From dancing to drinks, here are the best rooftop bars in London.
When you sip on a drink at a rooftop bar in London, it feels like you’re in the centre of the universe. You may as well be a character in your own sitcom, chatting about your love life or living out your love life, hanging out after work or taking clients out after work. From gentle gardens to dancing and DJs, there is a rooftop bar in London to suit every mood and moment(s). There are venues to visit before or after a show or supper, and venues that are worth staying the whole day and night. Lookout onto the crowds, chimneys or curve of the River Thames, and watch the sunset – or sunrise – at these rooftop bars in London.
Aviary
Located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House, you’ll find Aviary. Overlooking Finsbury Square, this rooftop venue takes its bird theme and soars with it. There is a touch of the botanical throughout, from leafy design details to dishes served on ornate birdcage stands. The views across the City are striking at golden hour, when the skyline is bathed in warm light. During the week it draws a smart City crowd, while at weekends the atmosphere shifts with live music and DJ sets. The signature Birdsong Brunch is especially popular, featuring egg dishes, seafood favourites, dessert towers and free-flowing drinks. Choose two courses for £37 or three courses for £42.
Where: Aviary, Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1DX
When: Daily from 6am to 12am
Contact: https://montcalmcollection.com
CÉ LA VI
CÉ LA VI has made a name for itself around the world in Dubai, Singapore and now London. Located in Paddington, it offers a rarely seen view of the capital. The rooftop wraps around the building, and the terrace offers views stretching across the city. The menu showcases Asian-inspired food and drinks, from Black Cod Croquettes to the FACT team favourite, Wagyu Beef Gyoza. Cocktails include the Imperial Cosmo, Lychee Moon and Sichuan Paloma. In the evenings, the space buzzes with live performances and DJs. And in September, it will host the FACT Dining Awards London 2026.
Where: CÉ LA VI, Paddington Square, London, W2 1DL
When: Daily from 12pm to 12am
Contact: https://ldn.celavi.com
Coq d’Argent
Coq d’Argent is located in the heart of the City. If London were to host a garden party but insist on cufflinks, it would feel like the atmosphere at this rooftop bar. Sitting at No.1 Poultry, the space offers manicured lawns, clipped hedges, and a sense that the grass is greener up here. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu showcases classic French cuisine. Dishes include Lamb Shank, Veal Rump, and during spring, an Asparagus Tasting Menu. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly.
Where: Coq d’Argent, No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
When: Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 12am
Contact: https://coqdargent.co.uk
Flute
In the 19th century, Broadwick Street was home to a renowned flute maker, whose legacy inspired the name of the rooftop dining and bar space that now crowns the hotel. Situated on Broadwick Street, Flute is one of those special rooftop bars in London with sweeping views across the rooftops of Soho. The space features striking zebra-print accents, cork-lined walls, and gorgeous greenery throughout. From 25 June to 31 August, the venue hosts the El Fenn residency, which draws inspiration from Marrakesh. Plus, a Champagne and Bump offering is available, including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs with a bump of Osciètre caviar – all for £35.
Where: Flute, 20 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8TH
When: Daily from 12pm to 12,30am
Contact: www.broadwicksoho.com
Madison
Madison is a tourist’s dream, yet whenever FACT has visited it is still loved by locals. Located in One New Change, it has one of the best views of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The rooftop bar feels oh-so close, as though you could parkour, run and jump onto the landmark. At sunset, the phones come out, and everyone forgets about their inbox. It offers modern American cuisine combined with Ibiza beach vibes. Drinks include the aptly titled Spring Sunset and Twilight’s Crown, and there’s a Weekend Bottomless Brunch costing £41 for two courses and £46 for three courses. Furry friends are welcome, too.
Where: Madfson, One New Change, 5 Cheapside, London, EC4M 9AF
When: Daily from 12pm to 12am,
Contact: https://madisonlondon.net
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
The South Bank is famous as a cultural institution, but it’s also home to cafés, bars and restaurants. Located by the River Thames, this Brutalist beauty is one of the more chilled rooftop bars in London. The garden is bursting with plants, flowers and fruit trees. The space exudes a carefree atmosphere and often attracts crowds pre- or post-show. Sit in one of the bright yellow deckchairs and enjoy summertime drinks and BBQ dishes.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Festival Pier, South Bank, London SE1 8XZ
When: Daily from 12pm to dusk
Contact: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Sabine
Sabine is the calm cousin in the London rooftop bar family. It’s all glass, greenery and gentle sophistication. The venues can be found in Holborn and St Paul’s, both offering panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city views. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily without the need for loud music. The sharing plates span ceviche, kofta and steak, while the bar specialises in gin with an extensive list. Subtle, stylish and quietly confident.
Where: Sabine, 50-60 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4AR,
When: Daily from 12pm to 12am
Contact: www.sabinelondon.co.uk
Setlist
Setlist feels like one of those rooftop bars in London that only locals know. Located in Somerset House, the river-facing terrace hosts live music and DJ sessions. The venue is teaming up with four female chefs to create menus that represent London: Opeoluwa Odutayo, Sophie Wyburd and Terri Mercieca. Throughout the year, there will be pop-ups and guest chef experiences. While there are beers and wines, there is also a dedicated Margarita menu with classics, spicy and even a mango option.
Where: Setlist, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
When: Daily from 4pm to 11pm
Contact: www.setlistlondon.com
Sky Garden
Sky Garden does exactly what the name suggests – it offers a glorious garden experience in the sky. Located in the City, guests pass through airport-style security before being rewarded with spectacular views of the city’s skyscrapers. The atmosphere feels like a glasshouse, thanks to tropical plants, winding walkways and floor-to-ceiling glass. Whenever FACT has visited, the space has attracted a mix of families and tourists, capturing the view. Running through summer, the Whispering Angel experience includes small plates and a bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé, Château d’Esclans. For something different, the Summer Stretch Series offers rooftop yoga sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Where: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
When: Dally from 8am to 12am
Contact: https://skygarden.london
Yasmin
Step into Yasmin – where the taste of the Middle East has arrived in London and floated up onto the rooftops of Soho in the most joyful way. Tucked within the private members’ club 1 Warwick, which FACT has tried and tested and can confirm is uber-cool, you will find Yasmin. The bar and restaurant are open to the public and ready to welcome you. What it lacks in size, the rooftop more than makes up for in flavour. Order sharing plates, carefully curated cocktails and take in sweeping views across Soho’s rooftops. On the menu, you’ll find delights such as Turkish Dumplings with guindilla peppers, Vine Leaf Wrapped Salmon with black sesame dukkah, and Whipped Sheep’s Cheese with hot honey and Isot Biber – all designed for sharing and savouring.
Where: Yasmin, 1 Warwick St, London, W1B 5LR
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 10:30pm
Contact: www.yasminsoho.com