8 Hottest Rooftop Bars In London This Summer
The sun is finally out and rooftop season is officially on. From stylish new hangouts to tried-and-true favourites, here are the hottest rooftop bars in London to check out this summer.
There’s something about that first stretch of proper sunshine in London that makes the whole city feel brand new. Coats come off, sunglasses go on, and suddenly every drink tastes better with a skyline view. Rooftop season is officially kicking off, and depending on if you’re after golden hour cocktails, a cool weekend brunch, or just an excuse to soak up the city from above, London’s rooftops are officially open for business.
Now, we’ll be real with you. None of the spots on this list are explicitly Afrocentric in theme, and maybe that speaks to a larger issue about there not being enough spaces in London that intentionally celebrate and centre Afro culture in this way.
Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t claim these spaces for ourselves. That said, community is what you make it. So think of this list as a guide to places you can make Afrocentric—just by showing up, showing out, and turning these rooftops into spaces where we can gather and enjoy the season together. From sleek new openings to older favourites with fresh energy, here are the hottest rooftop bars to check out this season.
Sachi London
SACHI’s rooftop bar is a refreshing slice of calm in central London. Inspired by Kyoto’s lush gardens, the space–perched atop the elegant Pantechnicon building on Motcomb Street–is beautifully green and tranquil; perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun or easing into the evening under soft, ambient lights.
The drinks menu is where things get really interesting. Each cocktail is named after a Japanese proverb, with clever blends like “Three Years on a Stone,” a Negroni-style mix served in a stone cup, and “Bird Leaves the Water Undisturbed,” which combines Toki whisky, Aperol, chinotto umeshu, and sudachi for a layered sip. You can pair your drink with rooftop-only sharing plates like slow-cooked octopus with yuzu mayo or the crispy monkfish with tartar and lime.
For a little extra Japanese flair, the rooftop also features a cozy cigar room. It's open daily from noon till midnight, and invites you to dress smart-casual and settle in. It’s the kind of spot that feels both elevated and effortless.
Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk has quickly become one of central London’s go-to rooftops. Sitting pretty above the Page 8 Hotel in St. Martin’s Place (just behind Trafalgar Square), it’s got sweeping views of the London Eye and Nelson’s Column.
The interior is polished, but relaxed, with exposed brick, sleek metal finishes, plush booths, and massive windows that let light pour in. Food-wise, Kitty Hawk keeps things modern and British. Their bottomless brunch is a hit, the Sunday roast is spot-on, and there’s a pre-theatre menu available in case you're catching a show nearby. They also offer cocktails and a strong wine list for those in the mood to linger a bit.
It's open Wednesday to Sunday, and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
KASO Rooftop & Kitchen
KASO has been making waves in Shoreditch since it opened. Perched atop the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel, this rooftop is a stunning spot with sweeping views of the city and a decor that’s equal parts laid-back and lively, with pink marble, lots of greenery, and a cool atmosphere that makes it perfect for everything from a casual catch-up with friends to a special night out.
The menu at KASO offers a nice blend of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and East London energy. It was inspired by Chef Ilknur Celik’s Turkish roots, and features dishes like harissa chicken shish, lamb fritters, and muhammara (a smoky, spicy dip) served with warm flatbread. Pair that with cocktails like the KASO Spritz or the East-presso (their take on an espresso martini), and you’re in for a pretty good meal.
On weekends, the energy ramps up with live DJ sets called KASO Sounds, if you'd like a more upbeat dining experience. It’s the kind of spot where you can hang out for hours, sip cocktails, nibble on tasty food, and have fun with or without a crowd.
The AMANO Rooftop
AMANO Rooftop Bar has quietly become one of Covent Garden’s best-kept secrets. Sitting at the very top of the AMANO Hotel, it has 360° views of London (yes, you can see the London Eye and The Shard!) and it’s a prime spot for golden hour drinks or a laid-back night out.
