The best hotels with outdoor bars in London: 2021 edition

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 this year and to mark the anniversary (in a way that's fitting for the times), it's opened its first-ever rooftop bar. Here, the hotel's executive chef Mario Perera is overseeing a series of culinary pop-ups, with Jean-Philippe Blondet, executive chef of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, among those doing a stint behind the stoves.

The Dorchester Terrace & Garden, its secluded Spring Garden and the al fresco tables of the venue's CUT Out at 45 Park Lane restaurant have also reopened for business.

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.

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 fun-infused bar is a space to raise a glass while marveling at the Gothic revival architecture of neighbouring St Pancras Hotel. The Spicy Tommy's Margarita – the rooftop's signature pour – is not to be missed.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Aviary, Shoreditch

The picture says it all – with London’s most iconic 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Residence at the Four Seasons hotel, Clerkenwell

Opened in 2019, The Residence at the Four Seasons hotel in Clerkenwell is a relatively new rooftop offering. Look out upon city’s landmarks – the Tower of London and the Shard among them – while dining on dim sum and sipping cocktails from a menu overseen by the hotel’s head bartender, Harry Nikolaou. Expect mango and agave-fuelled takes on margaritas plus the hotel’s signature Trinity Negroni.