Casino Rooftop Bar London
Dramatic views across London make cocktail bar GONG, on the 52nd floor, the perfect place for sundowners and late-night drinks. Shangri-La Hotel. Level 34-52 +44. Located on the 10th floor of ME London, Radio Rooftop is London’s iconic rooftop restaurant and lounge bar with striking views across the River Thames and London’s enviable skyline. From sunrise to sunset, guests can enjoy the changing views of capital stretching from the Shard and St Paul’s downstream, to the London Eye and Big Ben in. The Rooftop Bar & Grill. Drink in the spectacular view of the City and East London from the stylish surroundings of the heated Rooftop orangery, bar, grill & outdoor terrace. Open come rain or shine, the Rooftop is the perfect destination for lazy lunches, afternoon cocktails, balmy evenings and cozy nights alike.
Staying in a London hotel with a rooftop bar has its perks. Fresh cocktails just steps away, gahgeousss views over London, and an easy walk home after you’ve had a few too many.
Set in East London’s Shoreditch, the behemoth is home to a members club, Red Rooster restaurant, and most importantly, a Moroccan-inspired rooftop swimming pool and bar.
This list covers the top London hotels with rooftop bars, but before you get booking, here’s how to take advantage of a good London rooftop hotel…
*Some of the links in this article will earn a very small commission if you click them and then book a hotel. This helps support all of the free content we produce for you.
When are London’s rooftop bars open?
Most of the London hotel rooftop bars on this list are open all year round. Because we’re used to pretty crap weather here, in order to make the most of these amazing spaces for as long as possible, they’re typically equipped with covered or enclosed areas, heat lamps, blankets, and other warming items so you can enjoy the rooftop even if it’s snowing (which, doesn’t happen often.)
Be sure to check with the hotel if the rooftop will be open when you’re in town.
Are London hotels with rooftop bars expensive?
Some are, some aren’t. If you visit in the off-season (November, Jan-March), you can probably find some good deals on rooms.
The actual drinks at London’s rooftop bars tend to be more expensive than the average city cocktail, but I mean, you’re really paying for the view…
Are London hotels with rooftop bars reserved exclusively for hotel guests?
It depends on the hotel. Some of the hotels listed below leave their rooftop as exclusive for hotel guests, some are members clubs so you’ll find Londoners hanging out alongside you, and some are totally open to the public.
Here are some of the top London hotels with rooftop bars.
1. Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
The Ham Yard Hotel, located in Soho and part of my favourite boutique hotel chain, Firmdale, has a rooftop bar and garden on its fourth floor. Reserved just for hotel guests, up there you’ll be within a leafy jungle that includes two bee hives, Whitmas benches, and well… a bar. The hotel has over 100 rooms, and includes a library, spa and gym, and bowling alley for its guests, plus more. By the way, all of the Firmdale Hotels in London do beautiful afternoon teas for a really reasonable price.
Book the Ham Yard Hotel on Booking.com
2. ME London, The Strand
Located on The Strand, just steps from Covent Garden, this avant-garde luxury hotel has a super-popular rooftop bar and restaurant Radio Rooftop. Book in advance if you want views over Somerset House while you sip your cocktail. In the winter, they typically get winter-y and Christmas-y with the decor. A large part of the rooftop is enclosed so you can keep warm if you need.
Back to the hotel… there’s a wide selection of luxurious rooms to pick from, some of which include a private terrace with views over the city.
Book ME London on Booking.com
3. The Trafalgar St. James, Trafalgar Square
The Trafalgar St. James is a Hilton property that’s far more modern and luxurious than most Hiltons I’ve been to. Head up to (the very small) The Rooftop for views over London’s iconic Trafalgar Square. Besides the views, the location of the hotel is very central, and smack-dab in the middle of most of the city’s most famous attractions.
Book The Trafalgar St. James on Booking.com
4. The Mondrian, Southbank
One of my favourite London hotels with a rooftop bar, The Mondrian’s sexy and futuristic London outfit is located in the Sea Containers building, right on the River Thames. On the ground floor is the award-winning Dandelyan bar, run by expert mixologist Mr. Lyan (although he’s closing it and rejigging it soon.) The real draw of staying at the Mondrian is on the top floor, where you’ll find Rumpus Room, which has been given the accolade of “The Best Bar in London” many times over. Expect views, expensive drinks, and possible celeb sightings.
The hotel itself has a major range of rooms, spanning from the typical Mondrian-esque standard room, up to suites with private terraces overlooking the London skyline.
Book The Mondrian on Booking.com
5. Dorsett City Hotel, Aldgate
Stay in east London, at the Dorsett City Hotel, and you’ll be a lift-ride away from one of the city’s newest rooftop bars, Jin Bo Law. From the 14th floor you’ll spot Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Walkie Talkie, the Gherkin and more iconic London buildings.
The hotel itself has 4-stars, located in City of London’s Financial District, and even has a luxe 24-hour restaurant (plus a gym in case you want to work off that 2am meal.)
