Rooftop bars are one of the best places to spend the evening during the summer months. These impressive spaces are filled with things to see and do – whether you’re in the mood for a chic night out or something a little more raucous.
However, they retain a big appeal even when the weather isn’t quite up to summer standard! Some of these bars include space for you to relax and unwind during the winter, too, with warm blankets and cosy fires.
Whatever you’re looking for, try heading for one of the hottest rooftop bars for 2020…
The Aviary
With its spacious terrace in the open air, The Aviary London is one of the best rooftop bars in the city. It’s proven particularly popular with visitors who want to experience an upscale take on the rooftop bar – and the space is open all year round.
During the colder months, you can nestle underneath some blankets around a heater, or head indoors to enjoy a meal. Whatever your preference, if you’re staying with us then this rooftop bar is likely to be your first port of call.
Queen of Hoxton
Situated in Shoreditch, this London favourite is particularly popular with a local crowd, and lesser known to visitors of the city. This shouldn’t put you off, however – it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a few drinks on a rooftop!
Keep in mind that this is one of the more elaborately decorated rooftop bars on our list. Instead of opting for timeless chic, Queen of Hoxton is all about vibrancy and colour – something which is reflected in both the bar itself and the menu which you can choose from.
Drinks are altered to match the season, so you’ll always be able to find something new to enjoy, no matter what time of year you visit the city.
The Tankard
Located in Lambeth, this roof terrace is filled with delightful lights and prides itself on a menu of delicious drinks and tasty nibbles. It’s situated on the first floor of a pub, so you can always head downstairs if the weather gets too chilly!
For anyone who wants to experience a great combination of traditional London pub and dazzling views, this would be a great place to start.
Golden Bee
This bar is another of the city’s most decorative rooftop bars, complete with palm trees, wicker furniture and an active happy hour. The intended effect is a sort of ‘Ibiza in London’, and this is achieved in great style. It’s a raucous space where you’re just as likely to tuck into a cocktail as you are to hear the best house music in London. As with some of our other favourites, the bar is also open all year round.
A particular favourite with cheerful regulars and dazzled newbies, Golden Bee has a little something for everyone.
Bar Elba
A bustling rooftop bar in the heart of London, Bar Elba is the only Napoleon themed bar in the city – something which may not come as a surprise, yet works to great effect here.
Based in Waterloo, you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area and choose from a range of yummy cocktails, each designed to help fuel great nights out beneath twinkling fairy lights while staying at The Montcalm Hotel London.
Boundary Rooftop
The rooftop of this cocktail bar might not be quite as glitzy as The Aviary, but it’s certainly a nice space to head for after enjoying a meal at Montcalm at The Brewery London.
In the warmer weather, bar staff get particularly creative with their recipes – designing a range of cocktails which use seasonal ingredients to great effect. There’s also protection from the elements when it rains, thanks to the glass top of the roof. The surrounding area of Shoreditch is notorious for its trendy nature, so you’ll never be short of things to see and do after your drinks are finished.
Frank’s Cafe
A rooftop spot which has attained local legend status, Frank’s Cafe is only open during the summer months. However it more than makes up for these limited options by providing a great atmosphere and an air of authenticity.
Based in Peckham, the bar is located on the top of a multi-storey car park – hardly the most glamorous of surroundings, but perfect for anyone who really wants to let their hair down in a welcoming and unpretentious space.
Bussey Rooftop Bar
A delightful rooftop space which is perhaps best known for its outdoor cinema, the Rooftop Film Club, this is also an area where you can enjoy many fantastic summer parties.
There’s an abundance of plant-life surrounding the rooftop, and with a menu which includes both a vast selection of craft ales and a slick range of cocktails, there’s few places as appealing to spend a few hours watching the sunset.
Netil360
This arty creative hub was developed to accommodate the most ambitious of start-ups, and it also has the distinction of offering a rooftop space complete with cocktails, street food and comfy seating.
There’s a rustic yet vibrant feel about the place – and the incredibly views of Hackney will be enough to take your breath away while staying at The Montcalm Royal London House.
Aqua Spirit
This Soho mainstay is home to incredible local views and a convivial atmosphere. Decor is discrete and pleasantly chic, while the cocktail list is suitably exotic.
Unlike some of the entries to this list, Aqua is open all year round – giving you plenty of opportunities to go along and see for yourself. There are two rooftop terraces to choose from here, so you stand a good chance of finding somewhere to stand and admire the view while sipping your cocktail.
While the views aren’t as far-reaching or dramatic as some of the other entries, we do recommend you head here if you want to experience a truly ‘authentic’ Soho bar.
