Seabird, Southwark

Boasting London’s longest oyster list, an impressive marble raw bar and sprawling city views – this location isn’t to be missed. Featuring an array of sea-to-table options, with a host of Spanish & Portuguese influences, try the octopus roll with padron pepper, smoked aioli and brioche; whole market fish with mojo verde, lemon; and minkfish tale on the plancha with peri-peri, piperrada and coriander.

40 Blackfriars Road, SouthwarkSE1 8PB

Visit SeabirdLondon.com

Madison, St Paul’s

Arrive at the penthouse of One New Change and step out onto Madison’s rooftop terrace for breath-taking views of the London skyline. Renowned for its atmosphere, with entertainment from DJs and live musicians, it’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends and colleagues while enjoying some great cocktails. This summer, Madison has partnered with Ciroc to bring you City Isles – designed to transport you straight to an Ibiza beach club.

One New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF

Visit MadisonLondon.net

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham

Perched atop the iconic Bussey Building, this rooftop bar literally stands above the rest as the highest drinking spot in Peckham, offering delicious cocktails, tasty pizza and unrivalled 360° views of the London skyline. Everything has been made totally Covid-secure too, with 

Block B Rooftop Unit B3.1, The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4SL

Visit BusseyRooftopBar.com

14 Hills, City

Situated high on the fourteenth floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, 14 Hills includes a glamorous restaurant and lively late-night bar with wide-spanning views of the capital. Head chef John Barber has created a range of menus showcasing the best of British, with just a hint of French flair, while at the bar, drinkers can expect to find a range of signature cocktails, craft beer and experimental concoctions using local ingredients. 

14th Floor, 120 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 5BA

Visit 14Hills.com

The Dorchester Terrace & Garden

A rooftop location adjoining the existing terrace and garden has opened for the first time this summer – ready to welcome an increasing number of al fresco-minded guests. Offering stunning views over Hyde Park, this is the place to enjoy an array of Italian light bites and cocktails.

53 Park Lane, Hyde Park, W1K 1PN

Visit DorchesterCollection.com

Sabine, St Paul’s

For unrivalled views of one of London’s most beautiful sites, visit Sabine on the seventh floor of Leonardo Royal Hotel. With a retractable roof to maximise exposure on those hot summer days, expect to enjoy a menu seasonal fare such as grilled octopus with Mojo Rojo sauce, lemon and crispy shallots; and burrata with white peach, pistachio, and toast. The drinks aren’t to be missed, either.

10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ

Visit SabineLondon.co.uk

South Place Hotel, Moorgate

There’s not one but two pretty terraces within this City-based hotel, both of which are now open for the summer. The first is part of its Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Angler, where pre-dinner G&Ts are a must (a retractable roof and blankets promise to make an appearance if the weather turns). But if you decide to leave the roof, you’ll find its secret courtyard in the centre of the hotel. The surprise oasis is filled with waterfalls and palm trees, and specialises in champagne, cocktails and cigars.

3 South Place, Moorgate, EC2M 2AF

Visit SouthPlaceHotel.com

The Nest, Marylebone

The Nest is a spacious and open rooftop terrace, with uninterrupted skyline views and ample space, making it another location well suited to current social-distancing measures. Part of the Treehouse Hotel but also open to the public, it also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. Dishes include Cornish lobster and crayfish Boston roll 20 with gem lettuce, tomato and marie rose with a fennel, citrus and dill slaw; roasted south coast seabass 24 on Mediterranean caponata with capers, kalamata olives and citrus insalata; and an Eton nest with new season berries with vanilla infused cream.

14-15 Langham Place, Marylebone, W1B 2QS

Visit TreehouseHotels.com

Eldr at The Pantechnicon, Belgravia

Whatever the weather, pop up to this all-seasons roof garden and south-facing terrace on Motcomb Street to explore a Nordic cocktail menu created by a team of young and talented bartenders. Escape the busy streets below and dine under the stars surrounded by arrangements, courtesy of Finnish horticulturalist Taina (which means ‘little tree’) Suonio. Kick off with a honey & lavender spirtz before dining on cod, spiced cauliflower, sea purslane; chicken, asparagus, langoustine, mushroom; and spiced Jurss cheese, cloudberry and rye crisp to finish.

19 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8LB

Visit Pantechnicon.com

Dior at Alto, West End

If you’re looking for a decadent twist on summer eating and drinking check out Dior’s takeover of Selfridge’s rooftop restaurant, which is inspired by the French Riviera. With a menu composed of dishes selected by the design house, including some of Monsieur Dior’s favourites and drinks that pay tribute to Dior’s history – this is the ultimate destination for fashionistas. Take some time to explore the Dioriviera collection of fashion, accessories and even surfboards, too – all of which feature the house’s signature toile de jouy print.

400 Oxford Street, West End, W1A 1AB

Visit Selfridges.com

The Lighterman, King’s Cross

Located between Granary Square and Regent’s Canal, the three-floor Lighterman offers great views over the square or tranquil waterfront, depending on where you sit. Kitted out with wooden furniture, parasols and beautiful planters, it’s perfect for an al fresco evening of drinking and dining. The courgette, mint and ricotta flatbread is a must-order. 

