10 Best Rooftop Bars in London

The Rooftop is an iconic restaurant and bar with multiple sections so that you can choose the experience you're looking for. For example, you can head to The Gallery section to enjoy the best views while you eat, or you can opt for The Deck, which is a conservatory perfect for spending time with friends over cocktails. This bar is notably comfortable all year long, as they use outdoor heaters and blanket sections to keep patrons warm during the winter months. You can also order small plates and enjoy table service throughout your experience. You'll find The Rooftop in Central London, just southwest of Trafalgar Square.

12th Knot is located on the 12th floor of the Sea Containers London and boasts vibrant greenery, a tranquil riverside view and stunning ingredient-led cocktails. The lounge area is particularly appealing, as you'll find plush sofas and other comfortable seats. The cocktails are driven by what ingredients are locally available, so your options change based on the time of the year you visit. You can enjoy live music here on Wednesdays and DJs throughout the weekend. You'll find this rooftop bar on the south side of the Thames by Blackfriars Bridge.

Radio Rooftop Bar offers perfect views to the east and to the west, allowing you to enjoy brilliant sunsets while enjoying their signature cocktails. You'll find yourself 10 floors up with a view of the skyline, including iconic monuments like the Shard and the London Eye. While the cocktail menu is certainly comprehensive, you'll also find a wide selection of champagne at this bar, making it the perfect destination for any celebrations. You'll find Radio Rooftop in Covent Garden on the north side of the Thames by Waterloo Bridge.

Jin Bo Law Skybar is a rooftop London bar that will put you a stone's throw from some of the area's most iconic landmarks, like Tower Bridge and the Gherkin. The atmosphere on this rooftop is notably posh, with extensive bronze decor and a marble floor that matches the bar itself. The cocktails are quite unique, with some mixes you can't find anywhere else in town. Take the Butterfly Punch, for example, which is a mix of traditional punch with Jasmine tea and other Asian ingredients. Many of their cocktails are made with Baijiu, which is like an Asian gin. You'll find this bar just a short walk from Aldgate East.

Sushisamba is an iconic rooftop bar that features a glass roof with vibrant plants hanging down and adding an organic ambience to the setting. You can also opt to book the private dining room, which features a private terrace. The drinks on offer here are as varied as its food, with influences hailing from Japan, Brazil and Peru. The Kaffirinha is particularly Brazilian, for example, but they've still put a unique twist on it. You can find it and more on the Opera Terrace in Covent Garden.

Bokan is a rooftop bar designed to keep patrons relaxed in a quiet and sophisticated environment that lets them enjoy the spectacular views of the skyline. The rooftop bar is located on the 39th floor and features an open-air terrace and sheltered area, so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather. While you'll find an extensive list of wines and premium cocktails available, this bar specialises in gin more than anything else. You can try it out yourself in Millwall by the South Dock.

Roof East is a rooftop bar where guests can not only enjoy a few drinks, but they can also play exciting games and even watch films at the onsite cinema. The cinema hosts a variety of movies, ranging from some of the latest releases to old favourites and cult classics. Amongst the games, you can try your hand at the batting cages, curling, and mini-golf. The drink selection here is quite extensive, featuring plenty of local and international beers on tap along with a bit of cider. You can also order wine by the glass and custom cocktails. You'll find it all just east of Stratford Station by the Stratford Shopping Centre.

The Culpeper Rooftop is home to splendid views accompanied by vibrant greenery, all cultivated in their rooftop greenhouse that features plenty of drink options and seating. You can sit amongst the plants and enjoy a fine English vintage, as they specialise in wines sourced primarily from Kent and East Sussex. The cocktail menu is quite impressive, and many are inspired by ingredients that are grown right there on the rooftop terrace. You can see it for yourself on the southern end of Spitalfields, on the corner of Commercial and Wentworth.

Frank's Cafe is a rooftop bar built into an old car park, and it offers affordable prices and friendly policies towards children and dogs. Most of the patrons who frequent this location are fairly young, but adults of all ages are welcome. Children are welcome as well during rooftop brunches that are served each weekend. In this bar, you'll find plenty of space on the roof along with benches and tables made from wood. Don't forget to check out their food menu for some small bites to enjoy with your cocktails. You'll find Frank's Cafe near the centre of Peckham, just a short walk from Peckham Rye station.

Bar Elba is a rooftop bar offering scenic views of Waterloo and the London skyline alongside its variety of drinks you can enjoy at its relaxing wooden tables. You won't find any table service here, so you'll have to get your drinks yourself. The self-service style ensures you don't have to worry about any interruptions during a night out with your mates. In addition to the expansive drink menu that includes cocktails, beer and seasonal drinks, you'll also find food available, including flatbreads and poke bowls. You can experience it for yourself in Waterloo, just north of Emma Cons Gardens.