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London's rooftop spaces are open for an alfresco season like no other. Here's where you can dine outside and get a great view at the same time.
Central
The Devonshire
Where: Soho - 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW
Obviously, when The Devonshire unveiled its third-floor roof terrace it immediately became the place to be seen at in the heart of town - where else would you find Jon Bon Jovi and Ed Sheeran dining out there at the same time? You can't book it specifically, but given there are 40 tables out there, you've got at least a fighting chance when you arrive of there being space.
Follow them on Instagram @devonshiresoho
ABar Rooftop
Where: Mayfair - 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP
One of four spaces run by chef Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, this rooftop spot is a very handy space to know about if you're shopping in the West End. The lunch menu is a lighter affair but in the evenings it expands to sushi bites, crudo, and small plates. As for the cocktails, the list handily splits into the season so you can order a drink that matches the weather that day.
Follow them on Instagram @abarlondon
Amano Rooftop Bar
Where: Covent Garden - Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA
There really aren't that many rooftop bars in central London, making the one on top of the Hotel AMANO Covent Garden a rare spot that's worth knowing about. Fancy cocktails with a backdrop of Big Ben or the London Eye? Then you're in the right place. The tapas menu here has more of a global flavour profile so there's pan con tomate alongside Baharat patatas.
Follow them on Instagram @amanocoventgarden
Kioku by Endo
Where: Whitehall - The OWO. 7 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2EX
Endo Kazutoshi's Japanese restaurant takes the prime rooftop place at The OWO, so it has some pretty spectacular views of some of London's most iconic buildings in the heart of town, including a bird's eye view of the London Eye. Even the terrace that looks down on the inner courtyard is a pretty good spot. Soak up the sun and views with some of the best sushi in town.
Follow them on Instagram @kiokubyendo
Brooklands
Where: The Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ
As London’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant to also feature a capacious rooftop terrace, Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula London stands out from the crowd. There’s room for 26 diners on the terrace with great views across Hyde Park and it’s open for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy Bosi's classic fine dining menu - think French techniques and great British produce - along with a picture postcard view of the whole of London.
Follow them on Instagram @brooklands.london
Yasmin
Where: 1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR
Originally for members only, the tucked-away rooftop space at the top of 1 Warwick is a very useful place to know about in Soho. Chef Tom Cenci is behind the menu here which focuses on Middle Eastern dishes and features great sharing dishes like charred flatbread with whipped sheep’s cheese, hot honey and isot biber. Enjoy a sundowner cocktail here, or two.
Follow them on Instagram @yasminsoho
Sparrow
Where: 1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ
Totally tucked away and hidden from the street the Sparrow’s Nest at this high-end Mayfair spot is one of the city’s cutest rooftop spots. There’s room for just 20 diners up here, but if you’re after a rooftop fine dining experience with proper glassware and tablecloths this is just the place for you. Enjoy bowls of lobster pasta, or maybe a fillet mignon - ideally on someone else’s tab.
Follow them on Instagram @sparrowitalia
Broadwick Soho
Where: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
Newish boutique hotel Broadwick Soho has a top-floor bar and restaurant, Flute, which has one of Soho's biggest rooftop terraces, wrapping around two sides of the building. The food here is designed for sharing, whether that's a plate of tuna tostadas or a dozen oysters with kombu dressing. The hotel's been a magnet for celebrities ever since it opened so there's also a good chance of doing some star spotting here too.
Follow them on Instagram @broadwicksoho
Market Hall Victoria
Where: 191 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5NE
Super handy for both commuters and locals, the rooftop space at this food hall right opposite Victoria station had a full refurb last summer. The space now has plenty of new seating along with a very useful retractable roof to cope with the London weather. Pick up food from traders like Gopal’s Corner (you'll want their amazing rotis) or Black Bear Burger and head up here with a spritz.
Follow them on Instagram @markethalls
Madera and Nest at Treehouse London
Where: 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS
This is a two-for-one. On the fifteenth floor, you’ll find Madera - a Mexican restaurant and bar with a terrace perfect for enjoying tacos and more. But head upstairs and there’s another bar, The Nest, which does cocktails, small plates and sharing boards.
Follow on Instagram: @maderalondon.
Clap London
Where: 12-14 Basil St, London SW3 1AJ
There aren't many rooftop spots in Knightsbridge, making Clap a rarity in this part of town. Taking over the sixth and seventh floor of its building, the Japanese restaurant has a lovely rooftop terrace on its top floor where you can enjoy a Sakura Spritz and bar food like wagyu beef tartare and Biwa caviar on sando bread and rock shrimp tempura.
