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The best hotels with outdoor bars in London: 2019 edition

By Holly O'Mahony on 17/4/2019

If you think London’s top hotels are exclusively the playground of City workers and rich tourists, it’s time to think again. Because not only do some of them boast a few of the city’s finest outdoor watering holes, many hotel bars are open to the public, too. Whether you like your tipple sky high or grounded and surrounded by greenery, get ready – because we’re about to lift the lid on the best outdoor bars housed in hotels across the capital.

The May Fair Hotel, Mayfair

Tucked away up high in London’s luxury quarter is The May Fair Terrace, on top of The May Fair Hotel. It’s a refined setting, ideal for those who want to enjoy quiet conversation and wile away an evening sipping sophisticated cocktails. The drinks menu changes regularly and often features special cocktails created in celebration of annual and newsworthy events. (Last year's royal wedding saw a limited edition cocktail called the Campi di Viola – lavender, elderflower, lemon and prosecco – created in its honour.)

WHEN

Tuesday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 11:15 PM

WHERE

Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT

12th Knot, South Bank

While much fanfare was made of Ryan ‘Lyan’ Chetiyawardana closing down his world-famous bar Dandelyan and opening a new bar, Lyaness, on the same site – aka the ground floor of the Sea Containers hotel – a similarly-timed renovation up above has been practically unspoken about. On the 12th floor of the Sea Containers hotel and you’ll find what was once called Rumpus Bar has reopened under a new name, 12th Knot, this spring. Here, guests can sip on drinks in bright, vibrant surroundings while overlooking the Thames and St Paul’s. Just remember the dress code is smart-casual, so leave the flip-flops and sportswear at home.

WHEN

Open year round, Tuesday & Wednesday 5:00PM - 1:00PM, Thursday 5:00PM - 2:00AM, Friday & Saturday 12:00PM - 2:00AM

WHERE

20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

The Curtain, Shoreditch

Thanks to its swanky rooftop – complete with a retractable roof, Moroccan-inspired pool and poolside bar – The Curtain in Shoreditch is the hottest members’ club to be seen at this summer. There’s also a rooftop restaurant called LIDO serving an all-day, Meditarranian-themed menu (think crispy squid and buttermilk courgette). The only drawback? It’s members and hotel guests only. Better get filling out that membership form. Or befriend someone who already has one...

WHERE

45 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT

Number Sixteen

The Orangery garden at Number Sixteen really is a botanical paradise. From its tranquil pond to tucked-away seating areas, this tree-filled space in the heart of Kensington is an ideal place to unwind. Decked out in Kit Kemp's stylish design, you can sit back and enjoy afternoon tea or order of the hotel's a la carte menu.

WHEN

Times vary / weather permitting

WHERE

16 Sumner Place, Kensington, London, SW7 3EG

The Trafalgar St. James, West End

The rooftop of the Trafalgar St. James hotel is a hidden gem from which guests can enjoy unrivalled views of Trafalgar Square below – all year round. But with summer upon us, it's time to shrug off the blankets, switch off the outdoor heaters and step out from underneath the canopy (at least some of the time) to enjoy a cocktail in the sun. The Asian-influenced menu serving the likes of steamed buns and sashimi is there to replenish those who arrive with an appetite.

WHEN

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM daily

WHERE

2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1A 2TS

Nobu Hotel, Shoretich

Boutique hotel and Japanese restaurant Nobu is bringing a bit of Japanese horticulture to Shoreditch with its recently-opened spring terrace, Hanami. The terrace has been draped in tendrils of Japanese cherry blossom (sakura), while the restaurant and bar serves up limited edition cocktails, bespoke dishes and a themed afternoon tea. The cocktails here are laced with Japanese Craft Spirits, including Toki and Chita Whisky, Roku Gin and the all-new Haku Vodka. Try the Kyoto Sidecar (Chita Grain Whisky infused Green Heart Oolong 2018, Cointreau, yuzu juice) for something out of the ordinary.

