The best London rooftop bars and pubs to visit in 2019

Lost in Brixton, Brixton

Those who have been mourning the loss of the now-closed Brixton Beach can dry their tears, because a new, giant rooftop bar is opening above Brixton Village. Set above the market in a space never before open to the public, the new venue has capacity for 440 guests and boasts a retractable roof to let the summer sun in through. And if you think its foliage-wrapped wooden beams look familiar, chances are you’ve been to a branch of Pergola, the rooftop bar mini-chain operated by the same company.

Drinks wise, the menu features beers from nearby Brixton Brewery and Latin American-inspired cocktails, including frozen pina coladas – 1,000 of which are being given away for free to the first guests. Even more exciting is the food: your pick of dishes from Brixton Village and Market Row’s top-notch restaurants, ordered through a new app, Tablesnapper, and delivered to your table by a runner. We’ll raise a frozen pina colada to that.

Skylark Roof Garden, Little Venice

Just when you thought summer 2019 had given us everything it had to offer, a new rooftop bar opens up. Perched 10 floors high on the roof terrace of an office block, Skylark Roof Garden is a polished open space spruced up in minimalist style with a touch of greenery here and there. From its positioning above the banks of Little Venice, the garden boasts views of Notting Hill, The Shard, Hyde Park and The Royal Albert Hall – from where, if you arrive early in the day, you can hear the sounds of world-class orchestras warming up. In the evening, the soundtrack switches to the more prominent beats of DJ sets from the likes of Spencer Mac and Mercedes Benson, who play from sunset through till closing time.

Skylark’s menu focuses on quality ingredients, so you can expect to find cocktails muddled with the likes of Ruinart Champagne or Don Julio 1942 tequila, and light-but-luxe dishes such as chili Cornish crab salad with avocado whip; and beetroot and gin cured salmon gravlax with fresh citrus cucumber. Here’s to sipping (and nibbling) in suave style.

Pergola Paddington Central, Paddington

Pergola Paddington offers revellers one of the largest and prettiest rooftop bar settings in London. This year, the rooftop runs from 2 May until the end of the season, serving up summery cocktails of the frozen margarita and Frosé (yes, frozen rosé) variety. Food wise, the bar welcomes new vendors this year, including the delectable Honi Poké, kabab connoisseurs Babek Brothers, Vietnamese street food stars An Choi, and a new venture from burger specialists Patty & Bun, called Smash Patty. A new bottomless brunch is also available at the bar on Sundays.

Jin Bo Law, Aldgate

Between the pineapple-themed decor, Asian-inspired cocktails and – if you time your visit right – the summer breeze, Jin Bo Law in Aldgate has the power to whisk you off to a holiday far, far away from the suited and booted streets below. Then again, with views of some of the city’s most important landmarks, who’d want to sip their sundowner anywhere other than London?

Onima, Mayfair

Onima is Mayfair's newest fusion restaurant and soon-to-be private members' club. Located on Avery Row, the townhouse is five stories high and includes a drinks lounge and rooftop terrace. The bar and restaurant is the latest enterprise of international restauranteur Alexandros Andrianopoulos, whose past successes include New York's Bathtub Gin, Bagatelle in Dubai and the beachside seafood restaurant, Nammos, on the Greek island of Mykonos.

Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch

Rooftop favourite the Queen of Hoxton created a playground for grownup tearaways last summer with its ‘Lost Vegas’ theme, which saw it kitted out with a Little Vegas Wedding Chapel. This summer, the Shoreditch rooftop is transporting punters to the vibrant town of San Cristóbal in Mexico via its fresh new theme: Las Mexicanas. Expect intricately-compiled tacos, tequila and giant frozen margaritas by way of food and drink. Entertainment, meanwhile, is as colourful as the decor: there’s a wrestling stage where ‘kick-ass’ moves are taught and an events programme boasting Trump Pinata Making, feminist embroidery, and mezcal and insect tasting.

Roof Fest, Soho

Formerly called the Gardening Society, the rooftop of John Lewis on Oxford Street was a new addition to London’s rooftop bar scene in 2017. It quickly became a slice of tranquility above the bustle of shoppers below, and this spring it returns, under a new name: Roof Fest. Drink wise, expect chilli margaritas; a light and floral gin-based cocktail named ‘Summer of Love’; and the rooftop’s signature cocktail made with rum, banana liquor, passion fruit and mint.

