Everyone knows that London is the place to be during summer, and now after a seemingly never ending winter, it’s finally time to shed our layers and take advantage of the lovely English sun. Make your way through the season by soaking in the sun, guzzling some cocktails, and lounging away your days and nights on these amazing London’s rooftop bars.
Rumpus Room
Bar, Cocktail Bar, American, British, Australian, $$$
Rumpus Room If you’re keen to stay out of the city or Fortitude Valley, then head to Rumpus in Brisbane’s West End. It’s a relaxed cocktail bar, but is a great place to head if you want a dance without the pressure of a night club. Rumpus Room, 1/56 Russell St, West End, Brisbane, Australia +71 7 3846 1323
If you want the perfect blend of London’s finest gardens and some of the best Mediterranean bites in town, the Boundary Hotel’s bar is the right place. Every day all year, Boundary is open for business and relaxation whatever the weather. Flushed with grape vined canopies and various herbs, you’ll find yourself ordering drinks from the bar in the midst of the lovely garden design. The menu offers a delicious array of foods from char-grilled steaks to oysters through the working kitchen garden, which are available all day.Entrance in Redchurch Street, 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London, UK +44 (0)20 7729 1051
Atrium Bar Towering over London, the Atrium bar at the Aqua Shard restaurant is located on the 31st floor of the Shard. Open all day with no reservation needed, the bar carries a unique selection of organic ingredients that include botanical inspired cocktails using gin and tea. This bar is one of the highlights of the city and not to mention of the most optimal for view seekers. Not only is it in London’s tallest building but its 360 degree panoramic views will leave you in awe of London’s sights. Atrium Bar at Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, UK + 44(0)20 3011 1256
Located in the famous Walkie Talkie is the Sky Garden at Fenchurch Street. Budding with flowers, herbs and greenery, this is your go-to place for all things botanical. The three storey location offers panoramic and uninterrupted views of London’s finest sights and allows visitors to wander around beautifully landscaped gardens and observation decks. Not only is it the city’s highest public garden, but also its Sky Pod Bar offers all day drinking and dining services with a wide ranging list of cocktails. The garden also extends invitations to their Sky High live music and DJ sessions, making it the perfect spot to be this summer.
Dalston’s long standing roof park is a mix of craft beers and cocktails, open air cinema nights, afternoon DJ shindigs and plenty of events supporting local creative folk and the Bootstrap charity. The roof park has undergone a major renovation for 2017 and features two bars, in-house catering, and a new retractable roof to protect from English weather. The bar is open Tuesday through to Sunday, check the site as opening times vary and they may have private bookings.
If you’re looking for something special, try an enchanted and magical mulled wine at the Queen of Hoxton; this winter they have prepared a wonderful Christmas venue known as ‘Once upon a time in wigwam.’ Located on the rooftop, with a bar in between and a dance floor on the bottom, there is plenty of space to play games and enjoy yourself all winter, not to mention the mulled wine.
A little closer to the heart of the city, and a million miles away from multi-purpose arts spaces in Hackney, Coq D’Argent is a classically elegant venue to reserve for just after payday. Prices may be mildly wince-inducing, but the surroundings are more than worth it. Head to the roof to discover sweeping lawns, topiary worthy of a French chateau, and views to inspire serious Instagram envy. If quirky pop-ups aren’t cutting it, Coq D’Argent is the real deal, with proper grass to prove it. Take the time to peruse the extremely comprehensive wine list.
Located just by London Fields, this is place is perfect for when the park gets a little too busy. More than just another rooftop bar, Netil360 offers free and bookable work desks, film showings, and food pop-ups as well as yoga sessions, brunch events, and talks in the evening. Combining fun things to do with stunning views makes this a must-visit for the summer.
Located in the skies of the Strand and Aldwych area, the Radio Rooftop Bar is on the 10th floor of ME London is the perfect spot to unwind and marvel at some of the city’s most beautiful views. Also available for photo shoots and filming, this bar offers sights of Tower Bridge, the Shard, London Bridge, St. Paul’s and Somerset house, to name a few. Radio offers a Spanish inspired menu with a number of Tapas dishes and delicacies including black olive and bitter chocolate tapenade and deep fried courgette flowers stuffed with goats curd covered in a coat of truffle honey. Being the only rooftop bar and lounge to be open throughout the day until 2AM in the area, Radio is the place to go for late night al fresco drinking.
