London is undoubtedly amongst the world’s most metropolitan cities. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, fleeting or long-stay, the city is a hub of hustle and bustle; a little opulence is required in order to pacify your sanity.
While not renowned for its glorious sunshine, when the sun does make an appearance, the best way to relax and take in the incomparable scene is to head skywards. London boasts a prime cityscape; to view it from above while sipping on your libation of choice is unquestionably an excellent way to pass an evening.
In order to relax and enjoy the sunset ambiance, one must rise above the noise of the chaotic capital. No better place to do this than at one of our top recommendations for rooftops bars. Magnanimously considered some of the best in the world, these selections have a little something extra to give. So if you are searching out the highest, luxurious and most select locations that London has to offer, take a glance at our compilation.
1. Radio Rooftop, 336-337 Strand
As one of London’s most premier bars, Radio Rooftop is situated on the tenth floor of the ME London Hotel. The name is derived from the building’s history, a site once famous for the location of where the first BBC programming was transmitted in 1922. The bar’s historic theme extends to its cocktail menu, with aptly named drinks such as the Radioactive or AM/FM.
An unsurpassed view is available with an intense panoramic vista of London. It stands high among the list of one of the city’s superior rooftop terraces. You can guarantee the outdoor lounge remains a peaceful haven to enjoy your cocktail in the clouds as entry is restricted to groups of no more than five people of the same sex.
2. Rumpus Rooms, 9 Upper Ground
This riverside rooftop retreat is an exquisite example of a London sanctuary; situated opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, it’s the paramount place to watch the sun set over the Thames while delighting in one of their signature Anglo/American inspired cocktails. If you are an avid whisky lover then this is your finest spot — the bar’s extensive whisky selection will leave little to be desired with a range of single or blended from Scotland, Ireland, America and Japan. If it’s a whisky cocktail that you’re after, then you can sample many including the Improved Whisky Cobbler made with 14yo Clynelish whisky. If you find yourself hankering for a specific concoction not listed on the menu, the staff will happily accommodate your choice and have it made.
Rumpus Rooms is perfect location to leave the stress and the strain of the city far below.
3. Sky Pod, 20 Fenchurch St
The famously enlarged glass dome on Fenchurch street houses one of London’s most exclusive social spaces, the 360 degree, uninterrupted view across the city has no parallel. The open air terrace is London’s highest garden space and it is here that you can stumble upon the Sky Pod bar. This bar provides breathtaking views over London’s glittering skyline and the adept space to recline as the sun sets over the city.
As an unrivaled whereabouts to appreciate live music and savor the vast range of champagne they have to offer, it is an outstanding location in which to admire London at its best.
4. Vista Bar, 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens
This open-air rooftop deck is positioned directly above Trafalgar Square; not one of the highest rooftop bars, but what it lacks in height it makes up for in a skyline view inclusive of London’s most prominent sites. The London Eye contoured adjacent to the night sky is the perfect accompaniment to one of the bar’s crafted cocktails, and just one of the qualities that leaves this establishment unparalleled.
Winter weather won’t affect your reservation (and knowing its popularity, we recommend you make one), as blanket selections and heaters are provided upon request.
5. Coq D’Argent, 1 Poultry
The 1920’s Parisian inspired bar and grill is happily situated up above the heart of the city with spectacular panoramic views of some of London’s main sites, including St, Paul’s Cathedral. The garden terrace is an urban oasis that boasts a captivating vista where you can lavishly indulge in some of the city’s most superior tipples. The menu is voluminous, taking inspiration from all over the world — but, yet again, if you are a whisky connoisseur, this should be your bar of choice. The whisky menu includes Irish, American and Japanese selects but the pièce de résistance is the exceptionally eminent list of Scotch from distilleries all over Scotland. Options include Springbank bottled by Ian Macleod for their Chieftain’s Choice, 1969 and the impeccably woody Jura from 1977.
Whether it be for outside drinking, dining or leisure, Coq D’Argent is among the crème de la crème of London’s rooftop delights.