WHEN

Seven days a week, 12PM - 11PM

WHERE

10-50 Willow Street, London EC2A 4BH

The Mercer Roof Terrace, City

This gorgeous new roof terrace at boutique luxury hotel Vintry & Mercer is ideal for anyone who doesn’t mind being distracted from their dishes by the view. Located in the City, you can quaff oysters and treat yourself to blue Lobster while watching the sun set over iconic architecture such as St Pauls and The Shard. The roof terrace is a prime location for al fresco dining or a quick tipple when wanting to escape the clamour of working life.

WHEN

Monday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 14:30 PM and 18:00 PM – 22:30 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 14:30 PM only

WHERE

20 Garlick Hill London EC4V 2AU

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch

Ace Hotel is one of London’s trendiest hangouts, from the ground floor with its hive of stylish millennials working away on laptops up to the rooftop, where you can join the same cool crowd as they let loose and enjoy the lineup of DJs, drinks and dancing. Plus, there’s a giant purple telescope that offers close-up views of the city (a well as Instagram fodder).

WHEN

Varies

WHERE

100 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6JQ

St. James' Courtyard, a Taj Hotel, Victoria

While not a rooftop bar, St. James’ Court is well worth a look-in for those in search of a hotel to enjoy a summery drink outside. A taste of old-world lavish luxury in central London,the courtyard is a celebration of British heritage with its turn-of-the-century red brick frieze – depicting scenes from Shakespeare’s Sylvan plays – and its cherub-adorned Victorian fountain. Whether a coffee or a cocktail is more to your liking, the venue offers a chance to admire the artistry of its turrets, balconies and arches, and escape the modernity beyond its walls.

WHEN

Varies

WHERE

St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF

Radio Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden

Situated on the 10th floor of the ME London Hotel, Radio Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of the city. The brunch menu is largely seasonal, while tapas and sharing plates form the bulk of the afternoon and evening offering. It’s a smart location, perfect for after work celebrations.

WHEN

Monday - Wednesday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Thursday & Friday 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM, Sunday 11:00 AM - midnight

WHERE

ME London, 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA

Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower Hill

On the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is the Savage Garden bar, which opened for last year following a refurbishment. Here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the terraces, which overlook the likes of Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s. The atmosphere is unapologetically untamed and the theme of the cocktails is 'savage decadence' (think hot-blooded takes on the usual classics). The large all-weather terrace (which is available for private hire) is set-up for all seasons, from lunching al fresco to sundowner cocktails in the summer. Popular with the business crowd, seating on the terrace works on a first-come-first-serve basis, so try to avoid the after-work rush if you want to bag a spot.

WHEN

Times vary

WHERE

7 Pepys Street, London, EC3N 4AF

The Goring, Belgravia

Whether you’re on the hunt for afternoon tea in an exquisite setting or a glass of champers on the veranda of a 5 star hotel, the Goring has old-school finery covered. You’ll leave the city as you know it behind when you enter the Goring. For a tipple outdoors in quintessentially English surroundings, it gets our vote.

WHEN

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

WHERE

15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JW

Shoreditch Sky Terrace at the Courthouse Hotel, Old Street

Upper 5th Shoreditch at the Courthouse Hotel, Old Street

Boasting a panoramic view overlooking the City of London skyline, the Shoreditch Sky Terrace on top of the five star Courthouse hotel can cater for up to 200 guests at a time. Here, it’s all about comfortable seating, table service, BBQ bites and breezy beats. And, if you're planning on visiting with a group of six or more, you can book to reserve your table.

WHEN

Monday - Friday 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 12:00PM - 11:00PM

WHERE

335-337 Old St, London, EC1V 9LL

Boundary Project, Shoreditch

If you can’t justify purchasing a membership to The Curtain just now, fear not. Shoreditch hotel The Boundary Project is just a five-minute walk away, also boasts a rooftop bar, and welcomes guests come rain or shine – hotel reservation or not. Customers here can keep it classy with a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne or try one of the hotel’s signature cocktails, such as the 'Serendipity' (Whisky, Drambuie, mango purée, lime and chilli). Soak up your drinks with snacks and mains slow-cooked or scorched on the grill.