Book Dorsett City Hotel on Booking.com
6. The Montcalm Royal London House, Finsbury Square
Housed in the former Royal Mail head office, The Montcalm Royal London House’s rooftop bar and restaurant, called Aviary, is one of my favourites in the city. Head to the 10th floor for lovely views of the skyline, and grab a cocktail or choose to eat at the AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. (By the way, Aviary is included in the 3-Day London Itinerary.)
The Montcalm brand is known for good service, beautiful rooms and overall being a great value. Stay here and you’ll also be located close to Shoreditch and Old Street, two great areas to explore and definitely eat and drink well.
Book The Montcalm Royal London House on Booking.com
7. The Boundary, Shoreditch
The Boundary is housed within a converted Victorian warehouse in East London. With just 17 individually designed rooms, each inspired by an iconic designer or design movement of the 20th century, you’ll be in an incredibly unique spot if you choose to stay here.
The Boundary’s rooftop, called the Orangery, is famous with Londoners because it’s very beautiful and is a great spot for a post-work drink whether it’s summer or winter (it’s heated, don’t worry.)
Book The Boundary on Booking.com
8. White City House, White City
Located in the old BBC Television Centre, this 45 bedroom-hotel and members club (part of Soho House) is brand new for 2018. The rooms start from “tiny” and go up, and are decked out with mid-century design elements.
On a nice sunny summer day, White City House’s rooftop is the place to be seen. Head to the 10th floor for pool-side cocktails overlooking White City and the rest of London. When you get bored of that (like you would ever), there’s a multi-floor members and guest space where you can eat well, get some work done, workout, and network with the city’s creatives (but no photos allowed, so as to respect the more recognisable of the members.)
*White City House is now only bookable by Soho House members
9. The Ned, Bank
The Ned is another London hotel associated with Soho House, but being located in City is a whole different experience to White City House and Shoreditch House (mentioned next.) The Ned took over an old bank, and now has 250 1920’s-inspired bedrooms, ten restaurants, a panoramic rooftop bar and pool, plus a basement bar that’s located in an old vault. Only certain rooms get access to exclusive member areas, FYI.
This is the place that the city’s financiers go to blow off some (major) steam on a Friday night. Expect a bit of chaos, or if you need some calm, visit the new (and somewhat hidden) Martini bar on the ground floor.
Book The Ned on Booking.com
10. Shoreditch House, Shoreditch
OK this is the last Soho House mention, I promise.
Shoreditch House’s rooftop is always popping when the weather is even just half-way decent (I’ve literally seen people swimming in the pool while it was raining.) Way up top, besides the 16-metre heated pool, you’ll find a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant, plus lots of space to take your cocktail(s) because there’s a “Lazy Lawn” where you can drink and comfortably pass out when the night should really be over for you…
Stay at Shoreditch House and you’ll feel like you totally fit in with all of the creatives that flock here at all hours…
*Shoreditch House is now only bookable by Soho House members
11. The Curtain, Shoreditch
The Curtain is a five-star hotel and members club (nope, not Soho House!) with 120 luxurious guest rooms, complete with king-size beds, bespoke artwork, and toiletries with their own signature scent. The Curtain has a gorgeous little rooftop restaurant and heated pool where cocktails can certainly be enjoyed. When you’re all pruney, head to Marcus Samuelsson’s London outpost of Red Rooster, and if it’s a Sunday, definitely check out the Sunday Gospel Brunch, complete with live music.
*The Curtain has closed but will reopen under a new brand in 2021. And yes… they’re keeping the pool!
Book The Curtain on Booking.com
12. The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
This is the swankiest spot on our list of London hotels with rooftop bars, which, if you know anything about London, you would have already known after seeing its Knightsbridge location.
The Berkeley’s 7th-floor rooftop and swimming pool is lined with white and gold mosaic tiling and is more of a spa than a place for some sky-high beer swigging, but they do offer wine along side juices and other healthy treats so this definitely counts as a rooftop bar, IMO.
Book The Berkeley on Booking.com
13. Treehouse, Marylebone
Treehouse opened in 2019 and is a stunning hotel right in the centre of London, just a couple of minutes walk from Oxford Circus tube station. The rooms are super modern but a mix of concrete and natural elements, and the hotel has TWO sky-high spaces to check out. Start with the Madera, the restaurant that serves modern Mexican for breakfast, lunch and dinner along side its views over Oxford Circus. The head up one more floor to The Nest, the rooftop bar and terrace with 360-degree views of Central London. It’s open year-round because it’s partially enclosed, and it’s one of the only public rooftop bars in the area.
Book Treehouse on Booking.com
The best London hotels with rooftop bars… which will you stay in?
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Pin this to your “London Hotels” board…
Rooftop bars in London is not the first thing you think of when you’re planning your visit! Or at least I don’t. I’m usually all about getting my fix of shopping on Oxford Street or which of the hotels I will go to for a decadent high tea.
But London actually has a great rooftop bar scene that could keep you bar hopping for days! Being up high they give you that sense of escaping the claustrophobic city feeling and also provide an amazing skyline backdrop for sipping a delicious cocktail or a chilled wine.
