Best rooftop bars in London

When it's hot and sunny in crowded London, there's nothing better than finding a rooftop bar where you can soak up the rays and enjoy a chilled G&T, refreshing spritz or zesty margarita. From secluded terraces to buzzy drinking spots, check our some of our favourite rooftop bars in the city.

Explore the best London rooftop bars, then see our favourite London cocktail bars and London hotel bars.

Frank’s Café, Peckham

While the capital has many sunny pub gardens to soak up the rays, decent rooftop bars are harder to find. Located on top of a 10-storey car park in Peckham, Frank’s Café opens up every summer and is by no means a hidden gem – it’s been open for more than 15 years – but remains a cult destination thanks to its unbeatable views of the London skyline, masses of space and affordable drinks, from £3.50 glasses of Estrella to trendy frozen palomas. boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe/

Netil 360, London Fields

Yes you have to climb up MANY flights of stairs (and sometimes the queue can snake right back down) but this buzzy rooftop bar offers panoramic city views that make it a must in summer, with DJ sets at the weekend and the likes of spicy margs, natural wine and local Five Points beer on tap. netil360.com

The Culpeper Rooftop Garden, Spitalfields

Stylish Spitalfields pub The Culpeper has turned its rooftop into a woodland-themed haven, complete with apple, silver birch and hazel trees, plus edible plants such as mint, sweet cicely, honeysuckle and wild strawberries – all of which are used extensively in its menu. This lush sylvan setting – against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers – also provides inspiration for the cocktail list, which features spirits infused in-house and botanical twists on classics, like the housemade 'rhubarbcello' with ginger liqueur and fizz. theculpeper.com/rooftop

Forza Wine, Peckham

The original Forza (they also have a site at the National Theatre) is another Peckham rooftop hero, with both indoor seating and an expansive outdoor terrace. It does a fine line in punchy drinks (make ours a frozen picante or a peach and pisco sour), a well-priced list of wines by the glass and small plates to line your stomach including grilled flatbreads with braised pork, sage and parmesan. forzawine.com

Flute at Broadwick Soho, Soho

A hotel bar with a leafy wrap-around terrace, Flute has pleasingly OTT interiors, including mirrored ceilings, a riot of clashing prints, plush seating and cork walls. Their cocktail list is themed around films shot in and around Soho, such as the 39 Steps with SirDavis whisky, salted maple syrup, vermouth and palo cortado sherry, or if you’re feeling especially decadent, order a ‘champagne and bump’ – a glass of Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs with a spoonful of Osciètre caviar. broadwicksoho.com/flute

Sabine Rooftop Bar, St Paul’s

This plush central London bar boasts an amazing view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Recently renovated, there’s a revamped all-day food offering that includes lunch, brunch and afternoon tea, and live music Thursday to Saturday. Head to the outdoor terrace for the best views, preferably while sipping a cocktail – we like the sound of the Verdant Sunset made with Sabine’s own gin washed in olive oil and basil, cucumber-infused vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters. sabinelondon.co.uk

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

Boundary Rooftop is the ideal spot to rise above the streetside hustle and sip cocktails as the sun sets over a slightly hushed, 360-degree view of London. Shelter under the pergola and a string of fairy lights with a seasonal cocktail and sharing plates cooked on a robata grill – think grilled harissa mushroom and aubergine skewers with fregola tabbouleh and baba ghanoush. Or just head up after dinner and sit by the outdoor fireplace nursing a digestif.

boundary.london

La-Yam, Holborn

This new bar is perched directly above Holborn Station on top of Kingsbourne House, a rooftop oasis in a particularly hectic slice of central London. La-Yam is a 200-capacity bar where you can soak up impressive panoramic views that include the Shard and the BT Tower. Cocktails are crowd-pleasing – think palomas, lychee martinis and spritzes – plus there’s also a modern Greek menu during the day from chef Eran Shachaf, and rooftop yoga in the mornings. la-yam.com

The Nest, Marylebone

The Treehouse Hotel’s rooftop bar is another one with a wraparound terrace, once which offers 360-degree views of the London skyline. Inside, it’s a foliage-filled space where you can enjoy light and bright drinks like the Rhubarb Triangle with El Rayo tequila, rhubarb and cardamom cordial and ginger ale. One extra perk is that on Sundays dog owners can bring their canine pals up to the roof, with a special dog-friendly menu on offer. treehousehotels.com