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Food & Drink

The best hotels with outdoor bars in London: 2022 edition

By Holly O'Mahony on 10/5/2022

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 Standard, King's Cross

The Standard, King's Cross

US export the Standard Hotel is known on both sides of the pond for its mischievous, party-centric rooftop bars. Fortunately, its King's Cross outpost is a roomy, al fresco affair. Stretching over the 11th floor of the hotel and carpeted in faux grass, the rooftop bar is a space to raise a glass while marvelling at the Gothic revival architecture of neighbouring St Pancras Hotel. While last year, the food and drink offering was pretty average (hot dogs and slushy margaritas formed the basis of the menu), this summer, the brilliant chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, who oversees the hotel's rooftop restaurant Decimo, is lending his culinary expertise to the rooftop, firing up a taco truck, Decimiño, which promises to be quite the upgrade. Stewed chicken tacos with pico de gallo, anyone?

Read more ...
WHEN
Wednesday - Friday, 4pm - 11pm; Saturday 2pm - 11pm; Sunday 2pm - 10pm
WHERE
10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG
The Rooftop at 100 Shoreditch

The Rooftop at 100 Shoreditch

On the site once home to hip, urban hangout Ace Hotel is One Hundred Shoreditch, the latest opening from the Lore Group, which also manages the Sea Containers. While serious cocktail enthusiasts will head straight to basement bar, Seed Library, overseen by Ryan ‘Lyan’ Chetiyawardana (aka one of the world's best mixologists), those craving panoramic views in chic, airy surroundings should head on up for cocktails at the rooftop – a playful, Palm Springs-inspired haven in the heart of east London.

Read more ...
WHEN
Opens 19 May
WHERE
100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ
On the Terrace at the Four Seasons, Mayfair

On the Terrace at the Four Seasons, Mayfair

While busy Park Lane might not sound like the most likely location to find a slice of tranquility in central London, head through the Four Seasons hotel to its ‘back garden’ and you’ll find a different story. Here, an outdoor dining area – called On the Terrace – offers hotel guests and members of the public a peaceful place to enjoy all-day dining or, if you arrive for early evening, the hotel’s bespoke Apericena menu (a cross between Italian Aperitivo and more substantial dinner items, essentially). The terrace also serves seasonal cocktails curated by resident bar manager Ivan Arena, who is known for his negronis and rhubarb americano.


The space is split into two tiers and decked out with stylish garden furniture in muted greens and browns. Best of all (and somewhat miraculously), the hotel acts as a wall, blocking the sounds of the traffic streaming along Park Lane beyond, leaving the terrace in blissful silence bar the chatter from neighbouring tables.

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WHEN
Open daily, 7:30am - 10pm
WHERE
Hamilton Place, Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1J 7DR
The courtyard at Blakes hotel, Kensington

The courtyard at Blakes hotel, Kensington

Self-described as a bohemian oasis, the tiny courtyard at Blakes hotel in Kensington is kitted out with colourful cushions, tropical foliage and neatly patterned tiles. A tiny space, the courtyard has capacity for just 12 guests but despite this, it’s open to the public as well as hotel guests, making it a true hidden gem of the neighbourhood. Thanks to its all-day opening hours, you can head here for breakfast, lunch or a post-work sundowner. Drinks-wise, the emphasis is on light and fruity cocktails and champagne.

Read more ...
WHEN
8am - 8pm, daily
WHERE
33 Roland Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 3PF
Laurel's on the Roof, Shoreditch

Laurel's on the Roof, Shoreditch

Scale the Mondrian Shoreditch (by lift, of course) and you'll be rewarded with a dose of 70s Hollywood glamour. New sky-high bar Laurel's on the Roof is infused with old-school Californian inflections, from retro neon signs to rattan chandeliers. The menu is just as nostalgic: order a Malibu shrimp cocktail, if you will, or a Cobb salad. The drinks are more of the moment, with frozen spicy margaritas; Japanese Garibaldis muddled with yuzu; and a punchy sounding Wet Gibsons (Oxley Gin, Martini Ambrato and silverskin onion) among the offerings.

Read more ...
WHEN
Open daily, 7am - 11pm
WHERE
45 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3PT
The May Fair Hotel, Mayfair

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.)

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WHEN
Tuesday - Saturday: 6pm - 11:15pm
WHERE
Stratton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8LT
The Nest at Treehouse London, Marylebone

The Nest at Treehouse London, Marylebone

Having opened late in 2019, sustainability-focused hotel Treehouse London barely had time to bed into the Marylebone neighbourhood before the pandemic struck and it was forced to halt all developments. Its foliage-covered rooftop bar, The Nest, has therefore remained one of London's best-kept secrets. The terrace is partially covered, mercifully heated and boasts 360-degree views of the city. The cocktail menu features a farm-to-table range, plus limited edition specials to mark ethically-driven awareness days. Not a space to pop in on a whim for one, The Nest has a minimum spend of £50 - £75, depending on when you visit.


