Best Rooftop Bars in London for Views, Drinks and Sunset
The London rooftops where the view steals the evening
September in London means one thing: the rooftop season isn't over, the light stays late, and sunset still hits around 8–8:30pm—golden hour at its warmest without the May crowds. The best rooftop bars balance accessibility with atmosphere. Some charge nothing to walk in; others ask £20 at peak times. Dress codes range from come-as-you-are to smart casual. The ones ranked here lead with the view first, then judge everything else—booking ease, whether you need to spend minimum, what you can actually wear—because a rooftop bar is only as good as the sight it offers and whether you can still get in.
Sky Garden
20 Fenchurch Street, City · Free observation deck with bars · Free entry (timed ticket), smart casual from 6pm for drinks
The 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie offers London's highest public garden, 155 metres above the city. Views are particularly astounding at sunset. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide fantastic views of the iconic London skyline, and you can stroll through lush landscaped gardens before making your way to the observation decks and open-air terrace. Tickets are available to book online up to three weeks in advance, and from 6pm there is a smart casual dress code in the Sky Garden Bars. No other rooftop in London costs nothing to enter.
Duck & Waffle
110 Bishopsgate, City · All-day rooftop restaurant · Open 24/7, smart casual, book 2 months ahead
On the 40th floor, it delivers dramatic skyline views across the city whether you're visiting for sunrise breakfasts, sunset dinners, late-night dinners or post-party plates with the stars at 2am. Brunch, sunset and evening slots book out days (sometimes weeks) ahead. The dress code is smart casual; smart trainers are acceptable, but please avoid tracksuits, denim shorts, flip flops or beachwear. Average price is £55 per person. Request a window table when you book.
Frank's Cafe
Bold Tendencies, Peckham · Summer pop-up, May-September · Casual dress, walk-ins only, £ cocktails
Open 15 May – 12 September 2026 Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–11pm. The dress code is casual. Reservations are not possible. It offers some of the best panoramic views of London and serves cocktails and food at reasonable prices, with no dress code enforced. Views include the London Eye, The O2 Arena, to Crystal Palace and beyond. Arrive early on weekends or accept a long queue.
Madison
One New Change, St Paul's · Modern American with St Paul's view · Walk-ins under 10, smart casual, £20 peak entry
Modern dining and cocktails overlook St Paul's from the rooftop, inspired by New York's dynamic dining scene with stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. There is no enforced dress code; you may dress however feels appropriate for the occasion. No reservations are taken for drinks parties under 10 people on a walk-in basis, though a £20 entry fee may apply at peak times. Live music and DJs add an Ibiza beach club vibe. This is the easiest rooftop to enter on a whim.
Radio Rooftop Bar
ME London, 336-337 Strand, West End · Asian-inspired small plates · Smart casual, £15-18 cocktails, book weekends
Dress code is smart casual enforced—no sportswear or trainers. While not the highest views in London, they are supremely atmospheric, with Somerset House dominating the foreground and St Paul's Cathedral dome visible to the east. Cocktails are around £15-18 each. Hours are generally 4pm-1am, and booking is recommended for weekend evenings. The retractable roof means you won't get rained on. Perfect for pre-theatre drinks before a West End show.
London Bridge Rooftop
Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk · Casual cocktail bar with street food · Covered and heated, book Thu-Sat, walk-in Mon-Wed
Sitting on top of Colechurch House directly opposite the Shard, six floors up, it has a genuine 360-degree view taking in the Shard, the London Eye and the Tower of London. It is a casual rooftop rather than a smart one: pints, cocktails, burgers and street food, with heated and covered sections so it works outside high summer. Book online for Thursday to Saturday; walk-ins are welcome the rest of the week depending on how full it is. You can enjoy bottomless brunch, interactive darts, and spritz Sundays during the day.
Aviary
Montcalm Royal London House, Finsbury Square, City · Contemporary British · Smart casual, 6:30am–midnight daily
On top of the Montcalm Royal London House, the elegant and chic rooftop terrace is quite spacious, offering grand views of the London skyline. Open from breakfast to late night, it is always a great spot for elevated lunches and vibrant after work drinks, and you can also visit for lux weekend events including Champagne Brunch and Sunday Roasts. The dress code is smart and elegant; guests should not wear sports, beach and gym-wear including tracksuits, flip flops or workout trainers. Views across the City are striking at golden hour, when the skyline is bathed in warm light.
Forza Wine
National Theatre, South Bank · Natural wine, Italian-ish plates · Walk-ins welcome, no booking weekends, casual
The outdoor terrace is so spectacular it was named Time Out's Number One London Rooftop Bar for 2025. The 160-cover indoor and outdoor space takes up the north-west terrace overlooking the river, and on warm evenings the terrace is a magical spot to sit and relax while soaking up the South Bank atmosphere and golden hour sunsets over the water. Walk-ins always welcome, but booking strongly recommended for any pre-theatre tables. The drinks menu includes an expertly curated selection of natural wines and seasonal cocktails; food is an Italian selection of small plates such as cauliflower fritti with aioli and mozzarella with figs and hazelnuts.
12th Knot
Sea Containers, South Bank · Riverside terrace, cocktails and Thames views · Walk-ins welcome, smart casual
The riverside bar offers spectacular views down the river, and cocktails such as the Golden Hour and High Tide are thoughtfully curated and not too stiffly priced. Walk-ins are welcome, and dress code is smart casual. Located on the 12th floor of the Sea Containers hotel on the Southbank, this venue offers perfect views of the river and the London skyline, and if you time it right you can get a fabulous golden hour. The spot feels less crowded than major City rooftops.
Forza Taps
National Theatre Weston Terrace, South Bank · Beer and wine on tap, Italian snacks · May–September, walk-ins only
Forza Taps is open from 20 May until 29 September, daily 12pm–11:30pm (Sundays until 11pm). It serves drinks on tap alongside Italian-ish snacks, and is walk-ins only with a food focus on seasonal summer dishes. For summer 2025, they took over the Weston Terrace directly beneath Forza Wine's terrace, serving beer and natural wines on tap, Italian spritzes and handmade cocktails, plus a picky bits menu starring arrosticini, meats, cheeses, and crisps. This is the casual, no-reservation option on the South Bank.
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