And another plus, especially in times of the pandemic: the outdoor rooftop bar is the ideal place to go for safer socialising than indoor spaces. If you needed an excuse to grab a drink, that is!
I’ve rounded up my favourite rooftop bars in London, many of them open year round, so you can enjoy the best views and even feel like you’re saving the world. Cheers to that!
Bar Elba
Bar Elba is a hidden gem close to Waterloo station and one of the newest rooftop bars in London.
On the way up you will find motivational quotes to keep you going (as if the thought of a refreshing drink wouldn’t be motivational enough).
The bar has a big outdoor space, a relaxed atmosphere and food and drinks at reasonable prices. It also has the very first rooftop ice rink which means that in winter, the bar is being transformed from a tropical paradise into a winter wonderland with fairy lights and soft furnishing. Bring your skates!
Forza Wine
This one is for the wine lovers. The Italian restaurant team Forza Win (yes, the “e” is missing on purpose) created a lovely outdoor drinking terrace on the 5th floor of Rye Lane’s work space Market.
You will be able to order from a 36-strong bottle menu and enjoy some truly delicious Italian dishes. Can it get any better than that?!
Duck & Waffle
In Duck & Waffle, located by Liverpool Street Station, you can soak up panoramic views from the 40th floor while sipping on a cocktail or eating a renowned dish.
The venue is the highest restaurant in the UK and the only skyline restaurant in England that boasts a 24/7 menu!
From the comfort of your table inside and 175 m above ground, you can see the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge and many more of the famous London buildings. Even the glass lift journey is iconic and going up at great speed taking in the incredible views is an unforgettable experience.
Boundary Rooftop
The popular Boundary Rooftop bar in the heart of Shoreditch is perched atop the Boundary project, which also contains a boutique hotel, a restaurant, a café and a deli.
It has a weatherproof pergola allowing the bar and dining area to be open in all weathers. Enjoy a drink and the impressive panoramic views while being surrounded by heaters and the smoky scent of cigars and wood-burning fire. Cosy!
Dalston Roof Park
Dalston Roof Park is nestled amongst Hackney’s Victorian buildings and overlooks London’s skyscrapers. It feels a bit like you found a well-kept secret, especially because it’s not that easy to get there.
You will have to navigate through the hallways and elevators and cross some fire escapes to make it to the roof. However, it will be totally worth it!
Here you will find a bit of everything, from refreshing cocktails to live music, film programmes and even mini golf courses. All profits go back into empowering young professionals and businesses which means you’ll be drinking cocktails for a great cause!
Frank’s Cafe
This popular summer-only Frank’s Cafe and Bar in Peckham is perched on a multi-storey car park.
The roof terrace is spacious and furnished with wooden benches and tables and it makes the perfect place to go for sunset spritzes and the popular Campari-based cocktails or street food, while admiring the view.
The place combines drinking with art installations as it’s part of Bold Tendencies, a not-for-profit arts organisation which adds to the unique and lively atmosphere. Be aware that you can’t book a table in advance, so try to go at less busy times to get a good spot.
Bussey Rooftop Bar
Bussey Rooftop Bar is located in Peckham close to the train station Peckham Rye and its décor is stunning – palm trees, fairy lights and pastel-coloured decking give the place a beach bar feel.
Lean back, listen to the laid-back tunes and enjoy the 360 view from the 5th floor of an old industrial building, or get tickets for one of the popular comedy nights.
In winter, the bar transforms into a winter wonderland. So, even though most Christmas markets will get cancelled this year, you can still try and get some happy x-mas vibes here!
Sky Garden
This top attraction Sky Garden is not a rooftop bar but is in fact the highest garden in London and you will get a spectacular 360 view of the city while walking around in the glass building, which is especially perfect when the weather is not at its best.
The Sky Garden is located at 20 Fenchurch Street on the 35th floor of the famous “Walkie Talkie” building.
Go to the City Garden Bar or Sky Pod Bar, pick your drink and enjoy the fantastic views. When the sky is clear you will be able to see everything from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge, St Pauls Cathedral, The Shard, the London Eye and more – the whole London experience!
Tickets are released three weeks in advance, so your visit involves a bit of planning but you won’t be disappointed!
Golden Bee
Golden Bee rooftop bar between the Financial district and Shoreditch has got you covered… literally! Its giant canopy covers the terrace, so you can even enjoy a drink on a rainy day (London has few of these, remember).
The bar is known for its delicious cocktails and it’s also a great place for watching people from above as there’s always something unique going on down below in trendy Shoreditch!
Casino Rooftop Bar London England
Netil 360
Netil 360 in Hackney is located within walking distance from Broadway Market and London Fields and often hosts parties once the sun has set.
There are DJ takeovers on the weekends, film nights during the week and even some cool stargazing events from time to time.
Even though the artificial grass flooring might not look that appealing, it’s the atmosphere that makes this place special, and the panoramic, full-circle views of London. It’s a bit of a walk before you get to the top but it will be worth it!
Casino Rooftop Bar London Ontario
Below are a few things you might like to do between drinks from Get Your Guide: