Looking out from London’s rooftops

While the sun is still shining, enjoy a taste of the high life by quaffing cocktails at one of these elevated London bars.

The Roof Gardens

Perched atop what was once Derry & Toms department store on Kensington High Street, in central London, the Grade II listed Roof Gardens is one of London’s most glamorous venues. Big-name stars like Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Marc Bolan have all enjoyed a night out at this well-known celebrity haunt that boasts three themed gardens. With a tropical vibe, the 1.5 acre rooftop bar comes complete with 70 trees, a flowing stream awash with fish and a flock of flamingos.

Aqua Spirit

Sprawled across the fifth floor of the old Dickins and Jones department store, off Regent Street, Aqua Spirit is perfectly placed for after-work or post-shopping-spree sundowner cocktails. Overlooking Regent Street and Mayfair, punters can stare out at the London Eye, Liberty and the BT Tower. Stand-out cocktails include Veuve Clicquot Champagne with rose liqueur, lychee and flowering rose buds.

Vista at the Trafalgar

Follow in the star-studded footsteps of movie actors, Prime Ministers and Presidents by sipping a drink or two at this glitzy bar. Set atop the rooftop of the boutique-style Trafalgar Hotel in bustling Trafalgar Square, the newly-revamped Vista affords sweeping views of the London skyline punctuated by the London Eye, Big Ben and of course, Nelson’s Column. Famous for its Pommery champagne and rosé wines, flavoursome signature cocktails include the Vista Boulevard, which blends melon liqueur, fresh lemon juice and agave syrup with vodka and ginger ale. Open until autumn.

Radio Rooftop Bar

From the vantage point of ME London Hotel’s luxurious rooftop bar, you can gaze across at Tower Bridge, The Shard, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. Open all year round, an awning is put up in the winter to keep guests warm. Cool cocktail creations include the aptly-named Mile High Margarita that combines Cuervo Gold, Grand Mariner, Cointreau, Chambord, cranberry and lemonade. International tapas is on the menu too if you’re feeling peckish.

The Boundary

This Terence Conran-designed rooftop garden is sited on top of a converted Victorian warehouse in hip Shoreditch. An urban retreat, the garden is an oasis of 100-year-old olive trees, grape-producing vines and wild herbs. There’s even a weatherproof pergola which allows the bar and dining area to stay open all year. Soak up the view while swigging cocktails and smoking Cuban cigars. Also on offer is high-end bar food: think oysters, lobsters and chargrilled steaks.

Sushisamba

Patrons are dramatically whisked to this stylish rooftop bar via an express, panoramic, glass elevator. Situated high above the city on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba affords 360 degree views of the City; keep your eyes peeled for the neighbouring Gherkin, as well as the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Come for sunset to sip tropical cocktails, such as Peruvian Swizzle, which blends Pisco, pineapple and tarragon syrup. The bar is open until autumn, but may close during high winds.

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