The Best Rooftop Bars in London
London's rooftop bar scene has expanded dramatically since the early 2010s — there are now dozens of options across the city. Quality and accessibility vary enormously. These are the ones worth the effort of getting a reservation.
Before spending £15–20 per drink at a hotel rooftop bar, consider Sky Garden (skygarden.london) — 155 metres, completely free, and one of the best views in the City. Pre-book 3 weeks ahead for weekend slots.
Madison — St Paul's eye level
Madison sits at the top of One New Change — the shopping centre directly behind St Paul's Cathedral. The rooftop terrace looks directly at the dome of St Paul's from approximately eye level, which creates one of the more unusual and impressive perspectives on the building available anywhere in London. Modern European bar food and cocktails. Open daily; booking recommended for evening.
Good for: St Paul's backdrop photography, groups, business drinks
Address: One New Change, City of London
Radio Rooftop at ME London — Strand panorama
On the 10th floor of ME London Hotel on the Strand, Radio Rooftop offers a south-facing view that takes in the Thames, the South Bank, and — on a clear day — beyond. One of the most impressive panoramas available from a bar in London, with a sophisticated cocktail menu to match. The indoor-outdoor layout means it operates year-round. Reservations required.
Good for: Special occasions, couples, business entertaining
Address: ME London Hotel, Strand
Aqua Kyoto — Regent Street
Above Aqua Nueva on Regent Street, Aqua Kyoto offers Japanese-influenced cocktails and food on a rooftop terrace with views toward the West End roofline. More food-focused than many London rooftops, which makes it a better option for a dinner-with-a-view rather than pure drinks. Consistently popular; book 1–2 weeks ahead for evenings.
Good for: Dinner with a view, dates, Japanese cocktails
Address: 240 Regent Street, Soho/Mayfair border
Netil360 — Hackney's best-kept secret
Netil360 sits atop a car park in Hackney, East London — an unusual setting that produces genuinely spectacular panoramic views across the London skyline, particularly the City towers to the west. It's popular with Londoners rather than tourists, which means better value, a more relaxed atmosphere, and no reservation required (it operates first-come basis most sessions). A more authentic London experience than hotel rooftops.
Good for: Budget-conscious visitors, local atmosphere, skyline photography
Address: 13–23 Westgate Street, Hackney
Note: Check seasonal opening hours — Netil360 sometimes operates Thursday–Sunday only
Frank's Café — Peckham institution
Frank's Café is a seasonal rooftop bar on the 10th floor of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, South London. It's been running since 2009, operates May to October, and is among the most beloved summer institutions in London — a combination of no-nonsense drinks, excellent views toward the City, and genuinely good food from a rotating kitchen. No reservations; queue or arrive early.
Good for: Locals' London experience, summer evenings, budget drinks
Address: Bold Tendencies, Frank's Café, Peckham
Seasonal: May–October only
London Rooftop Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
Most popular London rooftop bars require reservations in advance, especially at weekends and during summer. Frank's Café (Peckham) and some pop-ups operate on a first-come basis, but popular venues like Netil360, Madison, and Aqua Kyoto consistently fill up. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for weekend evenings in summer.
For the best panoramic city view, Radio Rooftop at ME London Hotel (Strand) gives uninterrupted views across the Thames and toward St Paul's. For the classic London skyline looking toward the City, Netil360 in Hackney (less central but genuinely spectacular views at lower cost). For proximity to iconic landmarks, Madison at One New Change (St Paul's Cathedral directly ahead, eye level with the dome).
Aqua Kyoto (Soho) consistently earns high ratings for atmosphere and food quality. Radio Rooftop at ME London (Strand) has good views and a sophisticated atmosphere. For something less expensive but equally atmospheric, Netil360 in Hackney is a favourite with Londoners rather than tourists.
Yes — Sky Garden (20 Fenchurch Street) at 155 metres is completely free but must be booked in advance at skygarden.london. Tate Modern's Blavatnik Building viewing level (Level 10) is also free and offers excellent views of St Paul's and the Thames. The rooftop terraces at the Barbican Estate are technically public but not obvious tourist destinations.