramic vistas, it boasts a captivating centerpiece: a stunning custom orange tree sculpture serving as the focal point. The atmosphere on weekends is simply unbeatable. I once was there late one night on a particularly cloudy foggy day and it felt like we were drinking in the clouds. The is boujee at its best.
If you want the views and food then the restaurant is for you. Bright airy and orange and indoor – to be clear. Though when you have a window table you would be mistaken as these are some of the best views in London – certainly some of the highest. While some restaurants of this calibre may prioritise views over service and food quality, I was pleasantly surprised. The staff were exceptionally helpful, and the sushi was delicious. Admittedly, it’s not budget-friendly, but it’s well worth the splurge for a memorable occasion.
Website: Click here
Skyline Rooftop Bar
*** Private hire only ***
Best for: 🧘 🎈
Nearest tube: Tower Hill 🚶♀️1 min
Location: 7th floor – On top of Tower Suites of the Blue Orchid Hotel (map)
View: One of the best spots for Tower Hill and the Shard
Vibe: Boujee
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? On hire
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2021
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: This impeccably placed rooftop arrived in 2021 and I was so excited for these views. It started as a public rooftop bar, like most others, then seemed to favour promoters pulling in the insta worthy guests. Making it more exclusive and elite. Which was a shame as this had the potential to be the next big rooftop bar in London. Since then we’ve seen a sensible weather make over. Creating a glass rain proof retractable roof and closing it from a public bar to a private hire venue or for those staying at the suites below. But is a huge disappointment as these views are just magic. I am still including it here as many people do ask me about private hire. But also hoping that after such a short space of time and several identities it may come back public… as the vibe is boujee Ibiza with DJs, bouncers and all the views for an Insta feed. Fingers crossed. .
Website: Click here
The Residence
*** Summer only ***
Best for: 🥂
Nearest tube: Tower Hill – 1 min 🚶♀️
Location: On 6th floor of the Four Seasons – Tower Hill
View: Tower of London, Tower bridge & The Shard
Vibe: Lazy summer days, suits after work, meetings and dates!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? Yes and it’s only open in the summer
Rooftop review roundup: Called The Residence because it is! Actually where people book a very large swanky amazing apartment in the hotel – part of why it’s a summer ‘pop up’. It has only been open 2019 & 2023 but hoping it will become a summer staple as the staff as super friendly, the views incredible, tunes are chilled and it’s all rather perfect.
Website: Click here
Upper 5th Shoreditch
Best for: 🍸🥂🍹🍷
Nearest tube: Old Street – 7 mins 🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Location: On top of the Courthouse Hotel (map)
View: London general
Vibe: Chilled tunes and summer vibes
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Small plates
Booking available? Yes
Lift available: Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: This is a gorgeous terrace that has good views, great vibe, pretty flowers and yet has a decadent feel enticing you to want to stay all day!
Website: Click here
Vagabonds
Best for: 🍷
Nearest tube: Shoreditch High Street/ Liverpool Street – both 6 minute walk
Location: On the main road between the two stations (map)
View: N/A
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – small plates
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Lift available? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2024
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: I am a huge fan of this chain – I even include them in my awesome alternative guide! The love affair started when I worked round the corner to the Fitzrovia one. It then moved to Clapham and Paddington and of course now Shoreditch due to it’s rooftop terrace! The unique aspect of this bar is how you choose and get your wine. Sure, you can order a bottle of prosecco but that would take the fun out of coming here. With wine dispensers lining the walls you can do wine tasting for yourself. Just pay as you go. Also really helpful if you are on a budget and your drinking partner isn’t! It’s not my venue of choice for lunch or diner but all that wine can grow an appetite! Their small plates and my go to a charcuterie board is the perfect pairing. Definitely one for summer as whilst the plastic covering is sensible it’s not giving summer.
Website: Click here
Wagtail
Best for: 🥂🍸🍹🍾🍷
Nearest tube: Monument – 2 minute walk
Location: On the corner facing London Bridge in the old House of Frazer building (map)
View: Epic – this is London’s only 360 rooftop bar covering all the landmarks
Vibe: Boujee with a massive B!
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift available? No BUT there are two terraces beneath the rooftop that the lift does give access to
Children allowed? Yes – with an adult until 5pm
Dress code: No sports wear – more details here
Last visited /photos taken: 2023
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: When Wagtail swooped into our lives in May 2022 London rooftop life would never be the same. Elevating our standards and becoming king of London rooftops. Offering all the key ingredients as a real rooftop bar: On a rooftop not a terrace, open to the elements, perched high and the rooftop icing on this King cake is the 360 views of some of London’s finest landmarks. Naturally such an offering comes with a price tag. But it could be totally perfect now could it. When you arrive you are greeted in the lobby by a door host who will show you up. The 9th floor, just below the rooftop, features two terraces where the igloos are set up, boasting the same sensational views of the Shard. However, it is the rooftop itself that is where the true magic happens with stunning sunsets, DJs and all the luxury you would expect from this winner!
Website: Click here
Bonus: 120 Rooftop Garden
Best for: 🌅🏙️
Nearest tube: Monument 🚶5 mins
Location: On top of a business building and 14 Hills restaurant (map)
View: All of London – the shard, the gerkin, Sky Gardens even St Paul’s round the corner
Vibe: Quiet
Prosecco price: 🙅♀️
Food available? Yes – a deli from the restaurant below
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2024
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: A concrete jungle garden. 120 is a tranquil rooftop garden used by city dwellers seeking respite during their lunch breaks. With the opportunity to bring their own food and swap their desks for a view of the city – all completely free of charge. While there isn’t a bar on-site, visitors can buy food from a deli below. Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm amidst the chaos or simply looking for a picturesque spot to savour your meal, 120 provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
Website: Click here
