I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
Cheap drinks, Ibiza vibes and cracking views: here's some of the best rooftop spots to soak up the London skyline this summer
CLOUD NINE I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city
NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar.
So I visited some of London's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it
Advertisement
18
Chilling in the gazebo by the water fountain was a very different vibe to the competitive darts going on inside
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend.
(Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price).
Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club
Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends.
It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis.
Advertisement
It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape.
As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar.
The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers.
The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!)
Advertisement
The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails.
The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat.
Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med'
18
The Magic Gardens make for a perfect selfie backdrop
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
The garden-themed rooftop was truly enchanting
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Advertisement
London Bridge Rooftop Bar
In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar.
This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views.
After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours.
This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre.
Advertisement
It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies.
18
London Bridge Rooftop bar often books up, so it's worth reserving a table
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
There's even a photobooth to remember your night out
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
You can see the Shard from the benches
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Advertisement
18
The bright and colourful garden decor was a real change from the streets of central London
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard.
The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage.
They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person.
Advertisement
Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it.
Circe's Rooftop
This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos.
After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss.
With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo?
Advertisement
This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis.
18
Cosy coral-coloured sofas lined the outskirts of the bar
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
A beach-hut bar smack bang in the middle of London? Yes please!
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
'Drink up the rays for days and days' on the daybeds
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Advertisement
The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita.
The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns.
I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday.
I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce.
Advertisement
18
I was loving life relaxing on the daybeds
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
I didn't think I'd ever see palm trees next to London skyscrapers, but there's a first time for everything
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Frank's Cafe
If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise.
It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot.
Advertisement
After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground.
The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin.
18
I was shocked to step out onto a giant playground
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
Bright pink stairs lead you to the giant rooftop
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Advertisement
It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline.
By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill.
Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel.
It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart.
Advertisement
This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city.
18
Casual bench seating and a super simple food and drinks menu make Frank's Cafe a staple choice
Credit: Jenna Stevens
18
Five before five is the rooftop bar's popular drinks deal
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Market Halls Victoria
Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout.
Advertisement
You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats.
Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches.
I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs.
18
Stepping out into this stunning suntrap was a joy
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Advertisement
18
The floral decor really made this place feel like an urban escape
Credit: Jenna Stevens
This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays.
The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint.
The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes.
Advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
34 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Small English market town on the edge of the Cotswolds that tourists forget about – despite being in two huge TV shows
Plus, the nearby city that is home to a hit Netflix period series PICTURE PERFECT Small English market town on the edge of the Cotswolds that tourists forget about – despite being in two huge TV shows Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TUCKED away in Wiltshire is a historic market town used as a backdrop for famous TV series starring Aidan Turner and David Tennant. Corsham in Wiltshire has once again been turned into a TV backdrop, but it still isn't the most popular spot in the Cotswolds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Corsham in Wiltshire has cobbled cottages and is used for filming TV shows Credit: Alamy 5 David Tennant was recently spotted filming scenes for Netflix's Rivals Credit: Alamy The Cotswolds town has cobbled stone cottages, grand country manors and a quaint high street full of independent shops. Its old-fashioned look makes it the perfect backdrop for period dramas - which is why it's been used by two separate productions. The cast of Rivals have most recently returned to Corsham according to the BBC with stars like David Tennant, Emily Atack and Danny Dyer returning to the town. In the high street, the shop fronts have been tweaked to appear in the time period of the late 1980s. The local Boots has been turned into an old-fashioned Waitrose and the town hall has been transformed into a polling station. Classic cars have also been seen lining the streets to give the impression of the 1980s. This isn't the first time that Corsham has seen A-list actors in its streets, it was where half of Poldark was filmed. Corsham was transformed into 18th century Truro when Aidan Turner, dressed as Captain Ross Poldark, came to the town. During this time, there were horses in the streets, cattle and even sheep. The Flemish Weaves pub was the base for the leading actors, while the extras ended up staying at the Town Hall. Poldark: Series 4 trailer starring Aidan Turner 5 Corsham was previously used to film Poldark scenes Credit: Alamy 5 The High Street was transformed to look like the 18th century Credit: Alamy While Corsham may appear to be a classic Wiltshire town, there is one big difference - the peacocks. Around the town there are peacocks that roam the streets freely. Their actual home is in Corsham Court, but they do sometimes head into the town too. There are plenty of extravagant places too including Corsham Court. The privately owned stately home has a huge art collection, there are also huge gardens - which you can explore for a fee of £12.50. Another is 23 Pickwick which is a Grade II listed country home in Corsham - and you can even book it out. It has a sweeping staircase, an open fire and sash windows. The cottage is a short drive away from the Georgian Spa town of Bath, which features in many of the outdoor scenes in Bridgerton. The city of Bath is just a 30-minute drive, which is where parts of the Bridgerton series were filmed, and it's the only UNESCO site in the country. In Corsham is also home to The Pound Arts theatre where locals regularly put on performances. There are also comedy shows, busking and showings of films. Here's a Bridgerton-like manor that you can stay in with all your mates in the UK - with its own lake and cinema room. And Sun Travel visited the tiny English village you can only visit once a year.
Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
How to buy last-minute Oasis tickets as band issues warning
Noel and Liam Gallagher announced last year they had put their acrimonious split behind them, confirming Oasis' long-awaited reunion after 15 years. Making the announcement, the brothers said: 'The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised." Oasis Live '25 UK tour dates Oasis will be bringing its Live '25 tour to venues across the UK during July, August and September, including in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Principality Stadium, Cardiff - July 4 Principality Stadium, Cardiff - July 5 Heaton Park, Manchester - July 11 Heaton Park, Manchester - July 12 Heaton Park, Manchester - July 16 Heaton Park, Manchester - July 19 Heaton Park, Manchester - July 20 Wembley Stadium, London - July 25 Wembley Stadium, London - July 26 Wembley Stadium, London - July 30 Wembley Stadium, London - August 2 Wembley Stadium, London - August 3 Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh - August 8 Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh - August 9 Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh - August 12 Wembley Stadium, London - September 27 Wembley Stadium, London - September 28 Oasis will also perform two shows at Croke Park in Dublin on August 16 and 17, while also taking their tour overseas to the likes of Australia, Canada and the US. Readers vote Have you got tickets to see Oasis? Yes No Vote now Oasis support act Oasis previously announced that former The Verve frontman, Richard Ashcroft, would be their support act for the reunion tour. Noel and Liam later confirmed English indie rock band Cast would be the opening act for the UK and Ireland tour dates in 2025. Just Announced 🇬🇧🇮🇪@castofficial are confirmed as the opening band for all UK and Ireland Oasis Live '25 shows!#OasisLive25 — Oasis (@oasis) October 28, 2024 How to get last-minute Oasis tickets Thousands of fans in the UK spent hours online last year in the hope of securing tickets to see the Oasis reunion shows. With such a huge demand for tickets, many missed out. How to avoid scams However, those fans trying to find last-minute tickets to see Oasis in 2025 are in luck with resale tickets available via Twickets. There is "low availability" for several UK shows on the website (at the time of writing) with prices ranging from £421 to £3020 per ticket. Spare tickets? @Twickets are the official ticket resale partner for Oasis Live '25 👉 Wanting to buy? Be aware of fraudulent sellers on social media… Tickets can ONLY be resold legally, at face value, through Twickets or Ticketmaster. — Oasis (@oasis) June 18, 2025 Resale Oasis tickets are also still available via Ticketmaster (at the time of writing). Prices for tickets on Ticketmaster range in price from around £409 to £566. RECOMMENDED READING: Oasis issues warning about ticket sales Oasis has warned fans that Twickets is the "ONLY" site where tickets to their shows can be sold and bought legally. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the band said: "Spare tickets? @Twickets are the official ticket resale partner for Oasis Live '25 "Wanting to buy? Be aware of fraudulent sellers on social media… Tickets can ONLY be resold legally, at face value, through Twickets or Ticketmaster."
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
'All time favourite' war film with 'greatest actor' now streaming for free on ITV
Henry V was written and directed by Kenneth Branagh in his feature directorial debut Henry V, the historical drama that continues to captivate audiences years after its release, boasts an impressive 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with this film, also penning the script and starring as the eponymous King Henry V of England, bringing Shakespeare's 16th-century play to the silver screen. The film is often hailed as one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations ever produced, a sentiment echoed by its numerous accolades and critical acclaim. At the Oscars, Henry V was nominated for three major awards, with Branagh winning two for his direction and lead performance. One review praised the film, saying: "This is one of my all-time favourites. Branagh's interpretation of Henry V brings Shakespeare's play to life in a raw, gritty way. Branagh's interpretation of Henry is in line with Shakespeare's writing, hailing the king as a pious and well-intentioned sovereign." Another highlighted the portrayal of the monarch: "Historians can argue Henry V's true intentions and nature all they want; Shakespeare certainly saw him as one of the greatest heroes of English history, and Branagh bears this out.", reports the Express. The iconic St Crispin's Day speech from the original play is given a powerful cinematic treatment in the film, further cementing its status as a beloved classic. On the eve of the monumental Battle of Agincourt, Henry V rouses his men, who are significantly outnumbered, to envision the glory and immortality they will achieve if they emerge victorious. This speech is renowned for coining the phrase 'band of brothers' and is a pivotal moment in the film that captivated audiences. One critic stated: "The acting is brilliant and high energy. It's a great film adaptation of Shakespeare's play. If you're into Shakespeare, then you'll probably love itI really enjoyed the acting in this one. It's worth watching just to see the Crispin's Day speech." Another reviewer praised it as "the greatest speech by the most outstanding actor of the last 50 years." A further viewer said: "A classic war drama of a Shakespeare play. Everything is really well done, with the standout being Kenneth, who commands every scene he is in. Sometimes the flashbacks can be a little abrupt, and this seems very faithful to the source material." Also gracing the screen in this "masterpiece" film is a star-studded cast, featuring none other than Christian Bale as Robbing the luggage boy and a young Emma Thompson as Princess Catherine of Valois. Joining them on screen are Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, James Larkin and Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane. "Incredibly moving. A masterpiece", were the words one fan used to describe the film. "Other reviews have naturally compared Henry V to the Laurence Olivier 1944 play, which was hugely successful in its own ownright, but stylistically was far less gritty and accessible for audiences than the 1989 film." Henry V is now available for streaming on ITVX.
