The best London rooftop bars to catch some sun this Summer.

The sun’s finally out and naturally Londoners are racing to the nearest rooftop bar to catch some sun and socialise to the fullest. Rooftop bars are a staple come spring and summer every year and this year’s no different. I’ve been making my way round rooftop bars since late April and here are a few of my favourite rooftop bars worth checking out.

John Lewis and Partners Gardening Society

The green and gorgeous John Lewis and Partners Gardening Society rooftop on Oxford Street is one of the largest in the capital. This year, the venue is playing host to Roof Fest London. Think live music, Filipino-inspired food and gorgeous views, without clutter and people traffic. It’s the perfect space to chill out with friends this summer – the cosy spaces and dens are just gorgeous.

Where: Rooftop @ John Lewis & Partners Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
When: 19 April – 29 September 2019*
Monday – Saturday: 12 – 10pm (Last entry 9pm)
Sunday: 12 – 9pm (Last entry 8pm)

Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock

Skylight has been around for a few summers now but it’s only just gotten on my radar and I’m so pleased it is now.
It’s famous for its panoramic and uninterrupted views across the city’s skyline, its urban lawn games and bar offerings.

The venue is situated atop an unused multi-story car park and is conveniently located a mere one stop from Bank. While I’m not a big fan of stairs, I make an exception here because the end result is worth it.

Skylight offers day beds and garden booths for afternoon lounging, seasonal cocktails for summertime sipping and an exciting calendar of programming and special events for all-summer partying.

Examples from the summer menu include the competition winning Jalisco Sky, Raspberry Rum Margherita, Apple Sunrise and the Gin Basil Spice. On the lower level, there’s street food served by YIRO and Flipside – both serving up a selection of ultimate summer dishes with a focus on world-flavours.

Where: Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock
When: All summer

Wonderfest Rooftop at FEST Camden

I’ve always loved Camden for its unique character so even though it’s a little out of the way, I had to check out the Wonderfest Rooftop. It’s a new roof garden at FEST Camden celebrating all things summer festival. It’s the perfect way to eat, drink and party festival-style minus the mud and rain.

There’s a delicious Mediterranean BBQ menu with an open grill open all day, everyday, as well as a stone-baked pizza oven and freshly made salads.

Drinks come in the form of Prosecco popsicles with popping candy, Espresso Martini on tap, frozen Bourbon slushies, Palomas and Pimms, as well as a themed cocktail list where each one is based on a famous festival. Of course, the all-important soundtrack comes from live acoustic performance throughout the day and on point DJs in the evenings.

What: Wonderfest Rooftop At FEST Camden
Address: Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AH

The Roof Deck Restaurant and Bar, at Selfridges Oxford Street

In the middle of a bustling Oxford Street, you might want to take solace at Selfridges’ rooftop which boasts an Italian restaurant and rooftop bar with amazing views of the city.
The exciting thing here is that the restaurant changes from time to time. A year ago it was a great burger/fish & chips place, and right now (2019) it is an Italian restaurant called Alto by San Carlo.

Bear in mind, there’s a lot of foot traffic so be prepared to wait a while but the cocktails and nibbles are delicious, and the views are spectacular and well worth the wait.

Where: Selfridges Rooftop, Oxford Street
When: Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 11pm
Sunday from 11.30am to 6pm.

Madison rooftop bar & restaurant

By far the best rooftop in terms of space and views, in my opinion. Relax and take in the spectacular views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline here.

Perched on the penthouse spot of One New Change, Madison comprises of a glamorous bar, restaurant, cocktail bar and rooftop terraces that are Mediterranean style sun traps making Madison one of London’s most sought after social settings.

Where: Madison, One New Change
Kitchen Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 14:45 & 17:00 – 22:45
Saturday: 12:00 – 22:45
Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

It’s a long summer and I look forward to exploring even more London rooftop bars. Is there a rooftop bar I should know about? Please let me now.