Living the high life: London’s best rooftop bars and restaurants
It’s going to be sunny for the forseeable (topping 17˚C) and you know what that means? Time to slap on some SPF and shades and find a rooftop bar pronto.
Forza Wine, Peckham

Sip a cocktail with what feels like the whole of London laid out before you on the rooftop of Forza Wine on Rye Lane. It opened last year and went down a storm thanks to the fabulous cocktails, think El Rayo Tequila: scotch bonnet and agave syrup, lime juice, lime syrup. The kitchen’s worth visiting for too, sending out bites like Cauliflower fritti and aioli.
Yasmin, Soho

If you haven’t heard of this rooftop oasis before, it’s because Yasmin restaurant was previously only available to members of 1 Warwick. Thankfully the club decided to open up some spaces to non members, including Yasmin on the sixth floor which is the perfect spot a glass of something chilled and some Middle Eastern mezze.
Pergola, Brixton

Fun in the sun is pretty much guaranteed at this open-air party place thanks to DJs, drinks and dancing. Make your way south for £5 Margaritas on a Thursday, bottomless parties on a Saturday or an al fresco hump day pick me up.
Rooftop @ Trafalgar St James, Trafalgar Square

It might be slap bang in the centre of a tourist ville, but Muddy can confirm this elevated bar is still a very cool place to spend a warm Spring evening. The spectacular panoramic views of the London skyline are reason alone to pay a visit, but the menu (think cider-poached chorizo) and cocktails are splendid too.
Culpeper Rooftop Garden, Spitalfields

This seasonal rooftop garden bar at the top of a pub opens in Spring and is a bit under the radar. Muddy recommends sipping a Rhubarb Collins cocktail in the sunshine while marvelling at all the salad and veg they manage to grow on the top floor space. Pop in for drinks throughout the week, or book the grill lunch menu served 12pm-3pm, Thu-Sat.
Alto by San Carlo, Oxford Street

It’s easy to forget that, above the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, there lies an open-air Mediterranean-esque dream at the top of Selfridges. Light-filled and utterly charming, if the pretty foliage and views don’t make you feel like summer’s here, a small plate of calamari fritti and glass of chilled rosé will.
Coq d’Argent, Bank

Psst. This is where to head for drinks when all the Central London rooftops are full. With its huge open-air garden and terraces, French menu and perfectly mixed cocktails, it’s definitely worth smartening up and venturing into The Square Mile for.
The Rooftop at The Standard, King’s Cross

Stretching over the hotel’s entire 11th floor, The Rooftop’s epic views of the London skyline are the perfect backdrop for scoffing pizza and swigging cocktails and bubbles well into the night, and it’s spot-on for the sunset too.
cloudM citizenM Tower of London, Tower Hill

How about this as a spot for a sundowner? The Tower of London already looks like something out of a fairy tale, but throw a gorgeous sunset in the mix and we really are in fantasy territory.
OXO Tower Restaurant & Bar, South Bank

There’s nothing quite like meeting for drinks on a summer’s evening overlooking the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral to make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action. The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie’s been serving up great views, food and drinks for more than 25 years and it just doesn’t get old. It’s a little teeny terrace and it’s hotly contested – just request a terrace table when making your booking and cross those fingers and toes.
Radio Rooftop, Covent Garden

The shining crown at the top of ME Hotel, Radio Rooftop’s tenth floor location allows you to tick off all the key London sights (The Shard, St Paul’s, The London Eye and Big Ben) while standing still with a drink in your hand. Oh the parmesan fries are legendary.
Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

Muddy’s had many a memorable evening at this stylish rooftop bar in East London. Tucked away at the top of Boundary hotel, it feels in-the-know and friendly plus the Orangery restaurant encased in glass is a great choice for dinner with a view while the sun sets over Shoreditch.
art’otel Battersea Power Station Rooftop, Battersea

If you’re looking for drinks in an oasis in the heart of the city, art’otel terrace delivers. Decor à la mode, classy cocktails, stunning views and DJs galore at one of the trendiest spots in town. And why not bring a swimsuit and see if you can talk your way into the rooftop infinity pool.
Churchill Bar & Terrace, Marylebone

The Churchill Bar’s terrace is open year-round, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the decor will be this Spring. Last year it was given a nautical glow-up, think blue and white striped cushions, soft blue blankets, hurricane lanterns, a seafood-focused menu and brand new cocktail list with 12 tipples, including the delectable sounding Marino (cognac, pear liquor, basil marine spray and in-house Mediterranean tonic water).