Food, meanwhile, comes by way of recent My Million Pound Menu winners, the Filipino pop-up BBQ Dreamz, whose creators are launching a spin-off on the rooftop called Bong Bong’s Manila Kanteen. Plan ahead by booking a table in one of the foliage-adorned flower dens and while you’re there, don’t forget to checkout the line-up on the Caravan stage, which hosts regular performances of comedy, music and live entertainment.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank

You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more iconic view of the London skyline than that from the Southbank Centre’s roof garden. Created in 2011 – and originally a partnership with Cornwall’s Eden Project – the garden is maintained by Grounded EcoTherapy: a group of volunteers who have experienced homelessness, addiction and mental health problems. It’s free to enjoy the garden and there’s a café-cum-bar serving drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Sit among fruit trees and wildflowers, and enjoy views of the London Eye and central London beyond.

Frank’s Cafe, Peckham

Summer wouldn’t be summer without a trip to Frank’s Cafe in Peckham. Whether or not you’ve been, chances are you’ve seen an Instagram post of its iconic pink stairwell, or a panoramic sunset shot of London’s skyline taken from its quarters. Located on top of a multi-storey carpark, a mere stone’s throw from Peckham Rye station, Frank’s is one of the largest public rooftop spaces in London and a trip there is as much about hanging with the ‘in crowd’ as it is about the reasonably-priced drinks: classic cocktails for around £7 a pop, and a small selection of beers and wines from around £4.50.

Chiringuito, Bethnal Green

Last summer, rooftop bar Chiringuito opened on the site of a former toilet block in Bethnal Green. The rooftop newbie – which is next to Bethnal Green tube station and overlooks the neighbouring Museum Gardens – serves up a menu inspired by Hispanic and Latin American flavours. Expect rooftop DJ sets on summer nights.

Aqua Spirit, Soho

Known for being less about the views and more about the booze, this popular late-night date spot is open all year round and hosts DJs every weekend.

Bar Elba, Waterloo

Popular with the party crowd, this fun-loving rooftop bar offers communal tables and an extensive drinks list – including ‘big jug’ cocktails, potent smaller concoctions, and craft beers and wines. It’s the ideal spot for after-work drinks or weekend celebrations laced with a tipple (or three).

Coq d’Argent, Bank

Given its location – a stone’s throw from Bank station – it’s unsurprising Coq d’Argent is popular with City slickers. Regardless of whether or not that’s your tribe, the bar – with its sprawling lawn, cocktails and French-inspired cuisine – is worth a look in if you’re in the area. The panoramic views from up top can be enjoyed whatever the weather, thanks to covered areas and outdoor heating.

Madison, St. Paul’s

Madison is a buzzy sixth floor bar and tapas restaurant which, thanks to its spattering of umbrellas and heaters, can be enjoyed all year round. Between its rooftop terraces, Madison has views of London’s skyline (in particular neighbouring St. Paul’s Cathedral) well and truly covered. Take advantage of the sharing cocktails if you're looking to get the evening off to a lively start. Between the considered menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and smoothies, Madison ensures its teetotal guests are looked after, too.

Roof Park, Dalston

This east London hangout began as a community allotment, but has since grown into a popular summer rooftop space that’s as much about the socialising as it is about the cocktails. The roomy space is an inviting place to lounge on a summer’s evening, and if you become a ‘friend’ of the bar, you can help out with the garden and on-site events which include film screenings, talks and DJ sets.

Culpepper Roof Garden, Spitalfields

Plans for the Culpeper Roof Garden's 2019 theme remain shrouded in mystery for now. Once open, though, punters can look forward to cocktails, dishes and workshops all featuring pickles grown on-site, so you can bite into a gherkin while looking at views of the Gherkin.

The Exhibit, Balham

Self-described as a youth club for adults, the Exhibit is arguably the coolest space in Balham, boasting film nights, speed dating events and a hirable roof terrace – the Tiki Garden – with its own private bar that accommodates up to 120 people. If you live south south, it’s a trendy alternative to the yummy-mummy brunch spots Balham is better known for.

