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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The Laslett Notting Hill
Located on a cosy side street in beautiful Notting Hill, The Laslett’s alfresco terrace is the perfect space for long lunches in the sun, or after work drinks with friends. Guests can enjoy a range of seasonal dishes, each crafted with local ingredients, including burrata with pesto and sun-dried tomato’s (a staple summer dish) and smoked salmon carpaccio. Larger groups can enjoy decadent sharing boards of charcuterie and cheeses, each of which can be washed down with a signature cocktail or two – our favourite is the Strawberry Fields, a refreshing blend of sparkling wine, strawberries and Ramsbury Vodka, that perfectly embodies a warm summer evening.
8 Pembridge Gardens, Notting Hill, W2 4DU
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
Lost in Brixton
Perfect for impromptu evenings and sunny days in London, Lost in Brixton is an expansive terrace boasting incredible views over South London, as well as non-stop party vibes. Taking its inspiration from Cuba, the venue boasts tropical-esque foliage and exposed brickwork arches, as well as two incredible bars serving up a range of tropical sips. Taste a range of Cuban rum cocktails (they have classic cocktails as well, if you prefer something more traditional), as well as bubbles, wines and beers. Plus, the unbeatable location just a stone’s throw away from Brixton Village, means that food from an array of delicious restaurants can be delivered straight to your table.
Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8PS
Pergola Paddington
Reminiscent of a far-flung beach club, Pergola Paddington is the place to see and be seen this summer. Get comfy on the rattan furniture, bask in the sunshine and enjoy non-stop tunes from the roster of London based DJ’s. The venue has partnered with Olmeca Atlas Tequila this summer to serve a range of incredible tequila-based cocktails, and food is on offer from some of London’s best loved street food vendors. Weather not quite what you expected? Not to worry. The terrace has a removeable cover for when the sun isn’t quite up to scratch, so you can keep the good vibes going even if the sun isn’t on your side.
5 Kingdom St, W2 6PY
The Prince
Dine, drink and dance at West London’s best loved pub. The Prince is one of the areas buzziest beer gardens, boasting an expansive beer garden with an open roof, live bands, DJ’s, incredible food and an exciting drinks menu — the Chilli Mango Margarita is a firm favourite that packs quite the punch. At present, the ever-changing food providers include The Prince Kitchen, serving home-made pub classics, Crust Bros, for decadent pizzas, and Le Bab, for traditional kebabs that combine classic fine dining techniques with global gastronomic influences. Grab your gang and head down to The Prince for a day out you won’t forget in a hurry.
14 Lillie Rd, SW6 1TT
Hacha
From the 1st of June until the 31st August, Cazcabel Tequila will be partnering with London’s leading Agaveria, Hacha, for two months of tequila-based fun. Head down to the award-winning terrace for flights and tastings of the good stuff, as well as tequila based tipples crafted from Cazcabel’s blanco tequila. The limited-time menu will feature five exclusive cocktails, including the Coffee Colada, Frozen Rosita, or the Chamomile Spritz and Lemon Balm Margarita, all of which can be enjoyed within the venue or made to take away. Which one will you choose?
12 Market Row, SW9 8LD
Pan Pacific
Iconic luxury hotel Pan Pacific has recently partnered with liqueur brand St. Germain on a new seafood and cocktail terrace that sits in the heart of the city. Just in time for the warm weather and running until the 30th September, the hotel’s sought-after outdoor space will be serving bespoke St. Germain cocktails alongside a decadent menu of fresh seafood and salad with an Asian twist. Dishes include Tuna Ceviche, Prawn Rojak Salad, Lobster rolls to name a few, and drinks highlights include Patron Grapefruit Soda and the Espresso Martini — perfect for the summer months.
80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Aquavit
Aquavit London’s new alfresco terrace has been created in partnership with Moët & Chandon, offering a true taste of luxury in the heart of London. Nestled behind the hustle and bustle of St. James’s market, the spot is perfect for post work drinks and catch-ups with friends. Enjoy seasonal tipples such as the Garden Spritz, a refreshing blend of of Moët’s Chandon Sparkling with a twist of house-made bitters and fresh Valencia oranges. Feeling hungry? Feast on Nordic-inspired small plates, including gin cured gravlax, or salt baked beetroots with pickled blackberries and macadamia nuts.
1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, SW1Y 4QQ
Nobu Portman Square
Aptly titled ‘Serenity in The City’, Nobu Portman Square’s latest collaboration is with luxury champagne brand Laurent-Perrier. Open for the duration of summer, the terrace is the place to be this season, offering an oasis of calm away from the busy central London streets. Guests can choose from a lighter, fresher take on a selection of Nobu’s world-renowned signature dishes created exclusively for the terrace, each centred around the delicate tasting notes of Champagne Laurent Perrier. To drink, enjoy a limited-edition champagne pairing menu, as well as exclusive sakes, wines and cocktails, all of which can be enjoyed within the serene atmosphere.
22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG
Comptoir Libanis Chelsea
Picture this: it’s a balmy 22 degrees outside, and your sat outside on the expansive terrace at Comptoir Libanis watching the world go by from this cosy West London spot overlooking the Duke of York Square. Book in for breakfast or lunch and eat your way through a Lebanese inspired menu including everything from shakshuka and feta for brunch, or mezze platters for later in the day. There’s plenty of cocktails to choose from, too, from frozen vodka tipples to sangria jugs and more.
53 – 54 Duke Of York Square, SW3 4LY
