Bars
The 5 Best Rooftop Bars near London Bridge
Best Rooftop Bars near London Bridge: chosen on merit by Lamplit London.
In short: our top picks are Aqua Shard, Oblix and Seabird. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The stretch of river around London Bridge and Bankside has quietly become the city’s best rooftop cluster, crowned by the Shard and looking back across the Thames to the City. These are the rooftop bars near London Bridge worth climbing for.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Shard | London Bridge | ££££ |
| Oblix | London Bridge | ££££ |
| Seabird | London Bridge | £££ |
| 12th Knot | South Bank | ££££ |
| Rooftop at The Culpeper | Spitalfields | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Aqua Shard
Why we pick itA triple-height atrium bar on the 31st floor of the Shard, with views to match the address.
Worth knowingThe cooking does not match the setting and portions read small for the price; without a window table booked well ahead, the point of coming is lost.
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Oblix
Why we pick itThe Shard's 32nd-floor bar and grill, with a west-facing terrace that catches the sunset over the river.
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Seabird
Why we pick itA glamorous rooftop oyster bar above the Hoxton Southwark, with a long view across to St Paul's.
Worth knowingLoud, busy and very much a see-and-be-seen rooftop rather than a quiet retreat, with the terrace filling fast in warmer months.
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12th Knot
Why we pick itSea Containers' riverside rooftop, perfectly placed for the sweep from Westminster to the City.
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Rooftop at The Culpeper
Why we pick itA leafy, unpretentious greenhouse rooftop a short walk north; herbs, simple plates and a local crowd.
Before you book
This is a riverside walk as much as a crawl, so start east and follow the Thames. Book the Shard bars ahead and ask for a window or terrace table.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Aqua Shard is our editor's choice: A triple-height atrium bar on the 31st floor of the Shard, with views to match the address. Aqua Shard, Oblix and Seabird lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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