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The Best Rooftop Bars in London Right Now

London’s rooftop bars are at their best when the view feels part of the evening, not the whole point. This guide brings together sky-high spots across Soho, Waterloo, the Thames, and the City, from relaxed cocktail bars with central London views to rooftop terraces with live music, small plates, and a proper place to linger. You’ll find settings for after-work drinks, pre-theatre plans, and late nights with friends, plus a few polished addresses for date night or a quieter table above the rush. Some focus on skyline panoramas, others on a strong drinks list and easygoing service. Together, they give you a clear way to choose the right rooftop bar in London for the night you have in mind.

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The ResidentPublished
2 min read

Skyline cocktails and rooftop bars in London Soho

London’s rooftops bring together wide views, well-made drinks, and a different pace after dark. This guide rounds up places where you can settle in for sunset over the River Thames, late cocktails near Soho, or a glass with the City skyline in sight. You’ll find open-air terraces, planted garden spaces, and bars with a lively soundtrack, plus a few spots that work well for pre-theatre plans or a longer evening with friends. From Sky Garden’s booked-ahead viewing decks to polished bars like Radio Rooftop and 12th Knot, it’s a useful way to choose the right setting for the night you want.

Updated
8 min read

Sky Pod Bar

Dining and Drinking Bar Cocktail Bar
Google4.5
An excellently composed and sharp image of a modern building's facade against a clear blue sky. The lighting is superb, providing accurate colors and high photo-realism. All architectural details are in sharp focus.

Image / Sky Garden

A rooftop cocktail bar with garden views and live music.

Good for

#SkyGarden#RooftopCocktails#LondonViews#DateNightLondon#LiveMusic#CocktailBars

What to expect

Reserved seating with limited capacity so the space feels calmer than many city rooftops. Security checks and photo ID are standard on arrival. Drinks are well made, though some guests note large amounts of ice. Background music and live sets create a lively atmosphere that can make conversation harder at times. Blankets are available in cooler months.

Plan your visit

Book ahead, especially for evenings and weekend slots. Bring photo ID, as entry checks are enforced. Aim to arrive a little before your booking to wander the planted terraces and take photos. If you prefer quieter conversation, ask for a table away from the main music area and request less ice in your drink when ordering. Staff can advise on drinks and dietary needs.

View Website1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, UK

Radio Rooftop

££££ Dining and Drinking Bar
Google3.8
Tripadvisor3.5
This image is a professionally taken close-up shot of a table setting at a restaurant. The composition is well-balanced, showcasing the food, drinks, and the cityscape in the background. The lighting is excellent, highlighting the details of the food and the ambiance of the setting. The image is sharp, capturing the textures of the food and the glassware. The colors are accurate, reflecting the warm tones of the setting. The key elements, including the food, drinks, and the cityscape, are in focus. The image is photo-realistic and visually appealing. Overall, the image meets all the criteria and is a high-quality representation of a restaurant setting.

Image / Radio Rooftop

Rooftop drinks with wide London views above the Strand

Good for

#RooftopBar#LondonViews#SunsetDrinks#CocktailBar#WestEndNights#DrinksWithAView

What to expect

A mix of covered indoor seating and open-air terrace, with a contemporary bar and DJ-curated music in the evenings. Cocktails are a strong point and the wine list is focused and premium. Staff are generally friendly and attentive, though service can vary on very busy nights. The mood leans upbeat and social rather than quiet or formal.

Plan your visit

Book a table in advance, especially for sunset times and weekend evenings. Dress smart-casual and bring ID for age checks. If you prefer a quieter experience, choose a weekday or an earlier slot. Consider combining a visit with a West End show or an evening walk along nearby central routes.

View Website336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA, UK

Kitty Hawk

Dining and Drinking Bar
Google4.7
Tripadvisor4.7
This image is an excellent example of restaurant photography, capturing a vibrant dining experience. The composition is well-balanced, featuring two women enjoying a meal with prominent food and drink elements. The lighting is natural and even, highlighting the subjects and the table setting without harsh shadows or overexposure. Key elements, including the people and the food, are sharp and in focus, with a pleasing depth of field that blurs the background appropriately. Colors are accurate and vibrant, contributing to the appealing presentation of the food and the overall atmosphere. The image is highly photo-realistic and authentic.

Image / ETM Collection

A relaxed central London bar for simple drinks and easy conversation.

Good for

#Cocktails#Londonbars#Afterwork#Theatrepre#Friendsnight

What to expect

Expect a compact interior and close service. The focus is on drinks rather than a long food menu. Staff are attentive and the vibe leans social rather than formal. Noise levels vary with the evening trade.

Plan your visit

Go with a small group or alone for a relaxed hour or two. If you plan to visit on a weekend evening, arrive early to secure a seat at the bar. Pair the visit with a nearby dinner or a theatre show for an easy night out.

View Website8 St. Martin's Pl, London WC2N 4JH, UK

AMANO Rooftop Bar

Dining and Drinking Bar Rooftop Bar
Google4.1
Tripadvisor4.1
This image captures a modern rooftop bar at dusk, showcasing an inviting outdoor lounge area with various seating arrangements and ambient lighting from small candles. The composition is strong, effectively leading the eye through the space towards the city skyline in the background. The lighting is soft and atmospheric, characteristic of early evening, with warm glows from the candles complementing the natural light. The image is generally sharp, with good detail visible in the furniture and textures. Colors appear accurate and pleasant, contributing to the overall appealing aesthetic. While highly realistic, there are subtle visual cues that suggest it might be a high-quality architectural rendering rather than a traditional photograph, which slightly impacts its 'photo-realistic' score. All key elements, such as the seating and tables, are clearly in focus. No unwanted elements are present in the image.