Inside, the mood is modern but still relaxed. There’s a spacious terrace if you’re chasing the sunset, and a sleek indoor lounge for when the weather turns. Cocktails are creative without being complicated, and can be paired with Mediterranean-inspired small plates that are great for sharing (or not).
It’s open daily from 4 PM, making it an easy choice for after-work drinks, a pre-theatre bite, or a weekend “getaway.”
Pocketsquare
Pocketsquare sits on the ninth floor the Hyatt Place in Whitechapel. It’s not very large, but that’s part of its charm, in addition to an intimate cozy terrace, slick art-deco interiors featuring artwork from local and international artists, and skyline views that stretch from The Gherkin to Canary Wharf.
The cocktail menu is bold and creative, with drinks inspired by London’s unique neighborhoods. You can expect plenty of gin and fun, thoughtful pairings with bite sized dishes, such as the 'Taiyo' cocktail accompanied by a steamed tiger prawn bao bun, or salt beef sliders and plantain chips with spicy tomato chutney.
It’s an ideal spot for a warm Spring afternoon, a low-key night out or a pre-dinner drink when you’re exploring Shoreditch or Brick Lane.
Flute (Broadwick Soho)
As spring breathes new life into Soho, Flute’s seventh‑floor terrace at Broadwick Soho is the perfect place to watch London blossom below. On the outside, its wraparound deck delivers 360° views of London's busy streets; and on the inside, it's every maximalist’s dream with an onyx‑topped circular bar, mirrored ceilings, and animal‑print upholstery, all grounded by a palm‑frond carpet that somehow feels both retro and fresh.
Behind the bar, cocktails pay homage to classic films shot in Soho; you can order the moody “Sid and Nancy” or the wistful “About Time” and watch bartenders bring each one to life. Flute welcomes guests Sunday–Thursday from noon till midnight (and until 12:30 AM on weekends). But keep in mind that there’s a £50 pp minimum spend after 5:30 PM Thursday–Saturday.
The Standard Rooftop
Back just in time for spring, The Rooftop at The Standard has reopened for the season. Sitting 11 floors above King’s Cross, this spot is all about bold colours, retro decor and an unbeatable skyline view. Its AstroTurf terrace is decked out with playful furniture, and sets the tone for long, lazy spring afternoons that turn into golden-hour hangouts.
Drinks at the Standard don’t take themselves too seriously; there's a selection of cocktails, bubbles on tap and wine that can be paired with street-style food options and/or delicious snacks. Also yes, there's pizza. It starts flying out from 5 PM on weekdays and from noon on weekends, so come hungry!
They're open from Monday to Wednesday from 4–9 PM, a little earlier Thursday and Friday (3 PM), and from midday on weekends. The Rooftop is built for spontaneous drop-ins and laidback catchups; it’s not the fanciest rooftop in London, but that’s a big part of its easy, breezy, charming character.
Wagtail London
Wagtail London is one of those places that feels like a bit of a hidden gem, even though it’s right in the heart of the city; just a few steps from Monument Station. Perched at the top of 68 King William Street, this two-storey rooftop bar and restaurant gives it's guests great views of London’s icons, from St. Paul’s, to the Tower Bridge, and The Shard.
The menu features favourites like lobster linguine with a rich tomato bisque, grilled halibut with buttery artichokes, and wagyu cheeseburgers with truffle mayo, and the bar serves a line-up of cocktails that are nothing short of creative. The ‘Chilli' is a blend of Tequila Blanco, Mezcal, agave nectar, and a chili-hazelnut mix, and the 'Ruby’ combines cherry liqueur, pineapple gin, lemon, and prosecco. There’s also a solid wine and bubbles list.
The bar spans two floors, featuring a heated and covered rooftop terrace bar, two private terraces adjacent to the restaurant, and an exclusive private dining room known as 'The Nest.’ Really and truly everything you need for an “elevated” spring dining experience.
There’s no better way to enjoy the city this season than from above. So grab a friend (or two), pick your spot, and toast to warmer days ahead.