WHEN

Open year-round and seven days a week, 11:30 AM – 11 PM

WHERE

2-4 Boundary Street, Hackney, London E2 7DD

Ham Yard Hotel roof terrace, Soho

Open year round and home to various pop-ups during that time, Ham Yard Hotel’s leafy fourth-floor rooftop is a chance to escape the crowds below and find a bit of inner-city tranquility among the flowers, herbs and vegetables grown up here but used in the hotel kitchen. The garden also boasts two bee hives, but before you worry about them buzzing in your ears and around your drink, the hives are manned by the hotel’s on-site beekeeper. Unfortunately this is not a bar you can just rock up to; the roof terrace is exclusively available to hotel guests, but can be hired for private events, too.

WHEN

Varies

WHERE

1 Ham Yard, Soho, London, W1D 7DT

Devonshire Club Garden Room

Formerly exclusive to members, the Devonshire Club Garden Room is now open to club guests who are non-members too, between Friday evening and Sunday. Thanks to the greenhouse-esque Garden Room lounge, this secluded members’ club is a weather-safe spot to enjoy the British summer and all it brings. Sample a cocktail that suits its surroundings from the menu championing quintessentially English ingredients (think cucumber, dill and gin), or glide into the champagne bar perched on the edge of the garden for a glass of premium fizz.

WHEN

Open to non-members Friday evening - Sunday

WHERE

5 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YD

Eccleston Square Hotel, Pimlico

Eccleston Square was originally cultivated as a market garden in the 19th century, but today is reserved exclusively for local residents and guests of the hotel perched to its side. Flora and fauna enthusiasts will find Mimosas, Camellias, Ceanothus and Tea Roses in bloom here, as well as more exotic plants including Cabbage Trees and Kaka Beak. The garden offers hotels guests the chance to relax and enjoy a horticultural haven, play a game of tennis, or sip a refreshing drink from the bar in what is essentially a mini floral retreat.

WHEN

Varies

WHERE

37 Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1PB

The best hotels with outdoor bars in London: 2019 edition

The May Fair Hotel, Mayfair

12th Knot, South Bank

The Curtain, Shoreditch

Number Sixteen

The Trafalgar St. James, West End

Nobu Hotel, Shoretich

The Mercer Roof Terrace, City

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch

St. James' Courtyard, a Taj Hotel, Victoria

Radio Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden

Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower Hill

The Goring, Belgravia

Upper 5th Shoreditch at the Courthouse Hotel, Old Street

Boundary Project, Shoreditch

Ham Yard Hotel roof terrace, Soho

Devonshire Club Garden Room

Eccleston Square Hotel, Pimlico

Summer 2019

bars

drink

things to do

The best London rooftop bars and pubs to visit in 2019

Underbelly Festival 2019, Southbank

Things to do in London this weekend: 14 – 16 June

British Summer Time Festival 2019, Hyde Park

Field Day Festival, Meridian Water

All Points East 2019, Victoria Park

The best hotels with outdoor bars in London: 2019 edition

The May Fair Hotel, Mayfair

12th Knot, South Bank

The Curtain, Shoreditch

Number Sixteen

The Trafalgar St. James, West End

Nobu Hotel, Shoretich

The Mercer Roof Terrace, City

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch

St. James' Courtyard, a Taj Hotel, Victoria

Radio Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden

Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower Hill

The Goring, Belgravia

Upper 5th Shoreditch at the Courthouse Hotel, Old Street

Boundary Project, Shoreditch

Ham Yard Hotel roof terrace, Soho

Devonshire Club Garden Room

Eccleston Square Hotel, Pimlico

Summer 2019

bars

drink

things to do

The best London rooftop bars and pubs to visit in 2019

Underbelly Festival 2019, Southbank

Things to do in London this weekend: 14 – 16 June

British Summer Time Festival 2019, Hyde Park

Field Day Festival, Meridian Water

All Points East 2019, Victoria Park

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