Eight of London’s best rooftop bars and summer terraces in London to drink cocktails, eat BBQ and get sunburned, from Chelsea to The City to Canary Wharf
The weekend's mini-heatwave may already seem like a distant memory, but fear not – we're due plenty more long, hot afternoons that are good for nothing but sitting on a terrace sipping pink cocktails and sweating. But where can one achieve such a glorious thing? Well, let us tell you – here's a round-up of some of our favourite terraces to sizzle away your leisure-time. Don't forget the sun-block.
German Gymnasium, King's Cross
German Gym is sticking to its core Mittel-European offering with a "Wines of Germany" terrace. The outdoor space amid all the shiny newness of the King's Cross campus is now adorned with fresh flowers, and will showcase some of the labels from the 2016 "50 Best Wines" list. Wine tastings and masterclasses, will be held on 7 June and 26 July.
King's Blvd, N1C 4BU, germangymnasium.com
Plateau, Canary Wharf
Nobody would choose Canary Wharf as the ideal place to sink cocktails in the sun, but sometimes needs must. And if the urge takes you, you won't find a nicer place than Plateau, which has turned its outdoor space into herbal garden terraces. These provide inspiration for mixologists to create floral cocktails using Plateau-grown herbs, such as the Spring Leaf.
4th Floor, Canada Place, E14 5ER, plateau-restaurant.co.uk
Angler, The City
At the top of South Place Hotel, Michelin-starred Angler offers the perfect spot for guests to soak up the afternoon sun. Just a short walk from Liverpool Street, the west-facing terrace will feature gourmet BBQ and live DJs, whilst the retractable roof ensures guests stay dry on those rainy days – heaven forbid.
South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, EC2M 2AF, anglerrestaurant.com
Bluebird, Chelsea
If you get tired swaggering down the King's Road, stop off for cheeky livener at Bluebird Chelsea, which is toasting the weather with a range of floral cocktails and spring dishes, all available in its lovely sun-trap courtyard. The Bluebird BBQ will also return, grilling up favourites such as the Bluebird Burger.
350 King's Road, SW3 5UU, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Netil360, London Fields
Where better to hang out in Hackney than the roof of a grim former office block turned gallery, cafe, creative space and bar? Get five storeys closer to the sun while enjoying a bar stocked with local favourites including Five Points Brewery beer and spirits from East London Liquor Company.
1 Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RL, netil360.com
Old Bengal Bar, The City
Old Bengal Bar is taking the terrace idea to new heights, transforming its outdoor space into a vibrant jungle inspired by Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Housed in the oldest existing warehouse in the City, once owned by the East India Company, Old Bengal Bar will retrace its sub-continental roots by bringing a touch of Madhya Pradesh, where Kipling’s timeless book is set, to EC2.
16 New Street, EC2M 4TR, oldbengalbar.co.uk
Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton
Deep in the heart of hipsterville, this East London bar and club takes on a life of its own when you climb the stairs. Like many rooftop bars, there's a film club showing classics and new releases, but unlike many rooftop bars, it's open pretty much throughout the year. During the summer, expect BBQs, DJs and flower power headress workshops in the Summer of Love-themed area.
1-5 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3JX. queenofhoxton.com.
La Pont de la Tour, Shad Thames
There are outside terraces with a view, and then there's La Pont de la Tour. This French fine dining restaurant is practically on Tower Bridge and there's no more iconic place to be when the city lights up after dark. Rumour has it, it was Tony Blair's favourite spot to entertain the Clintons when they came to the Big Smoke.
36D Shad Thames, Southwark, SE1 2YE
Where to find our top terraces
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