Raising the Roof: A Bird's-Eye View of Things to Do in London, UK

The Culpeper only has four levels, though most find themselves pleasantly content at the ground-floor pub. When visiting for the night, you’ll stroll up the stairs past the restaurant and into the second-floor bedrooms. You certainly can’t beat the proximity to a proper pint and plate of chips, but we urge you to climb one flight further to the Rooftop Garden. Everything grown in this urban space is harvested, and you’ll taste the bounty in your drink or dish.

Flock to Aviary on Finsbury Square in Central London during any season for the view over the City, and you won’t regret it. This rooftop restaurant and terrace bar is a year-round affair, with winter igloos allowing you to indulge in Scottish salmon, hand-cut chips, and sticky-toffee pudding no matter the weather. Delightful views and delicious modern British meals are a treat, with the only thing that’ll ever run, ahem, afowl are the passerine puns roosting in this bird-themed aerie.

Pubs close; 24/7 Duck & Waffle does not. That alone is reason enough to head over to Liverpool Street, any time of the day or night. But, when you thought that a crispy duck-leg confit and fluffy waffles were going to be the highlight of your visit, you’ll stop midchew as you gawk at the 40th-floor views of the city from the landmark Heron Tower – one of the tallest buildings in London.

Just across the Thames from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Vintry & Mercer is ready to spoil you with a superior room. Velvet headboards, vintage-style Marshall speakers, and walk-in showers are only the tip of the iceberg. We’d gladly detail the other amenities, but first: the afternoon tea. The Mercer Roof Terrace is a cosy place for a cuppa or a pint, either of which will pair well with the skyline views, from the Shard to St Paul’s Cathedral.

This plainly named Brixton bar will easily throw those not in the know off the South London scent. Cosy up to a local who has a membership, and you’ll be welcomed into an exclusive yet unpretentious space, where fantastic food and tasty tipples are worth the yearly fee three times over. If you do find your way Upstairs, the vanilla panna cotta is exquisite.

Depart from the regular tourist route, and drift along the Thames to Canary Wharf, where the informal hideaway Bokan 39 awaits. Rooftop daybeds and a special gin bar are yours to enjoy. The catch? Due to capacity, you must make reservations prior to your arrival at Bokan 38 – the lower-floor restaurant – then turn up and sweet-talk the staff into moving you upstairs. Trust us, the dock-inspired tipples and striking views of London are well worth the advanced preparation.

For posh quarters and high-end dining, we know the perfect place in Shoreditch. The Boundary is everything you need it to be: a restaurant, a bakery, a hotel, a grocery, a deli and, most importantly, a dazzling place to grab a rooftop glass of scotch on the rocks. This top-tier orangery, bar, grill and outdoor terrace offers East London views, come rain or shine. The warmer months have a Mediterranean menu, while Alpine cuisine is served in chillier months.

Burgers, pizza and Indian street food: check. Cocktails, mocktails and all libations in between: check. Live events, cinema screenings, minigolf, lawn bowling and batting cages: double check. Roof East has so much going on that you won’t be able to help but be distracted from the views surrounding Stratford. This jovial joint opens midday, transitioning to an adults-only affair in the evening. Turn up without a plan, and we guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself.

Though, tragically, not a literal treehouse, Treehouse Hotel near Oxford Street is a fantastic place to roost before branching out on a tour of Central London. All rooms are perched in full view of the city skyline and infused with the right amount of nostalgia to evoke clubhouse vibes from back in the day. The Nest rooftop bar and terrace do give you a literal 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the city. Keep in mind that the early bird gets the worm and those with the forethought to make reservations will guarantee their spot in the Nest.

Spend a few days in London, and you’ll grow to appreciate any hours of warm weather and sunshine. During the summer season, Frank’s Cafe is one of the best places to raise a glass to this fantastic city in the most modest of ways. Frank’s is a car park transformed into a social space that holds a special cult-like status in the hearts of locals. Expect simple food, great drinks and remarkable views among a cool Southeast London crowd. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop by during a live show, but merely watching the sunset with a negroni in hand is entertainment enough.