London's Best Rooftop Bars
The clouds yawn, a crack of sunlight escapes and there it is: one bloke in the office has already swapped trousers for shorts, Instagram begins to fill up with shots of cocktails shining in jars and, to soak up every last wave of heat, Londoners head to the rooftops, as if being a few flights closer to the sun makes any difference to the right shade of tan.
With summer comes daylight that actually lasts for an entire day, which means long outdoor lunches that become al fresco suppers, and wine drunk by the crate. While London lacks glorious rolling hills and picturesque countryside – being a city somewhat hampers that – it’s not short of views. From quiet pub rooftops to raucous party spots and from cheerful folkie sets to Ibiza vibes, heading up into the sky brings all sorts in our capital. Drink in the views as well as the cocktails: summer will be gone before you know it.
Selfridges' Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar:
Selfridges have been making the most of their rooftop space for years now, but they've really nailed it this time around. They've gone for a Californian theme, which shows itself in the sunny decor and relaxed, smiling staff. The menu, from Chef Steve Tonkin, celebrates simple, clean cooking: lots of paired down fish dishes, fresh, bright cocktails and light puddings. On my recent visit, everything was first rate: the charred monkfish gorgeous and with a hint of smoke, the scallops fresh and meaty, asparagus in butter made all the brighter with the addition of shrimps. Many rooftop places use their views as a substitute for decent food, drink and service, as if they expect you to put up with below par offerings because the sun is out. That couldn't be further from the truth here: they've upped their game, and built somewhere that's a joy to visit even if it's raining (and it was when we went).
Info: 400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB, theroofdeck.co.uk
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch:
The Queen of Hoxton's rooftop has had more makeovers than Madonna and gleefully continues the trend this year. Their outside space has been re-imagined as Neverland, channelling the best of Pan. Dubbed Bangarang, they've all sorts of events on, including a mermaid crown making workshop. Be sure to head there at the end of the season, too: they're hosting a paint fight party.
Info: 1 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX, queenofhoxton.com
Pergola on the Roof, Shepherd's Bush & Pergola Paddington Central, Paddington:
Head to the BBC's old haunt, the television centre, for returning favourite the Pergola on the Roof. Food comes courtesy of 8 Hoxton Square, Salt ‘n’ Sauce from Bonnie Gull, Breddos Tacos, and Patty & Bun, so you won't go hungry. Just prepare for it to be busy: they've a capacity of more than 600, so it's not one for a quiet drink. If that's not your end of town, try their brand new site, Pergola Paddington Central, where there'll be plenty of live music and DJs, and food courtesy of Patty & Bun (they're good friends, it seems), Decatur, Mamalan, Raw Press and DF/Mexico. They're open for lunch and supper, and with a larger capacity – they can handle up to 850 Londoners over the two floors – it's definitely one if you're in the mood to party. Info: Multi Story Car Park, Television Centre, Wood W12 7RJ & 5 Kingdom Street, W2 6PY, pergolaontheroof.com
The Roof Gardens, Kensington:
You'll need to make a little effort to get in here, as they're big on glitz and glamour. Unsurprisingly, it's all rather lovely: the Babylon terrace gang are hot on their cocktails and when the grill gets going, the food is on point. Their parties have a reputation, too, for all the right reasons.
Info: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA, virginlimitededition.com
Queen Elizabeth Roof Gardens Bar, South Bank:
The term 'hidden gem' is overused, but means something here: tourists and Londoners alike often walk straight past the yellow staircase that leads up to this roof terrace. That doesn't mean it doesn't get busy – it is fairly central, after all. The garden is the result of volunteers from St Mungo's charity and feels a world away from the concrete lines of the Southbank Centre below. Jugs of Pimms and other summery libations are on offer with light snacks well into the evening.
