London’s Top Five Rooftop Bars
It’s taken its time but finally summer has arrived in the capital so what better way to celebrate than with a run-down of London’s best roof-top terrace bars. These are our favourite spots to enjoy post-work beers, weekend cocktails and fun in the sunshine.
The Big Chill House, Kings Cross
The name’s a bit of a giveaway, but this pub-cum-bar-cum-club on Pentonville Road is one of the city’s best spots to chill out - and when the sun’s shining its spacious roof terrace is difficult to beat. As you’d expect from a venue carrying the Big Chill name the music on offer is sublime and falls into the laid back, Balearic house category, with a bit of electro and cool indie thrown in for good measure. You can often catch live bands in the downstairs bar, but if you’re heading skywards the rooftop cocktails and sharing plates are a must.
257-259 Pentonville Road King's Cross, N1 9NL
www.bigchill.net/house
The Boundary, Shoreditch
This stylish rooftop bar can be found above the Terence Conran-designed Boundary Project (hotel, restaurant, café) just off Shoreditch High Street. It’s one of the area’s hidden gems and come 5pm on a sunny evening a queue of sun-seekers and cocktail lovers can be found snaking around the block. It’s best to book a table or arrive early so you can enjoy the gorgeous in-house cocktails and plates of grilled meat and fishes, breads and olives. The view across the city is spectacular.
2-4 Boundary Street, London, E2 7DD
www.theboundary.co.uk/rooftop
Shoreditch House, Shoreditch
A stone’s throw from The Boundary is the exclusive Shoreditch House (sister of Soho House) and its roof terrace, complete with swimming pool, is a huge draw. If you’re a member you’ll know all about its refined cocktails, interesting wines and spectacular views, if not grab your swimsuit, find a member (or sign up yourself) and head up to the city’s most sophisticated social spot.
Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, WAR E1 6AW
www.shoreditchhouse.com
Proud, Camden
High above the bustling Stables Market in north London Proud Galleries has carved out a beautiful space to relax, drink, watch live bands and generally kick back in the sunshine. As you enter the venue there are classic rock and roll pictures adorning the gallery walls, as well as exclusive instalments and exhibitions, so you can enjoy some great artwork as you climb to the roof terrace. Once you’re there the space is huge with deckchairs, beanbags and sofas to get comfy on while you get stuck into a rock and roll-themed cocktail (rocktail, if you will) or cold beer.
Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH
www.proudcamden.com
El Cantara, Soho
This central London bar is one of Soho’s top spots for getting up, up and away from the manic streets below. Its little-known roof terrace is an upbeat yet relaxing haven for those who fancy a cheeky cocktail, light bite or Shisha pipe in cool surroundings. Hidden away above Frith Street it’s a secret worth knowing about, and worth keeping.
45 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4SD
www.elcantara.net
Plus 1 - Frank’s Café and Campari Bar
This pop-up cocktail bar on the top floor of a Peckham car park has already been featured on Société Perrier and is a great spot for south of the river rooftop fun.
10th floor, Peckham Multi-Story Carpark, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
www.frankscafe.org.uk
