Some of London’s best bars are hidden in plain sight, right within the city’s skyline.
With 18 days of sunshine predicted this August, there’s no better way to unwind than on a sunny terrace secluded from view.
Luckily, there’s plenty of ‘secret’ rooftops across the capital to choose from.
The 2Chill team have rounded up the best ones to head to this August.
From a chic hotel terrace on the 16 th floor to a buzzy pub with DJs, burgers and beer, there’s a rooftop bar for every mood.
Have you visited any of the venues below? Is there a rooftop bar you think everyone should visit? Make sure you register on 2Chill and leave a recommendation.
The Nest, Fitzrovia
The Nest
(Image: The Nest at Treehouse Hotel, London)
The Nest, at the Treehouse Hotel, is a real hidden gem of a rooftop.
Set on the 16 th floor, the upmarket bar offers a bird’s eye view of the city.
Enjoy a 360 degree look at the London skyline from either the incredible terrace, or the rustic-meets-chic inside, which is adorned with tons of plants, warm dangling lights and massive windows.
There’s a minimum spend per person on food and drinks – £50 Sunday to Thursday and £75 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bookings are recommended.
London Bridge Rooftop, Southwark
London Bridge Rooftop
(Image: London Bridge Rooftop)
This suntrap of a rooftop is just south of the river and has everything you need for a good night – views, DJs, cocktails, beers and burgers.
The urban hideaway is located in the heart of London Bridge, on top of a six storey 70s style brutalist office block.
London Bridge Rooftop has a capacity of 200 and welcomes walk-ins as well as online reservations.
You can easily spot London landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, and The Tower of London.
It’s open from midday until “late” and only accepts card.
Head there on Saturday for bottomless brunch, or on Sunday for ‘Aperol Sundays’, which runs from 12pm to 4pm and includes £5 drinks.
The team also serves burgers fresh from premium London butcher The Ginger Pig.
Roof East, Stratford
Roof East
(Image: Roof East)
Rooftop bar is just one of the many selling points of Roof East.
The gigantic Stratford venue, which sits atop a shopping centre, has everything you could want for a fun night in one place.
You can go bowling, play mini-golf, try your hand at London’s highest baseball batting cages and more.
As 2Chill member Zoe Forsey said: “This place describes itself as an ‘adult playground’ and that’s pretty accurate.
“It’s basically the roof of a multi-storey car park that has been turned into a huge outdoor food and drink area with loads of fair games.
“There are lots of bars and street food stalls, which serve up pretty much anything you fancy.”
Food options include burgers, Indian street food and sourdough pizzas.
Roof East is open from 4pm to 11pm.
Bar Elba, Waterloo
Bar Elba
(Image: Bar Elba)
Fancy a sunny escape in central London? Bar Elba ’s trellised rooftop is the perfect post-work or weekend escape.
Named after the Mediterranean island where Napoleon was exiled in 1814, the venue abides by the motto “Liberté, Egalité, Rosé”.
There’s twinkle lights, aesthetic decor and Instagrammable drinks galore.
It’s a foodie’s heaven with burgers, tacos, chicken wings, hot dogs and more to choose from.
You can also book in for their Rooftop Movies, which run every week this summer and include Prosecco and popcorn.
Pergola Paddington, Paddington
Pergola Paddington
(Image: Pergola Paddington)
Pergola Paddington was created in 2017 to bring a forgotten corner of the suburb back to life.
Although it’s located adjacent to the Westway, the relaxed rooftop bar is tucked away so well that you’re likely to have driven right past it without realising.
Boasting 850 seats, it’s actually the largest al fresco drinking and dining experience in West London.
The massive space normally consists of two open-plan floors with communal wooden benches, plus a number of food and drink stalls you can choose from.
However, the top floor has actually been converted into a Parisian-themed suntrap courtesy of luxury drinks brand Moët & Chandon, with guests able to enjoy champagne slushies there all summer long.
It’s open from 4pm to 11pm, Monday to Thursday, with longer hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The vibrant venue also has a new sibling at Canary Wharf, called Pergola on the Wharf.
Lost in Brixton, Brixton Village
Lost in Brixton
(Image: Lost in Brixton)
This Brixton Village hideaway is hidden in plain sight in Brixton Market.
The secret rooftop terrace is “big enough to get lost in”, with a capacity for 440 people.
As well as Latin American-inspired cocktails, there’s also craft beer, DJs and live music perfect for a night of fun.
Thanks to its prime location in Brixton Market, you can also order direct from the likes of Rudie’s Jerk Shack, Brazilian creperie Senzala and Black Bear Burger.
The trendy Coldharbour Lane spot is open from 4pm to 11pm, Monday to Wednesday, with extended hours Thursday through Sunday.
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Queen of Hoxton
(Image: Queen of Hoxton)
Queen of Hoxton might not be the best the kept ‘secret’, but it does have one of the top rooftops around.
The notorious Shoreditch event-space is spread over three floors, with a club onsite as well.
You’ll have a great view of East London’s brown brick buildings and bright street art, from
Its décor changes every season, but you can always expect something whacky and cheerfully coloured.
The rooftop is so enormous that, according to the venue’s website, you can just “walk your fine ass on in” if you want a table.
The Queen of Hoxton rooftop is open all week, with the ground floor available for use between Wednesday and Saturday.
Skylight, Wapping and Peckham
Skylight
(Image: Skylight)
Skylight, in Wapping, is one of London’s largest – and coolest – rooftop bars.
The ex-car park has been much loved by Londoners for some time, thanks to its great drinks offers and fun activities.
Described as a “pleasure garden in the sky” by the website, the secret terrace in spread across three floors and offers a range of drinks, plus funky spots to enjoy them.
Think garden booths for balmy evenings and heated igloos for chillier nights.
You can play croquet, pétanque, table tennis and shuffleboard here.
There’s also another East London venue on offer just in time for the summer.
As of Monday, August 16, Skylight has unveiled a brand new rooftop venue, in Peckham.
Big Chill, King’s Cross
Big Chill
(Image: Big Chill)
Big Chill in King’s Cross is an ideal rooftop venue for North London residents.
The al fresco spot is part of Big Chill House, a large converted Victorian pub on Pentonville Road.
You can head to the venue for breakfast at the downstairs café, pub good on the first floor or cocktails on the roof.
Though the outdoor space isn’t as large as some of the others, the brightly-hued furniture, top-quality burgers and secluded nature of the spot certainly makes up for it.
The suburban paradise has also been getting rave reviews for its Bottomless Brunch experience lately, should you feel like a daytime foray.
Radio at ME London, The Strand
Radio rooftop bar is one of the swankiest roof terraces in London.
Set on top of the old BBC building, on the 10 th floor, this sky-high hideaway is truly at the heart of the capital.
It boasts views of the Savoy, Waterloo Bridge, London Eye, Houses of Parliament and more.
Expect high-end cocktails mixed by the expert bartenders and tapas-style small plates of food.
This one is 21 and above, though, so bring your ID.
Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham
Bussey Rooftop Bar
(Image: Bussey Rooftop Bar)
Bussey Rooftop Bar is an idyllic suntrap by day and breezy evening venue by night.
Decked out with wooden beams and tropical-themed plants, the open-air venue is both laid-back and fun.
Though not the best kept ‘secret’, the Bussey Building’s very own hidden rooftop offers spectacular views of the city and good vibes.
Head here from 5pm to 11pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 12pm to 11pm on weekends.
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