Netil360, London Fields

Once a members-only space, this quirky take on the typical rooftop bar has been open to the public for the past six years. It's mainly popular with hipsters and creatives looking for something a little more inspiring than your typical icy beverage. Past years have seen the expansive space host art events, communal hot tubs, workshops and rooftop yoga classes. While this year’s line up is yet to be announced, we’re confident it’s going to be equally exciting.

Golden Bee, Shoreditch

This tucked-away spot in Shoreditch is the perfect roof terrace to book for an event of 10-40 people. Meanwhile, between its palm trees, happy hour two-for-one cocktails, buckets of beer and house wine for under £20, Golden Bee should have you feeling like you're on holiday. Popular with the glam crowd, the bar even featured on TV series Made in Chelsea.

Skylight at Tobacco Dock, Wapping

Since launching in 2017, Skylight has made a name for itself as a rooftop destination offering more than just drinks and bar snacks. Here, revellers can enjoy three floors of drinks, street food, live entertainment and DJ sets. There’s also sports aplenty, which included a croquet lawn and pétanque last year. For those looking to enjoy the rooftop by day, Skylight also hosts wholesome, daytime events including rooftop yoga. You don't have to wait long to enjoy this playground either, Skylight reopens for summer on 2 May.

Bussey Building, Peckham

Almost next door to Frank’s is the Bussey Building. More intimate a space than its vast competitor, the venue houses Rooftop Film Club screenings as well as a bar and chill out areas. The 2019 programme has been confirmed but details are yet to be announced. Watch this space...

The Lyric, Hammersmith

The roof garden of the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith is a great space for private hire. Here you can host events for up to 120 people, with catering available from the venue in canapé, buffet or barbecue form. You can also secure a smaller area if you’re looking to celebrate with friends, or simply pop up in the summer to bask in the sun, play garden games, and enjoy some casual food and drinks from the bar inside.

Roof East, Stratford

Following in the footsteps of Frank’s Cafe in Peckham, this rooftop on top of a car park is as much an adults’ playground as it is a bar. From hip-hop-inspired lawn bowls to group stretching courtesy of Flow East Yoga, crazy golf to the Rooftop Film Club screenings, it’s all going on at Roof East. And that’s before we get onto the various bars and food stalls dotted across the site serving beers, icy cocktails and street food favourites – from Eat Chay's vegan bites, to Jimmy Garcia's burger project.

OXO Tower, Southbank

A rooftop bar with exquisite views of central London, the bar terrace at OXO Tower is a lovely spot to watch the city sparkle from. Paulius Patumsis is the mixologist at the helm, serving up new and exotic flavours as well as old favourites.

Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town

Those looking for a laugh with their tipple should head to Abbey Tavern, a rooftop bar serving up comedy and open mic nights as well as food and drink. It's a chilled-out pub decorated with fairy lights and bunting that attracts a local crowd.

The Driver, King’s Cross

Head up several flights of stairs in what is, at first sight, a typical boozer and you’ll find a hidden gem of London’s rooftop scene. While the high walls obscure any skyline views, the bar is a peaceful haven to escape from busy King’s Cross below. Open all year round, in winter, the bar is covered and warmed by heaters, while in summer, said heaters are swapped for a rooftop barbecue.

The Loft, Wimbledon

Despite having its own name, this south London boozer belongs to the Alexandra pub below. It’s an unpretentious spot with a burger menu, colourful tables, a decent selection of beers and sheltered areas to hide away under on rainy days.

The Prince of Wales, Brixton

If you’ve walked past PoW in the evening, chances are you will have seen the steady queues outside. That’s because this multi-floored bar, club and roof terrace happens to be one of the best nights out south of the river. And now that Brixton Beach – the other local rooftop offering – has closed its doors, summer parties here are likely to be even more popular. If you’re a lover of funk, house, soul, disco and hip-hop, it’s well worth checking the line-up to find out what's on and waiting in line.

The Lock Tavern, Camden

It’s all about the music at this famous spot perched on Camden Lock. Stars including Amy Winehouse have played here in the past and there’s live music or DJs playing most nights of the week. Less talked about – but worth the trip alone in the summer – is its roof terrace, a spacious place to enjoy a drink overlooking the Camden market. You’ll feel in the heart of it here.

Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

This picturesque pub is shrouded by creeping greenery which sprawls across the rooftop garden. Not one for the views – you’ll find yourselves practically hidden here – it’s a tucked-away spot with communal seating where you can enjoy a game of pool or wile away an evening with friends and family.