London’s skyline comes alive in summer, and nothing beats unwinding with a drink while soaking in panoramic views.
From hidden terraces to luxury hotel perches, these rooftop bars combine stellar vistas, refined cocktails, and rich atmospheres. Here’s your insider’s guide to the city’s must-visit sky-high hangouts.
1. La‑Yam Rooftop (#1 Pick)
Address: 229–231 High Holborn, 8th floor, London WC1V 7DA
Website: la-yam.com
Contact: +44 20 3355 0508 | info@la-yam.com
Opened: June 2025
Google Map: https://g.co/kgs/Xp5DfeR
Concept & Design: Corporate-backed venue atop Kingsbourne House. Created to evoke a beach‑bar escape with wooden decking, rattan furniture, white umbrellas, and coastal textures.
Key People: Chef Eran Shachaf (Greek‑Mediterranean menu); rooftop managers operate under a connected hospitality group.
Signature Experience: Open-air, 200‑capacity space with DJ nights (“Fridays Above”), rooftop yoga, weekend asado BBQs, and morning meet‑ups. Uninterrupted views of the Shard, BT Tower, St Paul’s, and City Towers.
2. OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie
Address: Barge House St, SE1 9PH (10th floor)
Phone: +44 20 7803 3888
Website: Commonly listed
Offerings: Andrea with cocktails overlooking the Thames, live music, and a refined dining experience.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wy1uYNv9DscKsEFv9
3. Frank’s Café
Location: 10th floor, Peckham multi-storey car park, SE15 4ST
Website: Via Time Out / CN Traveller listings (various); widely recommended
Launched: 2009
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A2WmwG7kv3NQvA6A8
Founders: George Lamb and team behind Camberwell Arms
Vibe & Offerings: Iconic summer spot with casual cocktails, BBQ bites, and panoramic southeast London views. Renowned for long queues and lively atmosphere.
4. The Culpeper
Address: 40 Commercial St, Spitalfields, E1 6LP
Website: Featured in The Infatuation and Vogue guides
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdNrhmo8H42eDQkA6
Backstory: Named after 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper; year-round venue with rooftop herb garden.
Notable: Rustic garden terrace, craft cocktails, seasonal menu featuring produce grown upstairs.
5. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Location: Festival Pier, South Bank SE1 8XZ
Website: Time Out / BBC Good Food featured
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y1vTSme8izWeGkH19
Highlights: Over 200 species of plants create a lush setting. Casual drink menu with an artsy, picnic vibe and riverside outlook.
6. Yasmin Soho
Address: 1 Warwick Street, Soho W1B 5LR
Website: Listed by Vogue and The Infatuation
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4bHBAN1ZqDae1TzQ6
Experience: Middle Eastern-influenced menu, laid-back Soho ambience, lively DJ sets geared toward a social, influencer-friendly crowd.
7. Seabird Rooftop
Address: London Bridge area
Website: Featured by foodie guides
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y2oMZCE6iKq2NGXA7
Style: Coastal themed bar offering seafood, brunch, and panoramic skyline views.
8. Sabine Rooftop Bar
Address: 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
Website: Mentioned with skyline views
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CP7WUEKyfkHwoJ7j6
Ambience: Sophisticated drinks and modern elegance, with stunning Shard vistas.
9. Miradora Rooftop
Address: 31 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0LS
Phone: +44 20 3953 4319
Website: Featured in Foodie Flashpacker
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LXJKa4z77MkBCBoL6
Highlights: 10th-floor terrace with lush greenery and hearty European dishes like Carbonara and Amaretto desserts.
10. The Emory Rooftop Bar
Location: The Emory hotel, Hyde Park
Website: BBC Good Food listed
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/izg88SBdMW4jNDcb8
Notables: Designed by Richard Rogers, mixologist Tato Giovannoni serves exclusive cocktails. Offers sweeping views over Hyde Park.
11. The Nest (Treehouse Hotel)
Location: Langham Place area
Website: BBC Good Food mention
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hTWR2RFHa4A6yK259
Ambience: Sleek décor, seasonal British cocktail menu, retractable roofs for all-weather enjoyment.
12. Kioku by Endo / Flute / Llama Inn (Various)
Locations: Scattered across London
Website: BBC Good Food mentions
Styles:
Kioku: Japanese-inspired rooftop cocktails
Flute: Sophisticated and elegant drink experience
Llama Inn: Casual Andean and Latin American flavours
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zrDU7EEJeYbHP7Jb9
Choosing Your Rooftop
For beach‑bar vibes: La‑Yam offers a Greek‑Mediterranean retreat in the city.
For relaxed, local scenes: Try Frank’s Café or The Culpeper.
For luxury views: Go for The Emory, OXO Tower, or The Nest.
For diverse cultural cocktails: Yasmin Soho, Kioku by Endo, and Llama Inn deliver vibrant themes.