3 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH

Visit TheLighterman.co.uk

Skylight Rooftop, Wapping

Skylight London at Tobacco Dock has reopened for the summer season and there are plenty of table options – from garden gatherings to heated booths. Expect special cocktails and amazing food from street vendors Hikari and State Side, as well as live DJs on Saturday's. Indoor croquet and outdoor petanque are available now, while theoutdoor croquet court expected to reopen in July. 

Wapping Lane, Wapping, E1W 2SF

Visit SkylightLondon.com

Forza Wine, Peckham

For views over south London, head to the Forza Wine rooftop bar in Peckham, which not only serves up an amazing wine list, it also has thoughtfully sourced Italian fare all day. At sister restaurant Forza Win, the mantra is always ‘do things properly’. With the same philosophy now applied to the roof, delicious food and wine with a view is guaranteed. 

Floor 5, 133A Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4BQ

Visit ForzaWine.com

Malfy Lemon Grove Terrace at Harvey Nichols

La dolce vita comes to Knightsbridge in the form of Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Terrace, which has been transformed into a Mediterranean escape courtesy of MALGY gin.  All the rooftop walls have been adorned with lemons and decked out in Amalfi-syle tiles to compliment the Mediterranean-inspired menu, while a selection of zesty MALFY Gin cocktails are bound to slip down easily in the mid-summer sun

109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ

Visit HarveyNichols.com

Jurema at YOPO, Fitzrovia 

Jurema is the rooftop terrace space at Fitzrovia’s The Mandrake hotel and last summer was when it unveiled its Mandrake Cabanas – exclusive private drinking and dining spaces that open onto the hotel's terrace. Each of the ten cabanas are now available for reservation throughout the day and night, with a table service menu also available, serving South American-inspired dishes from YOPO and cocktails from Waeska bar. Dishes include grilled lamb shoulder tacos with raw pea, jalapeno and tomatillo salsa; courgette flowers and smoked cheese quesadillas.

20-21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1PG

Visit TheMandrake.com

Sky Garden, Moorgate

We’re becoming ever-more enamoured with the restaurants and bars located at the Sky Garden. That might have something to do with the fact all the plants and trees planted in 2014 are now gradually coming into bloom, with Darwin Brasserie being our pick of the bunch when it comes to views over the urban garden itself. Alternatively, the 36th-floor City Garden Bar is an all-day drinking and dining spot looking down on the capital. 

20 Fenchurch Street, Moorgate, EC3M 8AF

Visit SkyGarden.London

The Standard, King’s Cross

The Standard’s beautiful sun-soaked roof garden terrace is open. One of the largest spaces in the local area, the terrace is located on the 11th floor and is now taking reservations both inside and out. If you’re wondering what the menu looks like, think aperol slushies, a Moët mini vending machine and a choice of dishes from the dive bar selection.

10 Argyle Street, King’s Cross, WC1H 8EG

Visit StandardHotels.com

Mama Shelter’s Garden Bar

Mama Shelter’s outdoor bar offers a sun-filled spot for drinkers and diners. Located right in the centre of the hotel, the space comprises an open roof terrace that’s well suited to social distancing for the next few months. Meanwhile, a refreshed food menu includes an extensive brunch offering, with the new cocktail collection including  a ’’candy shop daiquiri’. A good one for meeting the girls.

437 Hackney Road, Hackney, E2 8PP

Visit MamaShelter.com

Roof East, Stratford

Roof East has reopened complete with a new look, fresh games and different street-food vendors on offer. Whether you want to grab a drink, or get competitive, their newest recruit – East London Bowls Club – offers punters the chance to play a traditional game of bowls with an East London vibe, while at Sluggers you can escape the everyday with lightning-quick pitches and an adjustable speed-o-meter courtesy of the ultimate American-style baseball batting game.

7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, Stratford, E15 1BB

Visit SFGClub.com

Bar Elba, Waterloo

A sister site to nearby hotspot Tonight Josephine, you’ll find this cool bar at the top of Mercury House in Waterloo. Assuming you survive the six flights of stairs, you’ll be treated to an extensive range of cocktails and plenty of Insta-ready vistas.

109-117 Waterloo Road, Waterloo, SE1 8UL

Visit Bar-Elba.co.uk

The Boundary, Shoreditch

Head to the fashion set’s favourite al fresco hangout at the Boundary Hotel’s rooftop bar and grill. The terrace basks in the Shoreditch sun by day, but evening is when it really comes into its own, with blankets, log burners and fairy lights twinkling above once the sun the goes down.

2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DD

Visit Boundary.London

Aviary, City

With unparalleled views stretching right across the city, Aviary’s swanky City roof terrace is a must-visit for enjoying cocktails in the sun. If you’re after something exclusive, guests can also hire the private 20-capacity Palm Terrace, which offers views over the city skyline.

22-25 Finsbury Square, City, EC2A 1DX 

Visit AviaryLondon.com

Lost In Brixton, Brixton

Lost in Brixton is back for a third summer session.  Take a staircase from a quiet corner of Brixton Market up to the rooftop spot above, which is packed with exotic flowers and vibrant wall murals. The drinks menu features summer spritzes and classic cocktails, as well as extra fresh beer pumped straight from Brixton Brewery, only located around the corner. 

Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8PS

Visit LostInBrixton.com