Cheers…yamas…clink clink. It all sounds better at least two floors up. Something about getting away from the chaos below, sitting back to bouncy house mixes and feeling a sense you’re somewhere pretty hush-hush, and who says this has to end when summer does? Here are 7 of our favourite rooftop bars and restaurants you need to visit. Yes, even in winter
Shoreditch
The latest restaurant to grace the Hoxton Hotel’s rooftop is this bright and open Peruvian with east London’s backstreets as its backdrop. The interiors are everything you would expect from a Soho House design team-collab, with the scalloped lamp shades, earthy tones and hanging indoor plants giving it away. Out on the glass-top terrace, diners can enjoy the good weather in summer and winter months alike. Featuring toasted corn kernels (concha) and red onions as signature accents across most dishes, standouts from the lunch menu include their fresh and spicy tiger’s milk into which you dip a side of bitsize crispy squid, their street food-style miso charred cabbage with a crispy shell of popped quinoa and of course, the whole seabass baked in banana leaf. With a concise natural wine list and cocktails that are full of character by name and taste, we couldn’t ask for much more in a rooftop spot. Now also serving Sunday Brunch which we are very keen to go back for.
Aldgate
This boujee city bar is a night out staple, whatever the weather. A narrow yet buzzy space playing all the right tunes for a slut drop, overlooking four of London’s landmarks; the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Walkie-Talkie and Tower Bridge. Even when the doors close to the balcony, you are guaranteed a good night.
Southwark
Another roof haven given to us by the Hoxton Hotel, this Portuguese seafood restaurant is flooded with floor-to-ceiling natural light indoors, while a wrap-around terrace complete with retractable roof makes it very much an all-day, all-year-round roof spot. As comes with the Hoxton Hotel territory, you can guarantee striking decor, a light atmosphere and memorable service. They also serve up a Sunday brunch menu so you can enjoy your eggs with spanning views of the capital.
Shoreditch
Located down Shoreditch’s trendy Redchurch Street and only 10 minutes from Columbia Road Flower Market, this relaxed rooftop is the perfect winter spot for crisp sunny days with its outdoor fireplace, patio heaters and cosy sofas with knitted blankets. The orangery is on deck for a bit of warmth and shelter when the weather inevitably turns.
Soho
Nestled above oxford circus, The Nest at the Treehouse Hotel provides a post-shopping spree oasis, bringing the outdoors in with 360° views of the city and enough greenery to feel suddenly very zen. The wooden-clad space inside offers a mix of low sofas and table-dining for a casual spot to grab some feel-good flatbreads and cocktails. The outdoor terrace borders both sides of the bar and has sheltered booths, again with the patio heaters, so is fabulous year-round. One thing to note, you should consider booking as they rarely have space for walk-ins.
Shoreditch
Palm Springs meets East London, the duo we never knew we needed. Pink terrazzo tiles, rattan chairs and cacti in large terracotta pots make this our new favourite insta-worthy spot to celebrate and catch up. It's rare to find a rooftop bar where the interior outshines the views beyond which makes this hotspot a must-visit this winter. What this rooftop lacks in iconic viewpoints, it makes up for with incredible interiors, a great vibe and DJs at the weekends.
Shoreditch
Found down a quiet cobble backstreet, this chic modern bistro is placed on top of a former Victorian factory offering high ceilings, exposed low hanging lighting and large crittall windows overlooking the city. The perfect spot for a catch up with good friends who don’t need any frills or fuss, just weekday 241 cocktails and a chilled vibe.
Peckham
This rooftop wine bar serves up small plates inspired by Italy. With a large seating area on the terrace outside and indoor seating encased in glass, you get a pretty decent although distant view of the city, but it means that every icon in the skyline is in sight. Disclaimer, we’ve only paid a visit to this spot in summer and we highly recommend you make a booking as this south london hotspot gets busy fast.
Chelsea
Step out of the lift and you’re met with this light and airy roof garden. Draped in greenery, with minimalist furnishings warmed up with earthy-tones and natural materials typical of Scandi-Japanese style, the space is bright even on a gloomy day. The dining area outside is well-equipped for London's winter months with a rainproof cover, outdoor heaters and sheepskin throws, the perfect spot to try their simple yet punchy cocktails.
Battersea
The ultimate pink backdrop for a celebration with art décor chandeliers, glamorous seating and pretty cocktails. Their sister rooftop may be closed during winter, but the double-height windows frame the newly-reburbed Power Station perfectly and give us rooftop feels with indoor warmth.
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