things to do in london
Looking for a slightly different place to have a drink? Gaze across London’s beautiful cityscape at one of these rooftop bars and terraces.
The Roof Gardens
Flamingos, fruit trees, fish in a stream, all on a rooftop! Seven floors up from the Kensington High Street shops find a hidden oasis that has not one, but three incredible roof gardens. Visit for free or admire while sipping a delicious cocktail on the terrace of the Babylon restaurant. Open year-round
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
You could walk along the South Bank for years without noticing there’s a bar on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Climb the yellow staircase to discover the amazing Eden Project-designed Roof Garden and Cafe/ Bar, which features a wildflower meadow, mini allotments and a woodland garden.
Big Chill House
Got a few hours before catching a train out of King’s Cross or St. Pancras International stations? Head to Big Chill House (only a few minutes’ walk away) for a seasonal cocktail, some lunchtime burger specials, bottomless Bloody Mary’s (on Sunday), and a sun-blessed wooden roof-terrace. If you enjoy it just enough, come back on a Friday or Saturday evening when DJs get the party started!
Sushisamba
Board a glass lift to the top of the Salesforce Tower London (formerly Heron Tower) and try a selection of high-end fusion dishes and cocktails. Bringing together the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil, Sushisamba is one of London’s top restaurant destinations, as well as one of the highest. Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the terrace overlooking the City’s skyline, and sip your drink next to the life-sized orange tree sculpture.
Netil 360
An independent café and informal workspace during the day, Netil 360 gradually transforms, as the sun goes down, into a hip and lively rooftop bar. Visit this Hackney institution for impeccable craft beers, yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings and a range of hipster eccentricities (alcoholic lollies included). things to do in london
The Boundary
With design mogul Terence Conran overseeing its creation, it’s no wonder The Boundary looks so good. Boundary’s heated rooftop orangery at this converted Victorian warehouse has a kitchen garden, citrus trees and, best of all, a fantastic bar and grill. Soak up the sun or find shade under the vine-cloaked pergola for food, drink and a cheeky habano cigar.
Frank’s
Despite the unusual location – on top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham – Frank’s is worth hunting out during the summer. Watch the sun set over South East London with a Dark & Stormy cocktail, cool company and amazing sculptures close by. Parking, obviously, isn’t a problem
Dalston Roof Park
The height of coolness in London’s hip East End, Dalston Roof Park is a social hub. Budding creatives put on special events during the summer, from film nights to live gigs – all powered by the giant solar panels. All you need to do is pick up a beverage from the pop-up bar, and relax.
Oxo Tower
Soak up a spectacular panorama of the river Thames from the breath-taking terrace of Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie. Savour creative and refined dishes at the restaurant, or enjoy some live music at the brasserie. Admire the view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the bar’s balcony on the 8th floor of this South Bank landmark.
The Bussey Rooftop Bar
Fans of cinema will also find a home outdoors for the summer at the Bussey Building in trendy Peckham. Grab a fresh cocktail from the Spirited Mixers bar team, and hot, wood-fired pizza from on-site specialists, Forza Win, then settle into one of the comfortable deckchairs for a cult classic movie underneath the stars.
Vista
Soak up the tranquility of the secret Vista roof garden bar, safe in the knowledge that nobody in London’s famous Trafalgar Square down below is as lucky as you. Oh look, is that Big Ben you can see? Grab a premium cocktail, settle back into the cosy seating, and feel a satisfying smile appear across your face. Open during summer
Smith’s of Smithfield
Treat yourself to a luxurious evening up amongst the rooftops of the old City of London at Smith’s of Smithsfield Rooftop Terrace. Tuck into prime slabs of rare breed beef, sip on carafes of fine wine, and soak up the view of London with a cocktail and a cigar. Open year round
Queen of Hoxton
The queen of live music and off-beat events, this East London bar/club/arts space has it going on upstairs as well as downstairs. Find a spot on the Queen of Hoxton roof garden to enjoy an afternoon BBQ, chilled cocktails, movie nights and a top view of the City of London. Open during summer and winter
Notch
Look for the secret entrance near Marble Arch and follow the staircase to Notch, a peaceful rooftop retreat from the bustle of Oxford Street. Sip on Negronis served in tuna cans, and feast on crab tortillas and Japanese barbeque wings. Notch’s giant cocktail jars make large groups very happy.
