Already thinking about next weekend? Help is at hand – we have compiled our favourite London rooftop bars in the city by area (North, East, Central, West and South), with something to suit everyone.
NORTH
The Big Chill House, Kings Cross
A large Victorian pub is home to the Big Chill House, which boasts a tasty breakfast and pub grub menu alongside the cocktails it rustles up on the rooftop terrace. Head there this summer to watch the World Cup, Wimbledon and even a movie night screening of Dirty Dancing.
257-259 Pentonville Road
, London,
N1 9NL
Opening Hours:
Mon – Wed 9.00am-12.00am
Thu 9.00am-1.00am
Fri 9.00am-3.00am
Sat 11.00am-3.00am
Sun 11.00am-12.00am
www.wearebigchill.com
EAST
Dalston Roof Park, Dalston
Dalston Roof Park is the brainchild of The Bootstrap Company, an enterprise that supports small to medium businesses, promotes educational projects and creates spaces for cultural exchange. Pay just £5 at the beginning of the summer to get unlimited access to the roof park and the numerous events hosted there – from music to Films4Free nights. Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction overground stations are just a short walk away.
The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, London, E8 3DL
Bar Openings Hours:
5.00pm weekdays and 3.00pm weekends
www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk/22_dalston_roof_park
CENTRAL
Vista at The Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square
Vista is perfect for those travelling to London for the first time but also somewhere that Londoners themselves can get a fresh perspective on one of the capital’s most famous destinations – Trafalgar Square. Be warned Vista gets very busy in the height of summer and on Friday and Saturday nights, so if you are looking for a calming rooftop experience try it out during the day. Take a friend and play spot the landmark over an ice-cold cocktail.
The Trafalgar
2, Spring Gardens
, Trafalgar Square,
London, SW1A 2TS
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday
12.00pm – Midnight
Sunday
12.00pm – 11.00pm
www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage/
Radio at ME London, The Strand
Radio is the rooftop bar located on the tenth floor of the Me London Hotel and affords panoramic views of the centre of the city. Tower Bridge, the Shard, London Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Somerset House, Southbank, London Eye and the Houses of Parliament (phew!) can all be spotted from its tables. Enjoy the bar’s signature tapas with your drink of choice.
336-337 The Strand, London, WC2R 1HA
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 – 01:00
Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 – 03:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 00:00
www.melia.com/en/hotels/
WEST
The Roof Gardens, Kensington
The Roof Gardens are located on the top of what was once Derry and Tom’s department store on Kensington High Street and are now opened by Sir Richard Branson. The private members club is open on Friday and Saturday nights and operates to a strictly “no effort, no entry” policy, so expect to get dolled up and see plenty of other glamorous Londoners should you make it onto the guest list. If you’re there on a balmy evening, a stroll around the impressive 1.5-acre themed gardens is an absolute must.
9 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Club Opening Hours:
10.00pm -3.00am
www.roofgardens.virgin.com
SOUTH
Aqua Shard, London Bridge
Okay so Aqua isn’t technically a rooftop, but we’re sure few would complain about the breath-taking views – its located on Level 31 of the Shard, affording panoramic views of the cityscape. The atrium bar operates on a walk-in only basis (no reservations taken), but be wary of the smart-casual dress code – that means no shorts, sportswear or flip-flops.
Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun 12.00pm-1.00am
www.aquashard.co.uk
Frank’s Campari Bar, Peckham
Located atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham and open only in the summer months, Frank’s Café opened in 2008 as an architectural commission by Bold Tendencies, a non-profit organisation that showcases visual and performing art and sculpture. This year Frank’s is playing host to the work of James Birdle. If you’re there more for the view and drinks, that’s fine too. Order a signature negroni – Frank’s is sponsored by Campari, so you’ll notice a theme with the drinks menu. Expect it to be packed at the weekend, especially when temperatures hit the high 20s.
10th Floor, Peckham multi-storey car park,
95a Rye Lane,
London,
SE15 4ST
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 5.00pm-11.00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11.00am–11.00pm
www.frankscafe.org.uk
