11 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in the City of London

Want to elevate your regular dinner and drinks to something on another level? It’s not all about staying grounded – the City’s skyscrapers reach new heights when it comes to drinking or dining with a view.

Thanks to the Vintners, good wine has been flowing in the City since the 12th century, and where else can you drink and dine while gazing at iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and The Shard?

Book a table or pull up a bar stool at one of these stunning rooftop locations in the City of London (because that selfie against the sparkling skyline isn’t going to take itself).

Florattica

You’ll understand why its name is a mash-up of ‘flower’ and ‘attic’ when you step inside one of the prettiest rooftop bars around. Sip floral cocktails and nibble on sushi while you enjoy the view from the 11th floor, surrounded by botanical interiors inspired by local history (this location was big for textiles in the 17th century so prepare your over-dinner chat by swotting up on the French Huguenots).

Find Florattica at Canopy by Hilton, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX.

Florattica at Canopy by Hilton

Madison

The menu and the vibe may say ‘New York’ but the breath-taking view definitely says ‘London’ – the in-your-face vista of St Paul’s Cathedral gives it away. It’s the kind of place where you meet friends for after-work drinks and it quickly turns into dinner and dancing thanks to the rooftop DJs and live music.

Find Madison at One New Change, EC4M 9AF.

Group of friends having a drink at a rooftop terrace with St Paul's cathedral dome in the background

Madison at One New Change

Savage Garden

Declaring itself “London’s wildest rooftop bar” this decadent party palace serves up sharing plates and light bites to accompany the iconic skyline. Taste your way through the local history-inspired cocktails including the Raven Master and St Olave, while DJs soundtrack your weekend.

Find Savage Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London, 7 Pepys Street, London, EC3N 4AF.

Doubletree by Hilton London - Tower of London - night lighting - smart bar - views of the City

Savage Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton - Tower of London

Searcys at The Gherkin

Don’t just look at the skyline, get inside it! The beautiful glass-paned Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar, located on the 40th floor of one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, offers unrivalled eye-to-eye views of The Gherkin’s neighbouring skyscrapers. Helix also boasts a top 3 star-rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Find Searcys at The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF.

Searcys at The Gherkin

14 Hills

It’s leafy and lively in this Fenchurch Street cocktail bar and dining space – you can eat and drink among foliage galore while live DJs inject a party vibe on Friday nights and during weekend brunches.

Find 14 Hills at 120 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 5AL

14 Hills - glamorous restaurant - dinning room with plants hanging in pots from the ceiling

14 Hills at The Garden at 120

Mercer Roof Terrace

You can, almost literally, drink in the view up on the roof of the Vintry & Mercer Hotel by way of the house cocktail menu. Sip the drinks – St Dunstan, Seething Lane, Paternoster – then see if you can spot their namesakes in the streets below. A dedicated vegan menu is available alongside the meat and seafood options.

Find Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer Hotel, 20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU.

11 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in the City of London - Vintry & Mercer Hotel - circular tables on roof terrace, large potted olive tree

Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer Hotel

Sabine

This rooftop oasis is a hidden garden in the sky offering a majestic view of St Paul’s Cathedral next door. Sunny days call for cocktails on the open terrace while the glass-domed bar is a welcome retreat on not-so-dry evenings.

Find Sabine at Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ.

Outdoor rooftop bar(Sabine) - tables and chairs set out on the terrace with a stunning view of St Paul's Cathedral in the background.

Sabine at Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul's

Wagtail

Grab a breath of fresh air on Wagtail’s rooftop terrace while you ponder the delicious choices on their seasonal and sustainable food and cocktail menus. This isn’t just a coveted summer destination – heated igloos in the winter months mean you can even dine al fresco in November.

Find Wagtail at 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR.

11 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in the City of London - Wagtail roof terrace - long roof terrace with seating and potted plants

Jin Bo Law Skybar

The menu may include Champagne and cocktails with cheeky names like Expense Me, but you can still enjoy access to the stunning views from the uncovered terrace by shelling out for a simple wine or mocktail at this luxurious lounge.

Find Jin Bo Law at Hotel Saint, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3H 1AH.

11 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in the City of London - Jin Bo Law Skybar - group of people stood with drinks on roof terrace

SushiSamba

Boasting the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, you can watch the view emerge as the panoramic glass lift whisks you up to the 39th floor. Whether indoors or outdoors, you can drink and dine over two floors with the most picturesque moments to be had under the huge tree sculpture on the west terrace.

Find SushiSamba at 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY.

11 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in the City of London - SushiSamba - high ceiling space, zigzag black and white tiled floor with lots of dinnig tables

Duck & Waffle

A rooftop at sunset is beautiful, but what about sunrise? You can experience both and everything in between from this 40^th floor bar and restaurant that offers a 24/7 gastro experience. Whether it’s breakfast at 6am, lunch at midday or late night bites at five in the morning, this view never stops.

Find Duck and Waffle, out more at 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY.

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