Make the most of summer in London at one of these sun-soaked rooftop bars or terraces
London in the summer is a magical place. Everyone seems happier, the parks are filled with sunbathers, and sunny afternoons slip seamlessly into balmy evenings. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up 20 of the capital’s best bars, terraces and outdoor restaurants for eating and drinking in the warmer months.
Larch at Sky Garden
Another sky-high location, Larch at the Sky Garden — situated in 20 Fenchurch Street, aka the ‘walkie-talkie’ — delivers spectacular views over London’s skyline. Interiors are filled with painted murals designed to tell the story of an ever-changing landscape, or head outside to the expansive outdoor terrace for Italian-inspired small plates and a range of wines and spritzes.
1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
M Restaurants Canary Wharf Spring Terrace
Guests at M Canary Wharf’s terrace can enjoy uninterrupted views of the river, alongside a dining experience designed to take them on a culinary journey. Work your way through a range of mouth-watering dishes, from wagyu steak to kingfish sashimi, accompanied by a stellar selection of fine wines and Provencal-inspired cocktails.
10 Newfoundland Place E14 4BH
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Harrods Dim Sum Terrace
Harrods might not be an obvious choice for summer sipping, but hear us out. Located on the fourth floor of this prestigious department store, the newly opened Dim Sum Terrace provides impressive views over Knightsbridge and west London, as well as delicious, freshly prepared dumplings and a selection of baked, steamed and deep-fried delights. Drinks wise, think refreshing cocktails, including green-tea infused vodka sips and lychee, grapefruit and ginger martinis.
87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Fenchurch Whispering Angel Terrace
Whispering Angel fans, rejoice! London’s highest public garden, the Sky Garden, has teamed up with this popular rosé brand to create London’s hottest new springtime sipping spot. Pair those epic 37th-floor views with an innovative sharing menu and a choice of Whispering Angel wine.
1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
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In Bloom at Bluebird Chelsea
Bluebird Chelsea is welcoming spring with the launch of its In Bloom terrace. For one month only, a floral installation will accompany an enchanting cocktail menu, featuring four limited edition cocktails inspired by the floral and botanical scents of Penhaligon’s perfumes. A unique concept and a welcome addition to London’s cocktail scene, the pop up is well worth a visit this spring.
350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU
Aviary London Terrace Bar
Picture this: it’s a hot day in London and you’re at Aviary on the top of the Montcalm Hotel in Finsbury Square, enjoying a range of seasonal cocktails and freshly caught oysters from the restaurant’s British menu. Whether you have a date on the cards or you’re looking to wow a client, this is definitely the spot to have on your radar this summer.
Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
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Lilly’s Cafe Covent Garden
If you’re after a great brunch this summer, Lilly’s knows how to do it properly. Head down to this Covent Garden spot to soak-up the sun on the picturesque terrace, while taking advantage of an all-day brunch menu featuring familiar favourites like avocado on sourdough alongside inventive options like banoffee toast. Drinks-wise, you’ll find a range of cocktails, such as the Lilly’s Shine — a blend of lychee, rose liquor, tequila and ginger ale. A refreshing sip, indeed.
3 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8LU
TT Liquor Shoreditch
Looking for an envy-inducing cocktail to splash across your Insta feed? TT Liquor’s blue-hued Drink to Forget-Me-Not, featuring a blend of Cazcabel Blanco tequila, blue curacao, pink grapefruit soda and Tajin seasoning, should do the trick. This aesthetically pleasing cocktail can be enjoyed alongside the rest of TT Liquor’s creative menu on its rooftop terrace which offers panoramic views over east London. Hungry? Order an antipasti board or Neapolitan-style pizza.
17B Kingsland Road, E2 8AA
Wagtail
With a brand-new menu in time for spring, Wagtail rooftop bar and restaurant — just a short walk from Bank station — is the place to be for al fresco lunches and late-night tipples. Enjoy dishes that feature seasonal British produce, such as seared Devon scallops with toasted seaweed, as well as a carefully curated selection of cocktails, spirits and beers. There’s also a weekend bottomless brunch, if that’s more your thing, including two courses and 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks for £90pp.
68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR
Gaucho Summer Vineyard
Transport yourself to Argentina in the summertime by way of Gaucho Piccadilly, which has launched its brand-new Vineyard Terrace, decked with hanging vines and twinkling lights. Head down on a late afternoon to enjoy a glass of wine outdoors, or in the evening to sample the restaurant’s celebrated steak menu.
