Bars
The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in London with a View
Best Rooftop Bars in London with a View: chosen on merit by Lamplit London.
In short: our top picks are Sky Garden, Sushisamba and Madison. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Half the pleasure of a London rooftop is the reveal: the city laid out beneath you, the river threading through it, the dome of St Paul’s catching the last of the light. These are the rooftop bars where the view is the whole point, chosen for the drink in your hand and the skyline in front of you.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Garden | The City | £££ |
| Sushisamba | Liverpool Street | ££££ |
| Madison | The City | £££ |
| Seabird | London Bridge | £££ |
| Coq d'Argent | The City | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
Sky Garden
Why we pick itThree storeys of public garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie, with 360-degree views and free entry if you book ahead.
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Sushisamba
Why we pick itThe 38th and 39th floors of Heron Tower, with vertiginous terraces and one of the highest views in the City.
Worth knowingThe view does most of the selling. Reviewers report real inconsistency between visits, and the bill can outrun what actually lands on the table.
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Madison
Why we pick itA vast terrace eye-to-eye with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral; the closest you will get to it with a drink in hand.
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Seabird
Why we pick itLondon's longest rooftop oyster bar, gazing across the river to St Paul's; sunset here is hard to beat.
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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Coq d'Argent
Why we pick itA rooftop garden hidden above Bank junction, all hedges and terraces with the City rising around you.
Before you book
Go for the hour before sunset and stay as the city lights come on. The best tables go fast in summer, so reserve ahead and ask for the rail.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Sky Garden is our editor's choice: Three storeys of public garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie, with 360-degree views and free entry if you book ahead. Sky Garden, Sushisamba and Madison 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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