Aqua Nueva
Aqua Nueva serves up a stunning view of the London skyline, along with a menu of traditional Spanish cuisine. Enjoy a stylish cocktail at one of the two bars – one indoor and one on the fantastic terrace overlooking Regent Street, the London Eye and The Gherkin. Attached to Aqua Nueva isAqua Spirit cocktail bar and Aqua Kyoto Japanese restaurant.
Coq d’Argent
Perched on the roof of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent’s elegant rooftop terrace is the ideal destination for after-work drinks or special celebrations. Come for lunch to try the extensive grill menu, or soak up the bar’s panoramic view at sunset – exquisite cocktails in hand, London’s skyline all around you.
The Icon Bar Terrace
A must-do experience for anyone visiting London is a wander through the dazzling lights of Leicester Square. Find shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and casinos to keep you entertained. Pop in the door at The Casino at The Empireand immediately head upstairs to The Icon Balcony Bar where, as the name suggests, you can grab a stool to accompany your cool drink and look out across the square for a spot of people-watching. Look out for Monday to Friday happy hours.
Culpeper Roof Garden
The Culpeper is not your usual London pub. Head to the top floor, and discover a secret rooftop bar with a lovely greenhouse. Many of the plants growing here are used in the pub’s kitchen, and home-made creative herbal concoctions make their way to the outdoor cocktail bar things to do in london.
Angler Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace
There’s no need to travel all the way to Southern France when you can unwind at the Angler Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace. Relax in the shade of the olive trees and smell the fragrance of lavender bushes. Enjoy luxury cocktails and a wide range of bar snacks. Come for lunch to savour delicious dishes from the seafood restaurant.
Madison
Head to Madison and enjoy one of the most popular views over London’s iconic landmarks. Dine at the glamorous restaurant or indulge in a drink at the rooftop cocktail bar directly overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral next door
The Driver
Make your way down a quiet street near King’s Cross for a gastropub meal at The Driver. If you’re feeling comfortable, stay for a drink on the first floor. If you want to feel the sunshine on your face, make your way to the venue’s hidden gem, the roof. Small, cosy and away from the crowds, this secret rooftop bar is where you go to get away from it all things to do in london (and for BBQ every night except Sunday).
Midnight Apothecary at Brunel Museum
If you like campfires, flowers and experimental cocktails, you’ll fall in love with Midnight Apothecary. Part of the Brunel Museum, this original bar is the only place for campfire cocktails in London. Taste unique concoctions created by gardener, Lottie Muir, using fresh ingredients from the local garden, and enjoy mouth-watering souvlaki from Great Greek Grill. Entrance is £5 by advance ticket. Arrive early so that you can grab a spot next to the fire and claim your free marshmallows.
Roof East
Head to Roof East, and discover how a disused car park in Stratford has been transformed into one of London’s coolest rooftop bars. With views across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this multi-purpose space has street food from a Hawksmoor head chef, crazy golf, a rooftop movie club and outdoor fitness classes if you’re feeling energetic.
The Golden Bee
Bask in the sun’s rays at The Golden Bee rooftop bar in fun-loving Shoreditch. This a great venue for sun-worshipping groups as you can keep hunger at bay with sharing boxes of sushi, and enjoy happy hour prices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Take shelter on the second rooftop bar or down in the club area where DJs play house and club classics.
Bonfire
Find a tranquil spot to enjoy a burger and a beer up above the hypnotic lake at the Barbican. The outside roof terrace at Bonfire is the ideal place to discuss the gallery exhibition, the cinematic movie, the theatre performance or the live music you’re about to experience later that evening at the famous arts venue.
Looking for a slightly different place to have a drink? Gaze across London’s beautiful cityscape at one of these rooftop bars and terraces.
The Roof Gardens
Flamingos, fruit trees, fish in a stream, all on a rooftop! Seven floors up from the Kensington High Street shops find a hidden oasis that has not one, but three incredible roof gardens. Visit for free or admire while sipping a delicious cocktail on the terrace of the Babylon restaurant. Open year-round
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
You could walk along the South Bank for years without noticing there’s a bar on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Climb the yellow staircase to discover the amazing Eden Project-designed Roof Garden and Cafe/ Bar, which features a wildflower meadow, mini allotments and a woodland garden.
Big Chill House
Got a few hours before catching a train out of King’s Cross or St. Pancras International stations? Head to Big Chill House (only a few minutes’ walk away) for a seasonal cocktail, some lunchtime burger specials, bottomless Bloody Mary’s (on Sunday), and a sun-blessed wooden roof-terrace. If you enjoy it just enough, come back on a Friday or Saturday evening when DJs get the party started!
Sushisamba
Board a glass lift to the top of the Salesforce Tower London (formerly Heron Tower) and try a selection of high-end fusion dishes and cocktails. Bringing together the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil, Sushisamba is one of London’s top restaurant destinations, as well as one of the highest. Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the terrace overlooking the City’s skyline, and sip your drink next to the life-sized orange tree sculpture.
Netil 360
An independent café and informal workspace during the day, Netil 360 gradually transforms, as the sun goes down, into a hip and lively rooftop bar. Visit this Hackney institution for impeccable craft beers, yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings and a range of hipster eccentricities (alcoholic lollies included). things to do in london
The Boundary
With design mogul Terence Conran overseeing its creation, it’s no wonder The Boundary looks so good. Boundary’s heated rooftop orangery at this converted Victorian warehouse has a kitchen garden, citrus trees and, best of all, a fantastic bar and grill. Soak up the sun or find shade under the vine-cloaked pergola for food, drink and a cheeky habano cigar.
Frank’s
Despite the unusual location – on top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham – Frank’s is worth hunting out during the summer. Watch the sun set over South East London with a Dark & Stormy cocktail, cool company and amazing sculptures close by. Parking, obviously, isn’t a problem
Dalston Roof Park
The height of coolness in London’s hip East End, Dalston Roof Park is a social hub. Budding creatives put on special events during the summer, from film nights to live gigs – all powered by the giant solar panels. All you need to do is pick up a beverage from the pop-up bar, and relax.
Oxo Tower
Soak up a spectacular panorama of the river Thames from the breath-taking terrace of Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie. Savour creative and refined dishes at the restaurant, or enjoy some live music at the brasserie. Admire the view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the bar’s balcony on the 8th floor of this South Bank landmark.
The Bussey Rooftop Bar
Fans of cinema will also find a home outdoors for the summer at the Bussey Building in trendy Peckham. Grab a fresh cocktail from the Spirited Mixers bar team, and hot, wood-fired pizza from on-site specialists, Forza Win, then settle into one of the comfortable deckchairs for a cult classic movie underneath the stars.
Vista
Soak up the tranquility of the secret Vista roof garden bar, safe in the knowledge that nobody in London’s famous Trafalgar Square down below is as lucky as you. Oh look, is that Big Ben you can see? Grab a premium cocktail, settle back into the cosy seating, and feel a satisfying smile appear across your face. Open during summer
Smith’s of Smithfield
Treat yourself to a luxurious evening up amongst the rooftops of the old City of London at Smith’s of Smithsfield Rooftop Terrace. Tuck into prime slabs of rare breed beef, sip on carafes of fine wine, and soak up the view of London with a cocktail and a cigar. Open year round
Queen of Hoxton
The queen of live music and off-beat events, this East London bar/club/arts space has it going on upstairs as well as downstairs. Find a spot on the Queen of Hoxton roof garden to enjoy an afternoon BBQ, chilled cocktails, movie nights and a top view of the City of London. Open during summer and winter
Notch
Look for the secret entrance near Marble Arch and follow the staircase to Notch, a peaceful rooftop retreat from the bustle of Oxford Street. Sip on Negronis served in tuna cans, and feast on crab tortillas and Japanese barbeque wings. Notch’s giant cocktail jars make large groups very happy.
Aqua Nueva
Aqua Nueva serves up a stunning view of the London skyline, along with a menu of traditional Spanish cuisine. Enjoy a stylish cocktail at one of the two bars – one indoor and one on the fantastic terrace overlooking Regent Street, the London Eye and The Gherkin. Attached to Aqua Nueva isAqua Spirit cocktail bar and Aqua Kyoto Japanese restaurant.
Coq d’Argent
Perched on the roof of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent’s elegant rooftop terrace is the ideal destination for after-work drinks or special celebrations. Come for lunch to try the extensive grill menu, or soak up the bar’s panoramic view at sunset – exquisite cocktails in hand, London’s skyline all around you.
The Icon Bar Terrace
A must-do experience for anyone visiting London is a wander through the dazzling lights of Leicester Square. Find shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and casinos to keep you entertained. Pop in the door at The Casino at The Empireand immediately head upstairs to The Icon Balcony Bar where, as the name suggests, you can grab a stool to accompany your cool drink and look out across the square for a spot of people-watching. Look out for Monday to Friday happy hours.
Culpeper Roof Garden
The Culpeper is not your usual London pub. Head to the top floor, and discover a secret rooftop bar with a lovely greenhouse. Many of the plants growing here are used in the pub’s kitchen, and home-made creative herbal concoctions make their way to the outdoor cocktail bar things to do in london.
Angler Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace
There’s no need to travel all the way to Southern France when you can unwind at the Angler Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace. Relax in the shade of the olive trees and smell the fragrance of lavender bushes. Enjoy luxury cocktails and a wide range of bar snacks. Come for lunch to savour delicious dishes from the seafood restaurant.
Madison
Head to Madison and enjoy one of the most popular views over London’s iconic landmarks. Dine at the glamorous restaurant or indulge in a drink at the rooftop cocktail bar directly overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral next door
The Driver
Make your way down a quiet street near King’s Cross for a gastropub meal at The Driver. If you’re feeling comfortable, stay for a drink on the first floor. If you want to feel the sunshine on your face, make your way to the venue’s hidden gem, the roof. Small, cosy and away from the crowds, this secret rooftop bar is where you go to get away from it all things to do in london (and for BBQ every night except Sunday).
Midnight Apothecary at Brunel Museum
If you like campfires, flowers and experimental cocktails, you’ll fall in love with Midnight Apothecary. Part of the Brunel Museum, this original bar is the only place for campfire cocktails in London. Taste unique concoctions created by gardener, Lottie Muir, using fresh ingredients from the local garden, and enjoy mouth-watering souvlaki from Great Greek Grill. Entrance is £5 by advance ticket. Arrive early so that you can grab a spot next to the fire and claim your free marshmallows.
Roof East
Head to Roof East, and discover how a disused car park in Stratford has been transformed into one of London’s coolest rooftop bars. With views across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this multi-purpose space has street food from a Hawksmoor head chef, crazy golf, a rooftop movie club and outdoor fitness classes if you’re feeling energetic.
The Golden Bee
Bask in the sun’s rays at The Golden Bee rooftop bar in fun-loving Shoreditch. This a great venue for sun-worshipping groups as you can keep hunger at bay with sharing boxes of sushi, and enjoy happy hour prices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Take shelter on the second rooftop bar or down in the club area where DJs play house and club classics.
Bonfire
Find a tranquil spot to enjoy a burger and a beer up above the hypnotic lake at the Barbican. The outside roof terrace at Bonfire is the ideal place to discuss the gallery exhibition, the cinematic movie, the theatre performance or the live music you’re about to experience later that evening at the famous arts venue.