London’s 16 Best Rooftops To Soak in Summer

It’s finally starting to feel like summer. The sun stays out until 10pm, Champagne is limitless and rooftops become the place to be. Being in London means infinite options; so we did the hard part and ranked the hautest rooftops to be at this summer.

16. Roofnic

When you think of Oxford Street, the words ’peaceful retreat’ might never come to mind. Even if just for the summer the Roofnic pop-up is providing the perfect little escape from Oxford Street crowds. Take a break and enjoy lunch under the sun, have a summer cocktail after work or just simply revel in the backdrop of London skyscrapers. Indulge in rarities like a PBJ cocktail with Bourbon, Jelly, Peanut Butter and Caramel or a classic Gimlet with Gin, Lime and Mint. For these reasons and many more, Roofnic should be on your list.
535 Oxford St, London W1C 2QW, www.roofnic.com/

15. Aqua Kyoto

If sushi with a view in an upscale venue sounds tempting, then Aqua Kyoto is for you. A grand and chic indoor restaurant leads out onto a roof with views unparalleled in the Mayfair area. It’s elegant yet accessible and filled with delicious Japanese fare. They are known for their “Infinity Brunch” featuring a Bloody Mary upon arrival and unlimited Veuve Clicqout for a mere £65.
240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR, aquakyoto.co.uk

14. Vista

Vista is a truly iconic staple in London and most famous for its panoramic views of Trafalgar Square. This summer Vista transforms with a pop-up from BLOOM Gin. It has the feel of a beautifully curated floral garden against the industrial skyline. Sophisticated cocktails compliment the sophisticated crowd for an incredibly London experience.
The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London SW1A 2TS, www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage/

13. Vintage Salt at Selfridges

The ever-changing rooftop venue at Selfridges is always a successful surprise. It currently boasts Vintage Salt, a restaurant with elegantly cooked fish, afternoon tea and fine British cuisine. You can also expect a unique drinks menu with themes like a G&Tea bar, including options like the Turquoise Tonic with Beefeater gin, Blue Curacao, blueberry liqueur, tonic water and mint. So before or after you shop the day away, stop by the roof and relax.
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB, vintagesalt.co.uk

12. OXO Tower

The OXO Tower rooftop has become quite the scene this summer. It not only has a formal restaurant, casual brasserie and bar, but it also has a view spanning across the Thames to Charing Cross. This is probably because of it’s prime location on the Riverside Walkway in the bustling South Bank area. Whether you are feeling fancy or relaxed, looking for a drink or a bite, you can have it all here at the OXO.
OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH, www.oxotower.co.uk/who/oxo-tower-restaurant-bar-brasserie/

11. Queen of Hoxton

Sometimes we want more than a rooftop to relax on. If you’re looking for a place to party under the sun and continue into the moonlight head to Queen of Hoxton. Their colorful rooftop has now become an irreplaceable part of the Shoreditch scene and skyline. None other than Havana, Cuba inspires the summer edition of the rooftop. Queen of Hoxton is a hotspot for eccentric, playful and BBQ vibes.
1-5 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX, United Kingdom, queenofhoxton.com/

10.Hoi Polloi at the Ace Hotel Shoreditch

The Ace Hotel attracts a nonchalant and artsy crowd. After all it is located in Shoreditch, one of London’s edgiest and most creative neighborhoods. It has a more casual ambiance. Here you can find a person at work next to another enjoying a crafted cocktail. It is more specifically known as Hoi Polloi, a modern British brasserie that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6QJ, https://www.acehotel.com/london

9.Coq D’Argent

The Coq D’argent is an elegant restaurant in a spectacular rooftop setting. It attracts an upscale and professional crowd, whom appreciates fine wine and fine dining. You can expect beautifully plated French cuisine to enjoy whilst you take in your surroundings. It is the most sophisticated rooftop option.
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ, www.coqdargent.co.uk/

8.Big Chill House

Big Chill House has a vibe to match its name. It is a perfect place to chill out, have a cocktail and enjoy the closest you will get to a tropical vibe in London. Unlike many other rooftops you can go here all-year-round for delicious BBQ and a fully stocked bar. They are constantly having unique events and curate a festival spirit that is infectious to all.
257-259 Pentonville Road Kings Cross, N1 9NL London, wearebigchill.com/venues/house/

7.Sky Garden

This is the by far the grandest rooftop experience offered in London. Sky Garden spans three stories and has an unobstructed 360 degree view. It is known as London’s highest public garden, but is also a great place to have a drink and bite. You can select from one of three establishments from fine dining at Fenchurch to a casual gallery kitchen at Darwin and finish off at the swanky Sky Pod Bar. It is an unparalleled experience and view. You can spend the whole day here.
20 Fenchurch Street, London, skygarden.london/

6.Ham Yard Hotel

The Ham Yard Hotel’s roof terrace can best be described as an urban oasis. It is a large spaced filled with greenery to soothe your soul. Ancient olive trees, apple and pear trees, herb gardens, seasonal flowers and a beautiful view of London will surround you at this Soho hotspot. Having all of this growing fresh on the rooftop can only mean one thing, incredible food and drink. It is understated and underrated. You won’t find it packed with party people, giving you a space to go and simply relax.
1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel/roof-terrace/

5.Sushisamba

Sushisamba has taken London by storm with its prime Heron Tower location and sophisticated sushi. Not only is the interior incredibly designed and decorated, it has panoramic views of the city to back it up. The outdoor bar centers on a grand and beautifully lit tree and leads into the open concept restaurant with floor to ceiling glass windows. It really is something else. Whether you go for the sushi, cocktails, cool crowd or crazy view, just make sure you go.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate London, EC2N 4AY, http://sushisamba.com/location/london

4.Dalston Roof Park

Dalston Roof Park really has the whole package and more. They have yoga, events, supper clubs, weekly film screenings and all the cocktails you could care for. They have made it so you literally have no excuse but to go. Located in East London, Dalston Roof Park is definitely reflective of its neighborhood. Whilst other places are focused on the view, here it’s about what’s happening around you, not beyond.
18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL, http://www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk/community-event-spaces/dalston-roof-park/about-dalston-roof-park/

3.The Boundary Shoreditch

What makes the Boundary so special is how different it is from its surroundings. It is located in the edgy Shoreditch neighborhood but somehow remains calm and charming. The weatherproof rooftop bar and grill serves up classics like oysters and steak paired with incredible libations. It’s an unpretentious sophistication that is very hard to find. Whether you are going on a date, dining with a group or having a meeting of the minds it provides the perfect backdrop for it all.
2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD, www.theboundary.co.uk/

2.Shoreditch House

If you’re lucky enough to have a membership, or know someone with one, Shoreditch House is one of London’s trendiest places to be. It is one of the only rooftops that features a large pool area, which of course becomes flooded with beautiful people during the summer months. Everyone here is fabulous or does something fabulous. You can spend the whole day here lounging in the sun, sampling amazingly fresh food and then dancing the night away. Let’s not forget getting that ever so coveted Shoreditch House photo-booth picture. You know you want one.
1 Ebor Street, London, https://www.shoreditchhouse.com/

1.Radio

Radio is the place to see and be scene in the sun this summer. It elevates the rooftop experience to a higher level. It’s extremely modern and has all of the ingredients to make the perfect rooftop outing. These include, but are not limited to, Spanish tapas, 360 degree views of London, an eclectic mix of cocktails and a cool crowd. There is absolutely no reason for you not to go. It is the ultimate place to treat yourself under the sun and party your way into the night.
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA, www.radioatmelondon.com