Rooftop restaurants in London: 10 spots with a view to celebrate this summer
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- Megan Murray
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These are the most fabulous restaurants with a view in London to well and truly welcome the summer.
Your groupchat is probably already overflowing with plans for bottomless brunches, weekends away and maybe even a flight abroad when restrictions allow. But if you do have space in your summer social calendar, why not try a rooftop restaurant on your night out in London? From dreamy terraces to drinks until sunset, we’ve picked the best spots with a view in the city.
What are you waiting for? Get booking.
B&H Garden Room
This intimate, sky-high restaurant is the perfect place to get a good view of the city, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over central London. As the name suggests, this venue is known for its botanical-inspired decor which makes it a great background for your documentation of what will no doubt be an unforgettable night.
Where is it? 27-31 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0LS.
Pergola Paddington
Head up to this lively rooftop where the atmospheric, open air space is lined with street food vendors so you won’t go hungry. Spend your summer days basking in the sunlight or watching the clouds go by overhead. We recommend to book a table, a daybed or just turn up early.
Where is it? 5 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central W2 6PY
Radio Rooftop
Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most iconic venues, with striking views across the River Thames and London’s impressive skyline. From sunrise to sunset you can enjoy the changing views of the capital stretching from the Shard and St Paul’s downstream, to the London Eye and Big Ben - as well as stunning food from a locally sourced menu.
Where is it? The Strand, Central London, WC2R 1HA
Skylight
Like the sound of sun, the best views in the house, comfy seating, a dedicated bar with table service and six welcome drinks to get you started? Then Skylight’s uncovered sunshine garden booths on their premium mezzanine level are for you - starting from £60 for 3.5 hours (£90 for Saturday’s).
Where is it? Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine’s & Wapping, East London E1W 2SF
Oblix East
Been saving for your hot girl summer? This is the ultimate place to splash that cash. It doesn’t get more fancy than The Shard, which boasts many wonderful restaurants. However, it is Oblix, with it’s rosé brunch and fabulous menu, that gets our pick.
Where is it? The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, South London SE1 9RY
SushiSamba, Heron Tower
Sushi Samba will take your breath away, we guarantee. Located on the 38th and 39th floors at 110 Bishopsgate, it features the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, offering unparalleled, 360 degree views of the City from it’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Where is it? 110 Bishopsgate, East London EC2N 4AY
Bōkan
This swish Canary Wharf bar and restaurant atop the Novotel hotel is an ever-fashionable place to spend a summer’s eve. Raw materials and exposed pipe work make for lust-worthy décor, while the sky-high view sells itself.
Where is it? 40 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, East London E14 9TP
Bar Elba
This popular rooftop bar has views over London including sights such as The Shard, The London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral to name a few, and follows a tropical theme with sunny colours. Film lovers can also give their rooftop cinema a try for a boozy big-screen experience.
Where is it? Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, Lambeth, South London SE1 8UL
Smiths of Smithfield
Did somebody say wine on the terrace? For the ultimate summery vibe, head straight up to the top floor of this grade II-listed building and dine outside against the wonderful views of The City.
Where is it? 67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ
Aqua Kyoto, Soho
The terrace at Aqua Kyoto is the perfect place for a sundowner after a day in the city. Their menu is imaginative and bold, with offerings such as king crab tempura with crab miso and Wagyu maki rolls, so you’ll be sure to find something special to mark the evening.
Where is it? 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street Entrance W1B 3BR
Additional words: Amy Beecham / Images: Courtesy of venues