One thing's for sure: Londoners love a rooftop bar. From Covent Garden to Canary Wharf, London has so many views to offer, and what better way to watch the sun go down than from a stunning rooftop bar?
We've put together our 14 favourite London rooftop bars and given you a brief all-you-need-to-know overview.
1. The Rooftop at St. James
The Rooftop at St. James is right above Trafalgar Square, putting it in the perfect position to give you beautiful views of the area, skyline, and famous landmarks like the House of Parliament and the London Eye.
The Rooftop at St. James's expert chefs are masters at redefining classic meals from all around the world for a contemporary twist. They have a dish for just about every planet with mouthwatering main courses such as Smoky Aubergine and Grilled Seabass Fillet.
All Day Dining
After Work Drinks
Date Night
Afternoon Tea
Sunday - Tuesday:
12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday - Thursday:
12:00 - 12:00
Friday - Saturday:
12:00 - 12:30
2. Louie
Louie’s Terrace in West Street is located right next to its alligator bar. Grab a drink and head outside in their lush green getaway to soak up the views of Covet Garden while listening to some live music.
Besides an exciting, lively vibe, Louie is especially famous for its extensive menu filled with French dishes and fresh seafood with a New Orleans twist. Think oysters, Monkfish Tail, New Orleans BBQ Lobster, and Stonebass Bouillabaisse.
Live Music -Alligator Bar
Date Night
Group Bookings
Pre-Theatre
Weekend Brunch
Tuesday - Wednesday:
17:00 - 02:00
Thursday- Friday
12:00 - 15:00
17:00 - 02:00
Saturday
11:30 - 15:00
17:00 - 02:00
Sunday - Monday:
Closed
3. Oxo Tower Brasserie & Bar
OXO is at the very top of the famous OXO tour and its position gives you some of the best views of the river Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as a magnificent view of the London skyline.
The OXO bar makes delicious international meals from only the finest British products and ingredients. Their seasonal menu created by executive head chef Jeremy Bloor currently features dishes like Beef Fillet, Red mullet, and Aubergine. Pair your meal with one of their hand-picked wines and you have a night to remember.
Dining with a View
Date Nights
Business Meetings
Special Occasions
Group Bookings
Monday - Wednesday:
17:00 - 00:00
Thursday - Saturday:
17:00 - 01:00
Sunday:
Closed
4. Aqua Kyoto
Perched above the Regent Street Entrance, Aqua Kyoto boasts a new, partially heated and covered Rooftop terrace. When it comes to the view itself, Aqua Kyoto lets you soak up the scene of London’s west end, giving you clear views of the London skyline.
The Aqua Kyoto serves up plates so flavourful, that it's difficult to choose the best meals. Their award-winning chefs specialise in creating traditional Japanese meals with a bit of a contemporary twist. Some of their best meals include Wagyu sirloin, black garlic teriyaki & smoked aubergine miso (yes, that’s all one meal!), and Iberico Pork & Chicken Gyoza.
Sushi & Robata Grill
Date Night
After Work Drinks
Group Bookings
Views of London Skyline
Sunday - Wednesday:
12:00 - 00:00
Thursday - Saturday:
12:00 - 00:30
30 Argyll St, London W1F 7EB, UK
6. Sparrow Italia
Located in Mayfair Sparrow Italia, there is a luxurious terrace known as the Sparrow’s Nest, where you can soak up the views of the neighbourhood and dine in decadence.
Sparrow Italia is famous for its classic Italian meals, making it a go-to for Mediterranean-loving foodies. Some of its mouthwatering meals include dishes like Ahi Tuna Tartare, Spicy Rigatoni, and Grilled Branzino. Make sure to combine your meal with one of their amazing wines for the complete Italian experience.
Business Meetings
Fine Dining
Date Night
Afterwork Drinks
Authentic Italian
Monday - Friday:
12:00 - 00:00
Saturday - Sunday:
13:00 - 00:00
7. 12th Knot
Located in the iconic Sea Containers, the 12th Knot has a glass box design, giving you 360 views of the London iconic skyline and all across the River Thames.
If you like North American-inspired dishes with a bit of British quirkiness, then head on over to the 12th Knot. This fine-dining eatery features classy starters like Exmoor Caviar and delicious mains such as Wild Mushroom Pot Pie.
The 12th Knot is best for fine-dining while marvelling at London’s famous landmarks from their classy yet laid-back terrace.
9. Mercer Roof Terrace
The floor-to-ceiling windows mean it's a season-proof venue (they also provide sheepskin blankets if it gets chilly).
The garden rooftop offers a spectacular view of Central London’s skyline. As backdrops go, you can't do much better. And if you need a bed for the night, book ahead at the hotel. What's not to love?
Mercer Roof Terrace, a feature of the Vintry & Mercer Hotel, occupies a place at the top of our list not just because of its award-winning rooftop garden but because of its variety of options. You can choose between an al fresco dinner, bar snacks in a winter 'igloo,’ or simply a cocktail at the bar above the city lights.
After Work Drinks
Business Meetings
Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 23:00
Soak up the skyline while dining on your favourite meals
If you’re looking for a change from hitting up Frank's Cafe, sitting at the top of a multi-storey car park in South London, or Radio Rooftop isn’t doing it for you anymore, consider our options. However, you're choosing to combine wining and dining with London's skyline, and with Ambl, you can choose what's right for you.
Whether you’re planning a celebration in advance or you’re a notorious non-planner, Ambl can help you out. Ambl is making reservations easy, one venue at a time. Ambl can help ensure you’ve got a spot on London’s hottest rooftops—even on those sunny days that bring all of London to their nearest rooftop bar.