Bars
The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in London
The terraces worth the lift, for the view, the crowd, or both, the moment London opens up.
In short: our top picks are Seabird, Aviary and Savage Garden. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London spends most of the year indoors, which is why a good rooftop matters: the moment the weather turns, the city opens up and you want to be above it with a drink in hand. These are the rooftops worth the lift.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seabird | London Bridge | £££ |
| Aviary | Moorgate | £££ |
| Savage Garden | Tower Hill | £££ |
| Radio Rooftop | Strand | £££ |
| Madison | The City | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Seabird
Why we pick itThe longest rooftop bar in London, atop the Hoxton Southwark, with Mediterranean small plates and a serious oyster list to go with the skyline.
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.
For the view and a plate of oysters with it.
-
Aviary
Why we pick itTenth-floor open-air terrace over the City skyline, with a weekend Birdsong DJ brunch
Worth knowingBook the terrace specifically, since indoors is a distinctly lesser experience and on a wet day you pay rooftop prices for an ordinary City room.
The most reliable smart after-work rooftop.
-
Savage Garden
Why we pick itTwelfth floor terrace looks straight down onto the Tower of London
Worth knowingIt leans on the view and the cocktail theatre; the food is not the reason to come, and a wet evening takes most of the appeal with it.
For the best bridge and Shard panorama.
-
Radio Rooftop
Why we pick itHigh above the Strand at the ME London, glossy and glamorous, with sweeping river views and a dress code to match.
When the evening wants glamour.
-
Madison
Why we pick itA vast terrace facing St Pauls, almost close enough to touch. Busy and buzzy; come for the cathedral at dusk.
For the cathedral at dusk, up close.
Before you book
Rooftops live and die by the weather and the booking. Reserve ahead in summer and check whether the terrace is covered for colder months. Go at golden hour if the view is the point, later if the room is.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Seabird is our editor's choice: The longest rooftop bar in London, atop the Hoxton Southwark, with Mediterranean small plates and a serious oyster list to go with the skyline. Seabird, Aviary and Savage Garden 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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