I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar.
So I visited some of London's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it
18
Chilling in the gazebo by the water fountain was a very different vibe to the competitive darts going on inside
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend.
(Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price).
Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club
Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends.
It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety
Read more on rooftop bars
It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy
As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the
The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers.
The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great
backdrop!)
Most read in News Travel
The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails.
The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat.
Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med'
18
The Magic Gardens make for a perfect selfie backdrop
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
The garden-themed rooftop was truly enchanting
Credit: Jenna Stevens
London Bridge Rooftop Bar
In the centre of London, just minutes from
This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views.
After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours.
This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a
It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it
works
. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies.
18
London Bridge Rooftop bar often books up, so it's worth reserving a table
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
There's even a photobooth to remember your night out
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
You can see the Shard from the benches
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
The bright and colourful garden decor was a real change from the streets of central London
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard.
The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and
They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person.
Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it.
Circe's Rooftop
This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like
After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss.
With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to
This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis.
18
Cosy coral-coloured sofas lined the outskirts of the bar
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
A beach-hut bar smack bang in the middle of London? Yes please!
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
'Drink up the rays for days and days' on the daybeds
Credit: Jenna Stevens
The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering
The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns.
I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday.
I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with
Hotel Chocolat
chocolate sauce.
18
I was loving life relaxing on the daybeds
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
I didn't think I'd ever see palm trees next to London skyscrapers, but there's a first time for everything
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Frank's Cafe
If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise.
It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot.
After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant
The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin.
18
I was shocked to step out onto a giant playground
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
Bright pink stairs lead you to the giant rooftop
Credit: Jenna Stevens
It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline.
By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill.
Drinks like alcoholic
It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart.
This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty
18
Casual bench seating and a super simple food and drinks menu make Frank's Cafe a staple choice
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
Five before five is the rooftop bar's popular drinks deal
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Market Halls Victoria
Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where
You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats.
Burgers from
Black Bear
smelled divine, and the ever-popular
was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches.
I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from
Badiani,
and headed upstairs.
18
Stepping out into this stunning suntrap was a joy
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
The floral decor really made this place feel like an urban escape
Credit: Jenna Stevens
This rooftop terrace was an absolute
The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint.
The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes.
And three other rooftop bars outside of London
Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool
Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House.
With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap".
20 Stories, Manchester
Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar.
And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu.
The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Guesthouse No.42, Margate
Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar.
The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine.
However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.
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I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Chilling in the gazebo by the water fountain was a very different vibe to the competitive darts going on inside Credit: Jenna Stevens Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety Read more on rooftop bars It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great backdrop!) Most read in News Travel The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. 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Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 London Bridge Rooftop bar often books up, so it's worth reserving a table Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 There's even a photobooth to remember your night out Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 You can see the Shard from the benches Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The bright and colourful garden decor was a real change from the streets of central London Credit: Jenna Stevens Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 Cosy coral-coloured sofas lined the outskirts of the bar Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 A beach-hut bar smack bang in the middle of London? Yes please! Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 'Drink up the rays for days and days' on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 I was loving life relaxing on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 I didn't think I'd ever see palm trees next to London skyscrapers, but there's a first time for everything Credit: Jenna Stevens Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 I was shocked to step out onto a giant playground Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Bright pink stairs lead you to the giant rooftop Credit: Jenna Stevens It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty 18 Casual bench seating and a super simple food and drinks menu make Frank's Cafe a staple choice Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Five before five is the rooftop bar's popular drinks deal Credit: Jenna Stevens Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 Stepping out into this stunning suntrap was a joy Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The floral decor really made this place feel like an urban escape Credit: Jenna Stevens This rooftop terrace was an absolute The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.
