Summers in London are getting hotter and longer (the UK recently hit May temperature records), and while AC remains pitifully rare, the capital does an excellent line in rooftop settings – from the terraces of luxurious hotels to the cloud-touching tips of some of the city’s tallest towers.
With the capital’s thriving cocktail scene in full swing, these bars often join the fray with a mixture of classic serves, in addition to a few of their own concoctions. Or, keep it simple with a glass of champagne as the sun goes down. Whatever your tipple, it always tastes better with a good view.
From well-established classics to a few newcomers, the London rooftop bar scene is bustling. Here is a selection of our favorites.
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Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Mandarin Oriental’s second London outpost has a relatively little-known secret hiding up top: a chilled-out rooftop bar, just moments from the Regent Street raucous. Views here stretch all the way from the London Eye right over to Hampstead Heath. Cocktails are inspired by nearby neighborhoods and the light bites are classic summer, with a luxe edge – lobster tacos to wagyu and caviar hotdogs. For when the London weather is its unpredictable self, there’s a fully covered indoor area.
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Soleil by Claude
While winters at Brooklands are all about serious, Michelin-starred dining, come summer, the buzzy Soleil by Soleil terrace is the star. The menu looks to the Mediterranean but highlights British produce. Expect slow-cooked lamb, sharing seafood dishes, and light pastas. To go with them, glasses of delicate chilled rosé. Note: this terrace isn’t open until July 14, but get the reservations in early.
See also: Step Inside London’s Best Hotel Suites
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Nest, The Treehouse
Up on the 16th floor of the Treehouse hotel, this rooftop bar and terrace provides 360-degree views across London, with more than a few of this city's iconic landmarks well within view. Situated just off Oxford Circus and Regent Street, it's an ideal place to call into after a spot of shopping and to unwind with a drink far above all the hullabaloo of street level. It even allows dogs to enjoy ‘drinks on the woof’ on Sundays, 12-3pm. Pups won’t feel left out while you tuck into your tipple: there is also a dog-friendly menu.
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The Berkeley
Perhaps the most sought-after spot in London come summer, The Berkeley’s rooftop bar is a slice of the Amalfi, with chic striped loungers, swathes of hot pink bougainvillea, and an Italian-inspired menu. The real highlight? A temperate dipping pool, with views of Hyde Park. The terrace is on the petite side, so reservations are highly recommended.
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Joia
Once a postindustrial wasteland, the last decade has been favorable to Battersea Power Station, and the surrounding area has undergone a total regeneration. On the 16th floor of art’otel Battersea is JOIA Rooftop Bar, the alfresco terrace that accompanies Portuguese and Iberian-inspired JOIA Restaurant. Positioned directly opposite the Power Station – made famous by a Pink Floyd album cover – this rooftop bar sits at chimney level, and its pool has some of London’s best views. Not to be outdone by the impressive light bites, the wine list is also suitably Spanish and Portuguese, featuring crisp vinho verdes and punchy riojas.
See also: These Are The Best Luxury Rooftop Pools to Cool Off in London
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Kaso, One Hundred Shoreditch
The rooftop of this chic East London hotel sits seven stories high and has knockout views across the city. One of the capital’s buzziest sky-high venues, Kaso hosts rotating DJs and has grown a reputation for its signature spicy cocktails. While London has become a city of reservations, Kaso refreshingly prioritizes walk-ins – in its own words, first-come, first-get-the-view (head up early for a spot at sunset).
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Yasmin
Soho’s streets become hectic in the summer – avoid the mania by heading up to Yasmin, a secluded rooftop bar at the top of 1 Warwick. Yasmin puts its own spin on the London rooftop concept by adding a dash of Middle Eastern flair to the mix. Executive chef Tom Cenci has designed a menu of small and sharing plates inspired by his time living and cooking in Istanbul. The cocktails have received the same treatment featuring punchy flavors and unique ingredients.
How we chose the best rooftops in London
Each location featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality, size inclusions, and exceptional craftsmanship.
