London’s Best Rooftop Hangouts

In 2021, when we first mentioned rooftop hangouts, there were hardly any. Fast forward five years, and it seems that every building with a decent rooftop has capitalised on it, and the result is that from Soho to Shoreditch, London is full of rooftop bars, restaurants, and even rooftop pools. It is not difficult to see the appeal; the London skyline is one of the most recognisable in the world. Why not take in the views with a beautiful girl and enjoy a couple of cocktails whilst you’re at it?

London’s best rooftop hangouts

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL

Possibly one of the best rooftop hangouts in London, The Berkley hotel: now this is a seriously sophisticated rooftop. Lounge by the pool or sit at the bar; either way, the views are breathtaking. This summer, the Berkeley is collaborating with Acqua di Parma to bring you “Capri in the City’. Your very own taste of Capri in Knightsbridge, complete with citrus Negronis and Aperol spritzes. The blue-and-white striped sun loungers, shocking pink bougainvillaea and the lemon trees in large terracotta planters could quite easily make one feel as if they were on the Italian coast. The rooftop is reserved for hotel guests during the day, but at 7:30pm it opens its doors to Joe Public. If the weather forecast looks promising, make a reservation quick sticks, as this place will be the hottest rooftop venue in London. A taste of La Dolce Vita awaits you and your date. Burrata, seafood and pizzas should you get peckish. For those of you who are here for a few days on business, the rooftop at the Berkeley is the perfect taste of Capri right here in SW1.

THE NEST, 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS

Atop the Treehouse hotel is a gorgeous green and wooden utopia aptly named The Nest. Boasting 360-degree views of London from a rooftop in Marylebone. Hop in a private lift, and you will ascend directly to The Nest, and from there you can enjoy craft cocktails as you take in the views of the London Eye and The Shard. The Nest is a laid-back venue with a hotchpotch of rugs, sofas, plants and giant coffee table books. Friendly and relaxed, think of it as your Bohemian best friend, complete with a DJ in the corner playing Thursday to Saturday. It’s the perfect place to take a hot date to break the ice.

Aqua London, 240 Regent Street, Soho, W1B 3BR

Aqua Spirit is a Japanese-inspired Soho rooftop bar. I believe it was the first of its kind in London. At the time, back in the early 00’s, London did not have many rooftop hangouts. Hong Kong business executive David Yeo saw the vision and created Aqua Kyoto (a Japanese restaurant), Aqua Spirit (bar and roof terrace), and Aqua Neuvo (a Spanish restaurant). Aqua was a hit and has since expanded with a restaurant at The Shard. Aqua Spirit is the perfect London hangout for visitors and locals alike. Somewhere to unwind and get together after a day in the city. Even after all these years, Aqua still manages to have a “cool” ambience. Maybe it’s the Japanese cocktails, perhaps it’s the resident DJs or the slightly acerbic hostesses downstairs. Aqua Spirit was the founder of London rooftop hangouts and is not to be missed.

The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

The rooftop at The Culpeper offers private dining and a perennial garden. A horticulturist’s oasis in the heart of Shoreditch. The plants and trees have been carefully selected so that each year they grow and blossom for the seasons ahead. Homegrown herbs are used in The Culpeper’s cocktails and food menu. A hip and happening rooftop space where you can enjoy organic produce amongst greenery in East London. More than just a rooftop hangout, The Culpeper is actually a three-storey pub, boutique bedroom hotel and restaurant. The first-floor restaurant works directly with farmers to bring you a French bistro-inspired menu. Absolutely everything is seasonal and fresh on the table. The rooms are loft-style and unique, perfect for a short stay in the city after an evening of dining and drinking at The Culpeper.

Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges rooftop, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

Hands down one of the best rooftop hangouts in London. Alto by San Carlo combines great atmosphere, amazing service, delicious Italian food and 10/10 cocktails. There is nowhere better on a sunny London day after you have shopped until you’ve dropped than sitting beneath the lemon-adorned awnings with sunglasses on, a Negroni in hand, your risotto on its way and a beautiful date sat opposite you. Hard to believe you are in Selfridges, looking down on Oxford Street.

This faux Sicilian venue is everything a rooftop hangout should be: sophisticated without taking itself too seriously. Despite Alto being part of a chain, each restaurant does feel unique. Dining at Alto, you really do forget you are in one of London’s busiest department stores. When the British weather plays ball, you really could be in Amalfi.

Bōkan 37, 40 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, E14 9TP

Occupying the 37th to 39th floor of an otherwise anonymous hotel in the Docklands is Bōkan. Bōkan translates as “beacon”, inspired by navigational exploration and the Docklands as a destination for trade and commerce. It is also the Japanese word meaning to “look on”. Impeccably named, I’d say, as from floor 39 you look out onto the majestic London skyline. Aside from the grand sweeping views of Canary Wharf and the City of London, Bōkan offers a specialist gin bar, carefully curated cocktails and an extensive wine list. The rooftop terrace is first-come, first-served, as Bōkan do not take reservations. Floor 37 is home to the Bōkan restaurant serving European cuisine, and floor 38 houses the Bōkan indoor bar. Somewhere to find a little bit of sunshine in the City with a gorgeous companion this summer.