25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR
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The Maine Summer Terrace
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Maine’s summer terrace is a tranquil space that’s perfect if you’re looking to rest your feet after an afternoon’s shopping. It’s open throughout the week, and whether you’re in the market for a Saturday brunch, drinks and small plates, or an upmarket dinner, this is a lovely warm-weather spot. Make the Dirty Pickle Martini with Ketel One vodka, vermouth, and, of course, a pickled carrot, your go-to cocktail order.
6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY
8 at The Londoner
8 at The Londoner in Leicester Square is offering an array of options this summer. Head to the lounge and terrace, a playful space that combines both inside and outdoor elements, for small plates and cocktails, or visit the Shima Garden for a unique and sensory drinking experience inspired by Japan’s seasons.
38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX
Kutir
An exclusive terrace with space for up to 14 guests, Kutir Chelsea’s al fresco offering overlooks the neighbourhood’s picturesque townhouses and serves tasty plates from Rohit Ghai’s flavourful a la carte menu. Book a table to enjoy traditional Indian flavours alongside a range of gins and signature cocktails. If you have a favourite tipple, the team will be happy to make it on request.
10 Lincoln Street, SW3 2TS
Lord Napier Star
Hackney Wick, with its canals and easy access to Victoria Park, is a great place to be when the sun’s shining. Local pub The Lord Napier Star — easily identifiable from the colourful graffiti adorning its exterior — offers plenty to enjoy, from a terrace that’s perfect for catching some rays to Margarita Mondays (that’s £5 margaritas all day, every Monday), two-for-£12 cocktails on Thursdays, and a weekly pub quiz, if you feel like getting competitive.
25 White Post Lane, E9 5ER
The Ship
Ask anyone who lives south of the river, and they’ll tell you The Ship is the place to be when the weather hots up. The pub boats a prime spot next to the Thames, the best burgers in Wandsworth (supposedly), and a 15-strong cocktail menu (including an incredible banana mai tai), plus regular events and happenings. It’s a must-visit for friend groups, dates and family meet-ups.
41 Jews Row, SW18 1TB
Cavo
Just arrived on Tottenham Court Road, Cavo is one of the area’s newest rooftop terraces, bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to London. Setting the tone for summer is its Seafood and Sangria Brunch, created by head chef Tomasz Baranski (formerly Barrafina and Soho House), which includes a lip-smacking seafood platter and one carafe of sangria and fizz per person, for £65 each.
The Now Building, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Near and Far
Near and Far offers a slice of Californian cool in the bustling heart of Camden. Set across four floors, including a rooftop terrace with views over north London, the venue’s food menu is 100% gluten-free (a rare find for London restaurants), and drinks options include signature and classic cocktails, wines, ciders and both standard and gluten-free beers.
48 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AJ
Sabine
Head to this lush rooftop bar for incredible, up-close views of St Paul’s Cathedral. With a weather-safe conservatory (there’s a retractable roof, so you can enjoy the sun on a warm day or be covered in the likely event that it rains), as well as two al fresco sun terraces, Sabine is a great place to enjoy a range of small plates and cocktails, including the aptly named Spring in a Sip — a mix of gin, Licor 43, lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white and Fever Tree elderflower tonic.
10 Godliman St, EC4V 5AJ
Isola by San Carlo
Located on colourful St Christopher’s Place behind Oxford Street, Isola by San Carlo is a Sicilian-inspired restaurant and terrace offering Italian plates from lunch through to dinner. Enjoy the likes of fresh burrata with roasted tomatoes, tuna tartare with avocado, and crab spaghetti, alongside a range of cocktails and wines.
3-8 Barrett St, W1U 1AY
The Nest at Treehouse
Head to a rooftop with a difference at The Nest. With both an indoor and outdoor area, perfect for London’s unpredictable weather, The Nest boasts 360 degree views of London’s stunning skyline, as well as ‘treehouse’ inspired interiors (we’re talking plenty of foliage and natural materials), loungers for soaking up the sun and a menu of playful cocktails and bar bites — think rhubarb margaritas and radish inspired tipples, to be enjoyed alongside a range of small plates and sharing boards.
14-15 Langham Pl, W1B 2QS
