Top 5 Rooftop Bars in London

Whether you are a resident or a tourist in London, one of the best ways to savour the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of our beautiful capital city is to visit one of the numerous rooftop bars and terraces.

There are many to choose from scattered across the city – here are a few favourites in different localities

1. Go West – Kensington Roof Gardens

This hidden oasis is seven floors up from the crowds of Kensington High Street and it’s not just one rooftop terrace but three incredible gardens. Complete with Flamingos, fruit trees, and fish in a stream. It is free for visitors to wander around or you can take in the beautiful vistas while sipping a delicious cocktail on the terrace of the Babylon restaurant.

2. East End – The Boundary Rooftop in Shoreditch

The Boundary is a converted Victorian warehouse with hotel guest rooms, a restaurant, a cafe and an amazing rooftop garden, developed under the creative guidance of design mogul Terence Conran. The rooftop garden, with its great views of East London, has a kitchen garden, olive trees, a vine-covered pergola and a fantastic Bar & Grill.

3. North of the Thames – Camden Beach at the Roundhouse

Fancy an afternoon at the beach? Then head down to Camden where the rooftop terrace of The Roundhouse has been turned into an urban beach, with sand, deckchairs, beach huts to hire, a beach-shack cocktail bar, a Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream van, barbecues and the Fishy Business pop-up café. There is even a pier, complete with penny arcade games, ping pong and air hockey.

4. South of the Thames – Queen Elizabeth

Believe it or not there is roof terrace on top of The Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank. This incredible Eden Project designed Roof Garden and Cafe/ Bar, features a wildflower meadow, mini allotments and a woodland garden.

5. City Central – The Sky Lounge

If you are looking for an impressive view then The Sky Lounge is the place to go. Twelve floors above London this expansive hidden gem has fantastic views of the city. From the Sky Lounge’s alfresco terrace, you can gaze across at Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and The Gherkin, while sipping a cocktail.