For those who'd rather keep things on the ground Treehouse has also launched a pop-up space, the Courtyard, in time for summer.

Read more ...
WHEN
Monday - Saturday, 12pm - 1am; Sunday, 12pm - 11pm
WHERE
14-15 Langham Place, London W1B 2QS
12th Knot, South Bank

12th Knot, South Bank

Much fanfare was made when Ryan ‘Lyan’ Chetiyawardana closed down his world-famous bar Dandelyan in 2019 and opened a new bar, Lyaness, on the same site (aka the ground floor of the Sea Containers hotel). Less discussed but also exciting was a similarly timed renovation up above: on the 12th floor of the Sea Containers hotel and you’ll find what was once called Rumpus Bar is now 12th Knot. 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.

Read more ...
WHEN
Tuesday - Saturday, 5pm - 1am
WHERE
20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Number Sixteen

Number Sixteen, Kensington

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 à la carte menu.

Read more ...
WHEN
Times vary / weather permitting
WHERE
16 Sumner Place, Kensington, London SW7 3EG
The Trafalgar St. James, West End

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.

Read more ...
WHEN
Open daily till late
WHERE
2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London SW1A 2TS
Aviary, Shoretich

Aviary, Shoreditch

The picture says it all – with a show-stopping panorama already on side, Aviary hardly needs to try. It's not resting on its laurels though: those are reserved for leaf print cushions and the foliage that protrudes from light fittings inside. Details like these make Aviary pleasing on the eye whether you’re looking inside or out. At 10 floors up, you might feel a little precarious: so let yourself sink deep into the terrace’s plush selection of sofas. Then look on as the sun sets over the Thames.

Read more ...
WHEN
11am - 10pm daily
WHERE
Aviary Bar, 10th floor, Montcalm Royal London House, 22 - 25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
The Mercer Roof Terrace, City

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 Paul's 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.

Read more ...
WHEN
12pm - 11pm daily
WHERE
20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
The Dorchester, Mayfair

The Dorchester, Mayfair

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but here to prove that theory wrong is Mayfair institution The Dorchester. The hotel turns 90 last year and to mark the anniversary (in a way that's fitting for the times), it opened its first-ever rooftop bar. Here, three Michelin-starred chef Jean-Philippe Blondet,former executive chef of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, is serving up flavours of the Mediterranean.

Read more ...
WHEN
Monday - Wednesday & Sunday, 12pm - 11pm; Thursday - Saturday, 12pm - 12am
WHERE
53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
St. James' Courtyard, a Taj Hotel, Victoria

St James' Courtyard, a Taj Hotel, Victoria

St James’ Court is a hidden haven in which 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 your current mood, the venue offers a chance to admire the artistry of its turrets, balconies and arches, and escape the modernity beyond its walls.

Read more ...
WHEN
Bookings from 9am - 7:15pm, daily except Fridays
WHERE
St James' Court, A Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Radio Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden

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.

Read more ...
WHEN
Monday & Tuesday 5pm - 12am, Wednesday & Sunday 12pm - 12am, Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 1am
WHERE
ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower Hill

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.

Read more ...
WHEN
Wednesday - Friday, 3pm - 10:30pm
WHERE
7 Pepys Street, London EC3N 4AF
The Goring, Victoria

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 five-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.

Read more ...
WHEN
7pm - 9:45pm daily
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 in normal times (though bookings are limited to groups of six at present). Here, it’s all about comfortable seating, table service, barbecue bites and breezy beats.

Read more ...
WHEN
Monday - Thursday 3pm - 10:30pm, Friday - Sunday 1pm - 10:30pm
WHERE
335-337 Old Street, London EC1V 9LL
Boundary Project, Shoreditch

Boundary Project, Shoreditch

The Boundary Project is a Shoreditch hotel with a rooftop bar that 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.

Read more ...
WHEN
3pm - 11pm Monday - Wednesday, 12pm - 11pm Thursday - Sunday
WHERE
2-4 Boundary Street, Hackney, London E2 7DD
Ham Yard Hotel roof terrace, Soho

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 beehives, but before you worry about them buzzing in your ears and around your drink, the hives are managed 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.

Read more ...
WHEN
9am - 10:30pm daily
WHERE
1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT
Eccleston Square Hotel, Pimlico

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.

Read more ...
WHEN
Now open
WHERE
37 Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 1PB
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Summer 2022

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