Info: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Radio Rooftop Bar, The Strand:
Come up in the evening for a high-end Ibiza feel: there are plush white sofas and big bucket seats galore, as well as a few tables for couples. The drinks are pricey, and the music might not be for everyone (there's that Ibiza theme again), but the view includes the London Eye, Big Ben, the Shard, the Gherkin and more. With London landmarks like that and flickering candles, it's a very decent date night spot. Info: 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA, radiorooftop.com
Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate:
The glamour here is only hampered if you're scared of heights: at 39 stories up, it's somewhat vertigo inducing. Still, they've a glorious views over London and an excellent (albeit very pricey) cocktail list. You'll have to fight your way through yah-yah types to get outside to the bar, but it's all part of the ridiculousness, which is part of the Sushi Samba experience. Info: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com
With summer comes daylight that actually lasts for an entire day, which means long outdoor lunches that become al fresco suppers, and wine drunk by the crate. While London lacks glorious rolling hills and picturesque countryside – being a city somewhat hampers that – it’s not short of views. From quiet pub rooftops to raucous party spots and from cheerful folkie sets to Ibiza vibes, heading up into the sky brings all sorts in our capital. Drink in the views as well as the cocktails: summer will be gone before you know it.
Selfridges' Roof Deck Restaurant & Bar:
Selfridges have been making the most of their rooftop space for years now, but they've really nailed it this time around. They've gone for a Californian theme, which shows itself in the sunny decor and relaxed, smiling staff. The menu, from Chef Steve Tonkin, celebrates simple, clean cooking: lots of paired down fish dishes, fresh, bright cocktails and light puddings. On my recent visit, everything was first rate: the charred monkfish gorgeous and with a hint of smoke, the scallops fresh and meaty, asparagus in butter made all the brighter with the addition of shrimps. Many rooftop places use their views as a substitute for decent food, drink and service, as if they expect you to put up with below par offerings because the sun is out. That couldn't be further from the truth here: they've upped their game, and built somewhere that's a joy to visit even if it's raining (and it was when we went).
Info: 400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB, theroofdeck.co.uk
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch:
The Queen of Hoxton's rooftop has had more makeovers than Madonna and gleefully continues the trend this year. Their outside space has been re-imagined as Neverland, channelling the best of Pan. Dubbed Bangarang, they've all sorts of events on, including a mermaid crown making workshop. Be sure to head there at the end of the season, too: they're hosting a paint fight party.
Info: 1 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX, queenofhoxton.com
Head to the BBC's old haunt, the television centre, for returning favourite the Pergola on the Roof. Food comes courtesy of 8 Hoxton Square, Salt ‘n’ Sauce from Bonnie Gull, Breddos Tacos, and Patty & Bun, so you won't go hungry. Just prepare for it to be busy: they've a capacity of more than 600, so it's not one for a quiet drink. If that's not your end of town, try their brand new site, Pergola Paddington Central, where there'll be plenty of live music and DJs, and food courtesy of Patty & Bun (they're good friends, it seems), Decatur, Mamalan, Raw Press and DF/Mexico. They're open for lunch and supper, and with a larger capacity – they can handle up to 850 Londoners over the two floors – it's definitely one if you're in the mood to party. Info: Multi Story Car Park, Television Centre, Wood W12 7RJ & 5 Kingdom Street, W2 6PY, pergolaontheroof.com
The Roof Gardens, Kensington:
You'll need to make a little effort to get in here, as they're big on glitz and glamour. Unsurprisingly, it's all rather lovely: the Babylon terrace gang are hot on their cocktails and when the grill gets going, the food is on point. Their parties have a reputation, too, for all the right reasons.
Info: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA, virginlimitededition.com
Queen Elizabeth Roof Gardens Bar, South Bank:
The term 'hidden gem' is overused, but means something here: tourists and Londoners alike often walk straight past the yellow staircase that leads up to this roof terrace. That doesn't mean it doesn't get busy – it is fairly central, after all. The garden is the result of volunteers from St Mungo's charity and feels a world away from the concrete lines of the Southbank Centre below. Jugs of Pimms and other summery libations are on offer with light snacks well into the evening.
Info: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Come up in the evening for a high-end Ibiza feel: there are plush white sofas and big bucket seats galore, as well as a few tables for couples. The drinks are pricey, and the music might not be for everyone (there's that Ibiza theme again), but the view includes the London Eye, Big Ben, the Shard, the Gherkin and more. With London landmarks like that and flickering candles, it's a very decent date night spot. Info: 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA, radiorooftop.com
Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate:
The glamour here is only hampered if you're scared of heights: at 39 stories up, it's somewhat vertigo inducing. Still, they've a glorious views over London and an excellent (albeit very pricey) cocktail list. You'll have to fight your way through yah-yah types to get outside to the bar, but it's all part of the ridiculousness, which is part of the Sushi Samba experience. Info: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com
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