Top 5 London Rooftop Bars
- Lasharna Turner
- Jul 23, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2019
With August quickly approaching, the height of London summer time is upon us. Naturally, the invites are likely to be pouring in from friends, as people feel more compelled to socialise during the warmer months. For drinks this summer I can't think of anything less appealing than an overrun packed indoor space when you could be sunning yourself with a wicked cocktail and some slightly congested albeit miles fresher than ground level, roof-top air.
For those of you, not jet-setting away to glamorous locations or just returning and wanting to keep the party going, I've curated my favourite rooftop bars around the city. I think it is worth stating that these are bars I've personally visited and spent my own money at, no endorsements, no sponsored posts. So here we go, in no particular order!
Soho Sanctum Hotel Roof Terrace Easily one of the most discrete roof-tops you can imagine, this is a tucked away little haven complete with hot-tub and cosy indoor space and fireplace. The cocktails come strong and are served by a gorgeously attentive bar manager called Winston. You have to enter through the main hotel reception and take the lift up to the roof, a short flight of stairs and you're there. Lovely helpful staff and a wide range of tasty drinks and bar snacks. I'd recommend calling ahead or making a reservation as this is one of central London's smaller rooftop terraces and so is more than likely to be fully booked.
The Skylounge at Doubletree by Hilton One of my favourites for views, it is situated just a stone's throw away from Tower Bridge and sits in the centre of the City's gorgeous skyline giving you full 360 panoramic views. Prepare to reach for the Snapchat because you'll want to let everyone know that you're here. A high-end feel, very popular amongst city lads and after work social groups, so be sure to arrange a table or you'll be standing all night. Drinks can get pricey but are beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious. A great place to celebrate a Birthday and somewhere you might want to get dressed up for.
Skylight, Tobacco Dock A newbie to the roof-top scene, Wapping's Skylight bar sits atop a carpark, serves up scrumptious street food, Croquet games and fake grass - It's an East London dream! Despite not being the highest rooftop, it still manages to offer stunning views across what feels like the entire city. Drinks are reasonably priced and long wooden benches and tables make it an ideal spot for big groups and those of us who bring a little more volume to the party. Chilled and welcoming you can be guaranteed, cool surroundings, even cooler folks, something tasty to eat and a strong drink for a fair price.
Bokan This roof-top bar and restaurant came to rival every sky-high eating establishment in the city. Views for days is an understatement, incredibly high, super polished and brand spanking new. Part of the new Novotel hotel in Canary Wharf, this bar is the definition of snazzy, even the toilets offer stunning floor to ceiling window views. Endearing bar staff who offer as much entertainment as they do great drink recommendations. The indoor space is gorgeously presented, you can tell no expense was spared in the masterful creation of the interiors. However, if you want to sit in the equally as stunning outside space, be sure to book - it fills up fast.
Sisu London This roof-top spot feels like it was ripped from the edgy laid-back East London and dragged to the far more uptight West End. Bringing along with it a well-needed dose of chilled vibes and affordable drinks. Here at Sisu, drinks are served in jars and are potent, to say the least. Big shared tables mean it is super easy to network with interesting strangers and the menu is packed full of cocktail classics. Once you've climbed the stairs and entered into the casual oasis you won't even realise you're just a few stories above the hustle and bustle of Oxford street. I can't recommend this place enough.
Comments