Londoners love to get high. As in, high up on rooftops, cocktail in hand, surrounded by panoramic city views (what were you thinking?). There are so many great rooftop bars making up the city’s drinking and nightlife scene right now, each boasting an array of reasons to visit, from the very best street food, to croquet, live music and film screenings. There’s high end dining options if you’re looking for a sophisticated date night spot, or alternatively the perfect locations for a chill all-day hangout with friends. I thought I’d round up a few of the city’s best, from old favourites, to new discoveries…
This list will be updated regularly, so keep checking back for more reviews!
1. Queen of Hoxton
I’ve been going to Queen of Hoxton pretty much since I was legal drinking age, but whilst most of the bars I used to frequent at the tender age of 18 make me cringe to think of now, this is one that’s still going strong. There’s three floors, including the basement which hosts live music and club nights, the ground floor which is more of casual drinking space, and occasionally host to parties and events like drag bingo, and my favourite, the rooftop.
What makes the QOH rooftop so special is the amount of effort that goes into the space. Each Summer and Winter they choose a theme (pictured is ‘Lost Vegas’, but previous themes have included ‘Moroccan Medina’ and Grimm’s fairytale themed ‘Once Upon a Wigwam’) and create the space around that, with food and cocktails to match. It’s probably at it’s best in Winter, with a cosy tent and a generous dosage of fairy lights creating a really intimate space with a hint of whimsy (plus their winter cocktails are super tasty…). The rooftop never gets to crazy; with a mid-thirties crowd it’s the perfect spot for a chill drink, before heading downstairs to party the night away.
Best For: A cosy Winter night with friends
1 Curtain Rd
London
EC2A 3JX
2. Bokan
Situated in the city a few minutes walk from Canary Wharf station, Bokan is a slick rooftop bar and terrace at the top of the Novotel Hotel, with stunning panoramic views of the financial district and beyond. You’d be forgiven for writing it off as a business spot for the local Suits, but it’s so much more than that. Whilst the views are the main draw (seriously, there can’t be many better places to watch the sunset over London), there’s also an impressive food and drink menu. When I chose a drink off the menu that wasn’t available, I was brought a surprise alternative that’s probably up there as one of the best cocktails I’ve tried. Couldn’t for the life of me tell you what was in it, but it’s worth working your way through their cocktail menu anyway, as there are so many hits (and not a ‘sex on the beach’ in sight, this place is classy people!).
On my visit I ordered the fish and chips, whilst my guest ordered the burger. It’s one of those menus where it takes about ten minutes to settle on something, only to keep changing your mind, because everything sounds delicious. There’s nothing on it too outrageous or unpronounceable, just good classic dishes served well.
This is a recurring theme at Bokan – whilst it’s certainly sophisticated, there is a lack of pretension that makes the place comfortable, with Scandi design that is fashionable but not unwelcoming, and service that is professional but still warm and friendly.
It’s a perfect spot if you’re looking to impress without intimidating, whether it’s potential business partners or that hot guy off tinder.
Best For: A Sunset-soaked date night
40 Marsh Wall
Isle of Dogs
London
E14 9TP
3. Madison
I’ll keep this one short and sweet, largely because I’ll admit, I’ve never actually had a drink at Madison (I went at noon, it wasn’t really appropriate!). However it still makes the list, for the view alone.
Madison is fairly iconic on Instagram already, largely thanks to the fact that Saint Paul’s towers above it only metres away, making for a seriously #goals gram. Add to that a sunset and maybe a fancy schmancy cocktail, and you’ve gone viral. There’s a simple, but elegantly designed outdoor space with heaters, as well as a large indoor bar and restaurant area.
Best For: Getting the Gram
Rooftop Terrace One
New Change
London
EC4M 9AF
4. Skylight
I’ve never had much reason to go to Wapping – until now. Skylight is making a seriously good case for the area, with a sprawling rooftop space that could well take the rooftop crown. It boasts amazing views of the city, two great food stalls (try the pork confit burger, yum!), a unique cocktail menu full of hits, and best yet, a seasonal range activities to keep you entertained. When I visited this was croquet and pétanque (yeah, I don’t know what that is either), and it’ll soon be changing to haybale skittles and horseshoes for Autumn. In Winter, it’s a great spot for ice-skating!
Obviously, the first port of call is the bar, where they boast not only a cocktail menu but also a selection of Spritz’s. A special shout out for the Pineapple and Ginger Mojito, and also the mysterious rum cocktail that bartender Seki made me (three different rums, pineapple and lime make for a very happy Anoushka!).
There are two street food stalls, one serving burgers while the other serves Greek wraps. I went for the pork confit burger with a side of halloumi fries, because halloumi fries are the best. Oh, and sweet potato fries, because there’s no such thing as too many fries, right? Totally delicious.
There’s three different areas, including a more indoor space where the food is served, the main area with the bar, and an upstairs terrace area. When I went it was a Sunday afternoon, so pretty quiet, but you can imagine it being rammed on a Friday night, with so much to see, do, and explore.
Best For: Activities with friends
Tobacco Dock
Pennington St entrance
St Katharine’s & Wapping
London
E1W 2SF
5. Franks
I couldn’t really write an article on rooftop bars and not include Frank’s, could I? The legendary rooftop bar and cafe sat atop a car park has become a London institution, known for it’s pink staircase, impressive views over London, and being a key part of achingly cool Peckham’s nightlife scene. Only open during the Summer, it can get packed out during the warm weekend nights, but go early to enjoy their brunch menu (and get a gram on the staircase undisturbed).
Frank’s is no frills, with a basic cocktail and food menu, simple wooden seating, and a DIY aesthetic, yet it remains one of London’s most popular spots. Come for the view, stay for the buzz, or maybe head on to explore the rest of what Peckham has to offer…
Best For: Feeling cool with London’s hipsters
Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park
95a Rye Lane
Peckham
London
SE15 4ST
Special shout outs also go to Bar Elba in Waterloo, a Napoleon themed rooftop bar with a quirky cocktail menu, and Big Chill’s roof terrace in Kings Cross, with flamboyant decor and delicious brunch grub. Let me know if you have any other London rooftop recommendations, or which are your favourites!
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