There’s something about sipping a cocktail several floors up that makes it taste better. Maybe it’s the skyline views, maybe it’s the smug feeling of being above all the chaos, either way, rooftop bars hit different in summer.
And in true London fashion, as soon as the sun makes a brief cameo, we all lose our minds and flock to the nearest terrace like it’s a beach in Ibiza. If you’re looking to elevate your evening (pun fully intended), here’s my line-up of the best rooftop bars in London for cocktails, views, and vibes.
1. Seabird (Southwark)
The vibe: Coastal European meets Brooklyn rooftop, without leaving Zone 1. You’ll find Mediterranean-inspired interiors, scalloped parasols, and beautiful views, amongst olive trees and seafood platters. It’s part of The Hoxton hotel, so the service is polished but relaxed. Perfect for date nights, boujee birthdays or pretending you’re on holiday when your annual leave hasn’t hit yet.
The drink: The Miramar, a herbaceous mix of gin, elderflower, basil and lemon, is sunshine in a glass.
Bonus points: The view of St Paul’s is iconic, especially at golden hour. Reserve a spot.
2. Circe’s (Waterloo)
The vibe: High energy and high spirits. Previously Bar Elba, Circe’s is the rooftop you head to for fun first, finesse second. Expect bright fairy lights, neon signs, and themed playlists that shift from 00s bangers to current hits in minutes. It’s young, chaotic, a bit messy, and completely unapologetic. The kind of place you go for “one drink” and leave after five, with someone else’s sunglasses.
The drink: The Frozen Rum Punch is dangerously easy to drink.
Bonus points: They do bottomless brunch on the roof – need I say more? Grab your table.
3. The Culpeper (Spitalfields)
The vibe: Traditional East End pub downstairs, secret garden upstairs. It’s giving “I grow my own herbs” energy, and I love it. This hidden gem feels like a countryside escape, if your country retreat included homemade vermouth and rooftop herb gardens. You’ll find planters bursting with greens, a wood-fired grill, and cosy wooden benches that feel like your stylish mate’s garden – if your mate knew how to make a negroni and grow tomatoes.
The drink: A proper seasonal cocktail menu that changes regularly. Last time I had a rhubarb and thyme spritz that I’m still thinking about.
Bonus points: It’s intimate, cosy, and far less pretentious than some others on this list. Secure your seat.
4. Aviary (Finsbury Square)
The vibe: Aviary is for when you want to feel fancy, but not in a stuffy way. Think sleek hotel rooftop with city views, plush marble tables, and well-dressed people who all look like they work in fintech or have been on Love Island (in a good way). It’s spacious, stylish and has a “see and be seen” energy, but you won’t feel out of place if you just want to sip a negroni and enjoy the skyline.
The drink: The Aviary Signature Negroni is a strong choice – quite literally.
Bonus points: Book an outdoor pod if you’re feeling boujee or want to shield yourself from rogue British breezes. Book Now.
5. Alto by San Carlo (Selfridges, Oxford Street)
The vibe: Amalfi coast fantasy meets department store rooftop. Situated on top of Selfridges, this is la dolce vita in the middle of Oxford Street. With lemon trees, white tablecloths, and waiters in crisp white jackets, it’s giving “I summer in Positano” – even if you just popped up for a Spritz after panic-buying holiday sandals. It gets packed, but there’s something fabulously chaotic about sipping Limoncello above central London traffic.
The drink: A classic Aperol Spritz, but with serious main character energy.
Bonus points: You can shop, sip and sunbathe, all without leaving the building. Make a reservation.
Honourable Mentions:
Roof East (Stratford): More playful than posh. Think mini golf, street food and DJs.
Sabine Rooftop (St Paul’s): A sleek, glass-ceilinged terrace with unbeatable views of St Paul’s. Ideal for date nights, after-work drinks, or pretending you’re in a rom-com. Read more here.
Netil360 (London Fields): Less cocktails, more cans, but unbeatable Hackney sunset views.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want a boujee spritz in the sun or a frozen cocktail surrounded by chaos, London’s rooftop scene is having a moment. My advice? Book in advance, wear SPF, and don’t trust the weather app. It’s probably lying.
For more food and drink gems around London, keep scrolling. And if I’ve missed your favourite rooftop, drop it in the comments. I’m always down for a rooftop recc.