Image / Hot Dinners

Cocktails with a skyline view

Good for

#RooftopBar#Cocktails#Nightlife#CityViews#AfterWork

What to expect

A relaxed but lively atmosphere, with a drink-led menu and staff who move at a steady pace. Seating mixes tables and bar standing space, so groups and couples can find a spot. The sound level suits conversation, with a background music soundtrack that leans upbeat in the evenings.

Plan your visit

Aim to reserve for weekend evenings and arrive a little earlier for outside seating. Dress smart-casual and carry ID. Take a lightweight layer for after sunset, as rooftop areas cool quickly.

View WebsiteDrury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA, UK

12th Knot

Dining and Drinking Bar Cocktail Bar
Google4.4
Tripadvisor4
This image features a cocktail with a rose petal garnish, set against a blurred cityscape background, including St. Paul's Cathedral. The composition is strong, placing the cocktail as the clear focal point while using the iconic background to add context and depth. The lighting is excellent, providing even illumination on the drink without harsh shadows or overexposure. The cocktail itself is exceptionally sharp, with clear details on the glass and the liquid, while the background is intentionally and effectively blurred, enhancing the sense of depth and isolating the subject. Colors appear accurate and vibrant, particularly the red of the rose petal and the blue of the sky. The image is highly photo-realistic, resembling a professional photograph. All key elements, specifically the cocktail, are perfectly in focus. There are no unwanted elements present, such as watermarks, half-eaten food, or drinks that aren't full. The environment, though a city, is not cluttered due to the effective use of depth of field.

Image / 12th Knot

Raise a glass to skyline views, lively beats, and cocktails with a view.

Good for

#Rooftop#LondonViews#Cocktails#Nightlife#Photobooth

What to expect

A stylish rooftop that shifts from relaxed golden hour to a buzzy evening scene, offering panoramic river and city views. Expect carefully crafted cocktails, attentive staff who tailor recommendations, and a soundtrack that lifts the mood without overpowering conversation. The layout mixes cosy indoor corners with open terrace seating, drawing a fashionable crowd of locals, visitors, couples and groups. Photobooth moments and skyline shots are part of the appeal.

Plan your visit

Book ahead to secure a riverside-facing table, especially for sunset views. Arrive earlier for a calmer experience, or come later to enjoy the rooftop when DJs bring the energy. Dress smart casual, mention special occasions when reserving, and expect a lively yet polished atmosphere suitable for groups, dates and business meet-ups.

View Website20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD, UK

The Rooftop

Dining and Drinking Bar
Google4.2
Tripadvisor3.8
This image is an example of exterior photography, showcasing a dramatic sunset view of the London skyline from a rooftop. The composition is strong, effectively framing the iconic London Eye and the city against the vibrant sky. The foreground elements, such as tables and chairs, provide a sense of place and depth. The colors are beautiful and appear accurate for a sunset, contributing to a highly photo-realistic feel. Key elements in both the foreground and background are in focus. However, a notable weakness is the lighting in the foreground; while the sunset creates a dramatic silhouette for the city, the tables and chairs in the immediate foreground are significantly underexposed, leading to a loss of detail. The overall sharpness is good but not exceptional, particularly in the distant city details which are softened by the silhouette effect. No unwanted elements were identified.

Image / The Rooftop Guide

Drinks with a city view.

Good for

#Rooftopbar#Cocktails#LondonViews#Afterwork#Datenight#Cityskyline

What to expect

A mix of terrace and sheltered seating, with a straightforward drinks menu centred on cocktails and classic bar choices. Expect a lively but relaxed vibe, background music and staff who move at a steady pace. The layout works for couples, friends and business meet-ups.

Plan your visit

If you want a table in the evening, reserve ahead to avoid waiting. Dress smart casual and bring ID. For small groups, ask about seating when you book. Arrive before peak times if you prefer quieter spots on the terrace.

View Website7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS, UK

Mercer Roof Terrace

Dining and Drinking Restaurant
Google4.4
Tripadvisor4.1
This image showcases an elegant rooftop restaurant with a prominent city skyline view, including The Shard. The composition is excellent, utilizing foreground elements to create depth and lead the eye to the main dining table, which features champagne and oysters. The natural lighting, likely from an overcast sky, provides soft, even illumination, ensuring no harsh shadows or blown-out highlights. The key elements, such as the tables, food, and drinks, are sharp and in focus, making them visually appealing. Colors are accurate and natural, contributing to the overall photo-realism. The image is professionally captured and effectively conveys the ambiance of the location.

Image / Secret London

Raise a glass above the city, savour skyline views and a lively, sophisticated rooftop vibe.

Good for

#RooftopDining#LondonViews#AlfrescoEats#CityTerrace#HiddenRoofGem

What to expect

A polished rooftop experience, where panoramic city views meet thoughtfully presented British-inspired cooking and creative drinks. Service is professional and personable, with staff praised for their warmth and knowledge. Expect a lively but relaxed atmosphere, with a mix of alfresco tables, private dining domes and a bright interior space. Perfect for celebrations, long lunches and after-work drinks, the terrace balances an elevated feel with an easygoing, social energy.

Plan your visit

Book ahead to secure an outside table or a private dining dome, especially for evenings and weekends. Arrive ready for a smart-casual setting, and request a terrace spot for the best views. For cooler weather, the indoor and covered options provide the same atmosphere with extra comfort. Ideal for groups, romantic evenings or business outings, mention any special requirements when booking to smooth the visit.

View Website20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU, UK