Follow them on Instagram @claplondon
City
Los Mochis City
Where: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT
Hands-down one of the City’s most glamorous rooftop spaces, Los Mochis City boasts a whopping 3,000 sq. ft outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the city. Ask nicely and you'll get a table with a very Insta-worthy St Paul's in the background. The space is also fully covered and heated and - most importantly - has a decently late-night licence. Come here for cocktails and food from the restaurant’s crowd-pleasing Mexican/Japanese menu.
Follow them on Instagram @losmochislondon
Angler
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
Come the summer, this Michelin-starred restaurant comes into its own with the launch of its terrace space. There's also a new chef on board this year, Craig Johnston, who was the youngest-ever winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and was previously head chef at Marcus Belgravia, so you'll want to come and try his food even without the excuse of the rooftop terrace. In more good news, the terrace also has a removable roof, making this a good place to come, whatever the weather.
Follow them on Instagram @angler_restaurant
Coq D'Argent
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Taking up a huge space on the top floor, this is one of the City's most famous alfresco spots. If you can grab a space here on a busy weekday lunchtime, you've done a good job. It's a classic French menu kind of place, so order some escargots and maybe a platter of fruits de mer to share. If there's time, make sure to find your way onto the lawn out at the back with great views of the City.
Follow on Instagram: @coqdargent
Florattica
Canopy by Hilton London City, 11-15 Minories, London EC3N 1AX
Right at the top of this City hotel, you'll find a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the City. From here you've got a great vantage point through the high rise spaces leading down towards St Paul's. Food-wise, there's a pretty good value set brunch with options like smoked salmon eggs royale on the menu and the cocktails are very on point too. It's also quite beautiful inside, with the whole roof covered in floral arrangements.
Follow on Instagram: @floratticarooftoplondon
Mercer Roof Terrace
Where: Vintry & Mercer, 19-20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU
This London rooftop space boasts quite the City view, taking in everything from The Shard to St Paul's. The food here is all about the best meat and fish from the British Isles with a good example being the Cornish Exmoor caviar with Jersey jacket potatoes. For groups opt for the British cheese plates or charcuterie boards made with Cobble Lane charcuterie. Cocktails feature their own house-infused spirits and there's a good value set lunch deal here too.
Follow on Instagram: @vintryandmercer.
The Culpeper
Where: 40 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LP
The Regen rooftop space in this City pub is all about sustainable and regenerative farming which is what inspires the menus here - and there are some great set lunch options. After 3pm, it's for walk-ins only for drinks and bar snacks. The drinks list continues the theme with a focus on biodynamic winemakers.
Reopens Spring 2025 (date TBC)
Follow on Instagram: @theculpeper.
Jin Bo Law
Where: 14th floor Dorsett City, 9 Aldgate High Street, London EC3N 1AH
High on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel, this bar has properly jaw-dropping views over the City of London. It’s all about drinks here - there are a few snacks - so choose from an interesting cocktail list or go with the magnums section of the drinks list. Weekends feature DJ sessions and parties.
Follow on Instagram: @jinbolaw_skybar.
North
The Standard
Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Up on the 11th floor of The Standard hotel at King’s Cross, their rooftop is a lively space come the summer months. It’s always been a good place to enjoy a cocktail, with views over St Pancras, but this year there’s a new food truck to try out. New York pizza slices are the order of the day; options include Spiced Salami with Cobble Lane cured salami, nduja, red onion, and hot honey and a vegan option with rosemary, potato, and smoked sea salt. Look out for live performances monthly.
Follow them on Instagram @thestandardlondon
Big Chill
Where: 257-259 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9NL
Food at this King's Cross rooftop bar is courtesy of residency Chuck Burger who use meat from ex-dairy cows for their excellent burgers. The bar also does a very popular weekend bottomless brunch. The good news is there's also a retractable roof here should it be needed.
Follow on Instagram: @bigchillbar
South
Joia Rooftop
Where: 16th Floor, 1 Electric Boulevard, London, SW11 8BJ
This large rooftop terrace has great views overlooking Battersea Power Station and comes from the same people behind Joia, the Portuguese restaurant by Henrique Sá Pessoa just a few floors below. Alongside cocktails, there are snacks, petiscos and tapas on offer, including croquetas, Iberico ham, tuna tartare and an octopus brioche sandwich.
Reopens 4 April 2025.
Follow on Instagram: @joiabattersea
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Where: Fifth Floor Roof, Unit B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST
Bussey's rooftop scene matches a big cocktail list featuring all the classics alongside their no-alcohol counterparts. Alongside the drinks, you'll find great pizzas from Share A Slice (with lots of plant-based and gluten-free options on there too). Events at the Peckham bar include a regular rooftop club and film nights.
