London’s 10 best rooftop bars

As summer tentatively approaches, now is the perfect time to take a look at some of the most spectacular rooftop bars in London.

London’s breathtaking cityscape is best enjoyed from the heights of one of these rooftop bars

Although the British weather might not always provide ideal alfresco drinking and dining conditions, London’s spectacular views are best enjoyed from a height, with a cocktail in hand.

More city bar hoppers have been developing a taste for cocktails in the clouds in recent years, frequenting the high end, up high bars which provide exciting fine drinking experiences.

Whether you prefer the casual and trendy scene of the east end, or the sophisticated style of the inner City, London’s diverse and stunning landscapes can be enjoyed from many a rooftop bar.

Click through the following pages to see our pick of the 10 best.

Have we missed your favourite? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Radio

Located on the 10th floor of London’s ME Hotel, on The Strand, Radio offers spectacular panoramic views of the the capital.

Whether you’re looking to relax with a delicious cocktail, or experience an upbeat and lively atmosphere, Radio has something to offer all city barflies.

Views from this large open terrace include Tower Bridge, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral.

For more information, click here.

Coq d’Argent

Tucked away atop 1 Poultry, in the heart of historic Bank, blink you can only access Coq d’Argent by a blink and you’ll miss it glass elevator.

Serving classic French food and an array of classic and modern cocktails, the restaurant/bar offers incredible views from its extensive garden terrace.

In particular, the whisky enthusiast might feel particularly at home at Coq d’Argent since its back bar boasts an extensive selection of fine bottlings.

For more information, click here.

Vista

Situated above the beating heart of the city in Trafalga Square, Vista is frequently referenced as one of London’s finest rooftop bars.

Said to be “perfect for cocktails or sipping on champagne with indulgent views”, Vista offers solace for those looking to escape the bustle of central London, and instead take in its views.

The recently rebranded Vista sits on the sixth floor of stylish boutique establishment The Trafalgar Hotel.

For more information, click here.

The Roof Gardens

Virgin-owned The Club is the only rooftop private members club in London and is surrounded by the magnificent 1.5 acre The Roof Gardens.

A glamorous destination for those who want to see and be seen, The Club has a strict dress code of “no effort, no entry” and hosts numerous DJs and live music acts throughout the year.

It is situated in the middle of three glorious themed gardens: The Spanish Garden, the Tudor Garden and the English Woodland.

For more information, click here.

Boundary

Covered by a weatherproof pergola, bar hoppers can enjoy stylish Shoreditch bar Boundary come rain or shine.

A new garden design features a canopy of tumbling grape vines and an abundance of aromatic herbs, giving the bar a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

This theme is complemented by the food menu, which includes an array of Mediterranean nibbles and meals.

For more information, click here.

Frank’s Cafe

Situated in undeniably the most unusual location on this list, you’ll find quirky Frank’s Cafe at the top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham.

Part of the Bold Tendencies Sculpture Project, Frank’s Cafe sits alongside interesting designs created as part of the project.

The bar is now closed until the summer.

For more information, click here.

Aqua Spirit

Part of the Hong Kong-based Aqua restaurant group, the Aqua Spirit rooftop bar sits next to the company’s Japanese restaurant Aqua Kyoto and Spanish restaurant Nueva.

Glamorous clientele visit Aqua Spirit and gaze down on the heaving crowds of Oxford Circus below while enjoying the delights of the bar’s extensive drinks menu.

The rooftop bar sits at the summit of the former Dickens and Jones department store in Regent Street.

For more information, click here.

Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden & Cafe

An oasis sitting on the roof of London arts hub The Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden & Cafe offers a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.

Designed by the Eden Project and run by Company of Cooks, the bar is situated near the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.

With beautiful riverside views, a cafe bar, allotments, fruit trees and wild flowers, the Roof Garden has been described as on the the “best kept secrets” in London.

For more information, click here.

Sushisamba

Located on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba is certainly not for the average vertigo sufferer as it boasts the highest outdoor terraces in Europe.

Guests are whisked up to the floors in a glass elevator, allowing once towering landmarks to appear quickly shrink to minute size.

A unique Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant, Sushisamba’s main dining room overlooks the city with floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides.

For more information, click here.

Dalston Roof Garden

Perfect for those who want to sip their beverage in a more relaxed and casual open-air environment, Dalston Roof Garden is popular among young east London urbanites.

A sense of community is also apparent at the venue as clients are invited to maintain allotments, run their own social events and watch films.

Run by social enterprise the Bootstrap Company, the bar can only be visited after a yearly £3 membership fee has been paid.

For more information, click here.