Top 7 rooftop bars in London

1- Aviary

Located on the tenth floor of the Montcalm Royal London House, Aviary offers fantastic views of the city’s skyline. The restaurant offers a bold British menu, with bar food served throughout the day, alongside a refined selection of botanical cocktails, craft ales, lagers and international wines. Table-turning was about as subtle as the decor, though. We waited for large chunks of time to be served on a busy evening and, as such, ran over our allotted two-hours slot.

To learn more or to book, go to https://aviarylondon.com

2- Sushisamba

Climb to the 38th and 39th floor to enjoy this view. The popular restaurant and bar serves a combination of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. With floor to ceiling glass on three walls, patrons get the opportunity to view London from multiple angles. There is, of course, a chance to try some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the Brazilian Churrasco Rio Grande (ribeye, chorizo and aged picanha), the Moqueca Mista (a seafood stew with coconut and lime), and plenty of Japanese sushi and sashimi.

To learn more or to book, go to https://sushisamba.com/location/london

3- Radio Rooftop

Since first opening in 2013, Radio Rooftop Bar high above the Strand has secured its status as one of central London’s prime rooftop drinking destinations. But it’s also drawn its fair share of negative attention from customers stuck in queues or turned away at the door, by staff described in very unflattering terms across social media. Expect the usual rooftop prices, but if you’re just stopping in for a one-off drink with a view, wine (fizzy and still) is served by the glass. With each costing £14, you’re paying for the altitude.

To learn more or to book, go to http://radiorooftop.com/london/

4- Aqua Spirit

Most central London rooftop bars rely on their views neglecting their booze offering rather than reaching for new heights. Aqua Spirit has things the other way around. It serves quality cocktails that justify the price tag, but in a sky-high setting that’s a little lacklustre. A few classic yet unpredictable concoctions are executed well – try the Clover Club for a refreshing gin-based drink - but order from the list of cocktails inspired by Japan (from £12.50) to sample this bar at its best. The Yuzuana Bellini is particularly original, and despite its banana flavour, is balanced by dry citrus saké.

To learn more or to book, go to https://aquaspirit.co.uk

5- Bussey

Perched atop the multi-purpose venue on Rye Lane, Bussey Rooftop Bar acts as an ideal precursor to an impending night out. It’s very low key: chilled-out tunes, palm trees, fairy lights and pastel-coloured decking give the space a beach bar feel – the perfect urban getaway to soak up the sun’s rays (rays aren’t guaranteed). The bar itself is small and service was sluggish, but tipples are worth the wait. Cocktails run to no more than a tenner, but if you’re feeling thrifty you can get a glass of wine from £5.50.

To learn more or to book, go to https://www.busseyrooftopbar.com

6- Elba

Welcome to party island. You’ll have to battle past crowds of frazzled commuters at Waterloo station and climb up a series of brightly coloured staircases to get there. With fairy lights, communal benches and a sizeable cocktail list, this rooftop bar is more about the party than the nineteenth-century military leader. The bar boasts a small wine, beer and cider menu, as well as a selection of bubbles for those with an emperor’s budget. Cocktails are sweet and summery: the frosé, a velvety-smooth, rosé and vermouth-spiked strawberry slushie, was easily the stand-out, while the Aperol Spritz was solid and came served in big sharing jugs for the thirsty.

To learn more or to book, go to http://www.bar-elba.co.uk

7- Queen of Hoxton

Never expect for this rooftop to look the same for long. There are constant changes between seasons to give patrons a new look when they come back for more. This summer has been transformed into A Tribute to Dr. Strange, with the looks of San Francisco back in 1967. Expect the menu to have a lot of psychedelic food and flower power.

To learn more or to book, go to http://queenofhoxton.com/rooftop/