Reopens 10 April 2025
Follow on Instagram: @busseyrooftopbar
CLF Art Lounge
Where: 4a Station Way, Peckham, London SE15 4RX
The rooftop bar at this Peckham bar and lounge features live music, cabaret and comedy sessions and, handily, is also weatherproofed for the British summer. The food this year comes courtesy of Creole kitchen Young Nola who are also promising to serve up a very special New Orleans Sunday roast this summer.
Follow on Instagram: @theclfartlounge.
Forza Wine
Where: The Rooftop, 133 Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4BQ
Forza Wine vie with Bussey over who has the highest rooftop space in South London. Food is a range of snacks and small plates with options including grilled flatbreads and cauliflower fritti. Given the name, the wine list is carefully put together with a focus on natural wines (and with some on offer for a fiver a glass). Classic and house cocktails are available, including a frozen picante.
Follow on Instagram: @forzawine.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
This secret rooftop garden at the top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank is a real hidden-away gem. Open from lunchtime to early evening there's a cafe and bar which serves up cocktails and has a particularly interesting gin collection that covers the whole of the UK. It's also a partnership with The Eden Project so there's a big focus on native plants up here.
Seabird
Where: 14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8NY
If it wasn’t for the London backdrop, this rooftop terrace would look like a little slice of Miami in the sky. They have some particularly tropical drinks on offer along with a strong list of interesting wines. Look out for the oyster happy hour as well as their classic dishes like the octopus roll.
Follow on Instagram: @seabirdlondon.
East
Llama Inn
Where: 1 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
Having opened over the winter, this is the first season for popular Peruvian restaurant Llama Inn to be able to showcase its outdoor terrace. With a mix of sofas and banquettes and fabulous views over the City, this large, south-facing terrace is a great place to enjoy one of their Pisco Sours and a plate of zingy ceviche.
Follow them on Instagram @llamainnldn
Bōkan
Where: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP
Running over three floors at the top of a Canary Wharf tower, Bōkan's rooftop terrace is on the 39th floor. There's a covered bar inside for cooler times but when the temperatures heats up the terrace, with its amazing views over the city, is where the action is at. Up here there's a specialist gin bar, rooftop daybeds and a food menu that includes British cheese and charcuterie along with a Rhug Estate burger and Hereford salt beef brisket tacos.
Follow on Instagram: @bokanlondon
Boundary
Where: 2-4 Boundary St, London E2 7DD
The rooftop space here is beautifully done with topiary and full-grown 100-year-old olive trees to transport you from Shoreditch to somewhere closer to the Med. Once you've secured that all-important table in the sun, enjoy a menu which covers everything from a Boundary Burger and delica pumpkin risotto to a a whopping salt-aged T-Bone steak that's just made for sharing.
Follow on Instagram: @boundaryldn
Netil 360
Where: 1 Westgate St, Hackney, London E8 3RL
If you're not the most organised person, then the good news is that unless you're a group of six or more you can't book ahead for this marvellous rooftop, as it's a first-come, first-served affair. As a rooftop bar and pizza restaurant the food menu is all about their Neapolitan-style pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough. For drinks, there’s a strong leaning towards local beer and liquor. They do have heaters and some cover, so it's good too when the weather isn't all that great. There are also, randomly, four Finnish saunas up on the roof too.
Follow on Instagram: @netil360.
West
Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor
Knightsbridge - 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
Long a refuge of a tired Knightsbridge shopper, the terrace on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols is an oasis in the store. There's usually an interesting collaboration going on. This Spring it's a set menu in partnership with Brugal rum which comes with a Brugal Dominican 88 cocktail to enjoy with your three courses up overlooking the rooftops of Knightsbridge.
Follow on Instagram: @harveynichols
The Broadcaster
White City - 89 Wood Ln, London W12 7FX
This White City bar comes from the same people as another great alfresco space, The Lighterman in King's Cross. With a retractable roof, this offers views across White City and the old Television Centre. Food includes St Ives monkfish scampi with curry tartare and the always-popular Sunday roasts come with unlimited roasties. Look out for their rooftop parties on Saturdays during the summer.
Follow on Instagram: @thebroadcasterlondon
Skylark Roof Garden
Where: 10th Floor, 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6BD
Are you in West London or Miami? This rooftop bar is aiming to make you feel like the latter, although the views over Paddington and Notting Hill might suggest otherwise. The food is crowd-pleasing mix of tacos, burgers and loaded fries while the cocktail list heavily leans towards the margarita. New for 2025 is a weekend Miami-style party with live DJs and a bottomless brunch.
Follow them on Instagram @skylarkroofgarden
More alfresco
The Hot Dinners guide to summer
Royal Festival Hall photo: India Roper Evans
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