5 Rooftop Bars with the best views of London’s Skyline
What is more fun than a drinks date in a rooftop bar? A drinks date in one of my fave 5 rooftop bars with the best views of London’s skyline! London is a city that takes its drinking activity very seriously lol. This is evident in the uncountable number of pubs and bars all over the city. A very important part of work life is the after work drinks. There is always an invite floating around when a colleague is celebrating a birthday, promotion or just anything. Hellooooo Happy Hour 2 for 1! As someone who works in the city, I am no stranger to this!
I tend to only recommend places I have personally experienced so my reviews are always personal. Of course, there are a good number of bars where you can view the London skyline, dotted around the city. However, these 5 are my tried, tested and are now trusted faves. Therefore, if you are in search of rooftop bars with the best views of London’s skyline, here are 5!
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1. Radio Roof Top
The first time I went to Radio Roof Top was last year on a date night with Mr E. He had been a few weeks before with his colleagues and thought I’d love it. So he booked a surprise outing for us. It is located on the 10th floor of ME London and has the most stunning views over Somerset house and the city’s skyline. In the distance you can spot Big Ben, London Eye, the Shard and St Paul’s.
The drinks menu is very robust. However, if you feel like trying a cocktail that is not on the menu, the bar is happy to mix it up!
Reservations are mandatory so book your spot
Underground station – Covent Garden or Embankment
Address: 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
2. Duck n Waffle
Located on the 40th floor, Duck n Waffle has one of the most gorgeous rooftop bars. It is in my top 5 with the best views of London’s skyline.
Their cocktail menu is one of my favorites in London. I feel like there is something in it for everyone. What is even better is that Duck n Waffle doubles as a restaurant as well. So if you are feeling a little too tipsy post drinks, lunch is right by the corner. Another MAJOR perk is that it is enclosed. You are on the rooftop, can see all the views of the London skyline but you are inside. This is a great spot to shelter incase London rain does a madness as you are enjoying your G&T.
Duck n Waffle has a “sister” spot, Sushi Samba which also has a rooftop angle to enjoy al-fresco drinks. I mean, they are totally unrelated but who is asking? The building is a 2 for 1 building, having the choice to visit either Duck n Waffle or Sushi Samba! Sushi Samba is on the 38th and 39th floors while Duck n Waffle is on the 40th floor
Reservation: None required for the bar. However, if you can, ring ahead to check if it is busy!
Underground station: Liverpool street
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
3. Aviary
Aviary is located on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel. It is a rooftop restaurant and terrace bar. Aviary’s bar menu is a really good mix. From £12 cocktails to £7 glasses of chardonnays, there is a lot to choose from on the drinks menu. You can also purchase some food on the terrace. Burgers, fries, salads and a number of side dishes.
For a more special afternoon, you can book an igloo for any party of 6. It is usually 10-12 people but for now, they are accepting igloo bookings for 6 only. I’ve been to the Aviary a few times and really enjoyed it each time. It’s usually the spot we end up at from work so it comes HIGHLY recommended. With love, from my colleagues and me haha!
Reservations: To guarantee a spot, it is advisable to book ahead
Address: 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Underground station: Moorgate
4. Sky Garden
Sky Garden is a lush space and the views from the top are breathtaking! As the name implies, it is a garden in the sky. It is London’s highest public sky garden and has a sky bar. Of all the spots, Sky Garden is the one with a FULL view of London’s skyline. Sky Garden is located on the 43rd floor of THE Walkie Talkie.
It has the most incredible views of the Shard, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s cathedral, London Eye and more. It is free to visit sky garden if you want a mooch around. However you need to reserve a ticket to get into the building.
Going into Sky Garden is like walking into an airport. The security search is airport level techy so that is something to note. Once inside, there is a brasserie, a few cafés and of course the City Garden Bar.
Address: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk EC3M 8AF
Underground station: Monument
5. Jin Bo Law
Have I saved the best for last? Jin Bo Law is definitely one of the coolest rooftop bars with the best views of London’s skyline. It is one I only noticed quite recently but I have already been twice! It is located on the 14th floor of Dorsett City Hotel. This to me has one of the most impressive views over London city. You have the breathtaking views of the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie, the Shard, Tower Bridge and so much more!
Now, let’s discuss the Cocktail Menu. I had the Jin Bo Lada which was a mount gay dark rum, coconut rum, punch puree, rice milk and pineapple juice. This is where I tell you it was THE MOST delicious cocktail I have ever had. It was basically a pina colada with a twist!
Reservations: Required book here
Address: 9 Aldgate High Street London EC3N 1AH
Underground station: Aldgate
Conclusion: 5 Rooftop Bars with the best views of London's skyline
Ready to visit one or all 5 of my faves? For most of them, a casual chic dress code is required. Although, I will say that London folk tend to be quite fancy when visiting all 5 spots lol. It is also advisable to have an ID incase you need to be identified for age limit. The best time I love being at a rooftop bar is actually at sunset. Duck n Waffle is cool at sunrise as it is open 24hrs a day so does anyone fancy a 7am Mojito?
As I initially stated, there are plenty more rooftop bars with a view of London’s skyline. However, these 5 I will always recommend and go back to over and over. All 5 are perfect for a first date, drinks with friends and of course, weekday nightcaps.
Enjoy and Drink responsibly!
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
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