What happens when the weather gets five degrees warmer? You rush to the nearest alfresco bar and spend all of your money on a pink-hued, icy cocktail. It's basically a ritual. And now it's summer (with unwelcome bouts of rainpour, naturally) this is a pastime that needs to be made the most of.
If, like us, you have exhausted all of your usual watering holes and have resolved that this is the summer you will visit some new hotspots, we know where you should start. We have tried and tested some of London's best rooftop bars and terraces to bring you some venues you'll want to add to your tick-list.
After all, life is too short for bad views.
The Best Rooftop Bars In London
1 of 6Wagtail
360 degree views of London's skyline, luxury cocktails and fine dining. Are you sold? Because we definitely are. Wagtail offers unrivalled views of iconic London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Gherkin, and the Walkie Talkie Building.
In the colder months, Wagtail is transformed into a wintery oasis that will transport guests to a world of Nordic charm. Guests can escape to the winter-inspired wonderlands with cosy igloos and light projections that resemble the Northern Lights, against a backdrop of breath-taking views of the city skyline.
And as the warmer months descend, enjoy their Casamigos Terrace or bottomless brunch offerings. Trust us, they do an incredible negroni. Get yourself booked in here as soon as the sun shines.
2 of 6The Nest, Treehouse Hotel
The Nest bar at the Treehouse Hotel is the perfect place to spend a summer's eve. With panoramic views of the city from the hotel's sixteenth floor and a seriously extensive cocktail menu, you could be settled in here for a while. And this summer, The Nest has partnered with Sipsmith gin to offer a range of zesty drinks that celebrate every occasion in the social calendar.
3 of 6Skylight
Sometimes you have to step outside of central London to see the skyline at it's best, and Skylight Peckham seriously delivers with its gorgeous views from their spacious terrace. And if a few after work drinks isn't enough time to soak up the sun, Skylight also have an amazing boozy brunch with live music, innovative food (trust us, it's much more than avo toast) and obviously, bottomless drinks.
4 of 6Aqua Nueva
Aqua Nueva oozes opulence. The low, tunnel-like ceilings, dim-lighting, spotlighting and mirrored surfaces sets an overwhelmingly sexy scene. The terrace is stylish and has views as far as the eyes can see, which come to life after dark when there is a golden glow from Regent Street's windows.If you're looking for a new romantic spot for date night, Aqua Nueva is the place.
5 of 6Coq d'Argent
After work or on a lazy weekend, Coq d’Argent’s terrace is the perfect place to relax with friends, and enjoy the delightful menu.The French menu is exquisite. and on the terrace you can choose from an array of bar snacks including camembert, calamari, escargots and Crevettes Grillées – the best prawns you will ever taste. For something to drink, the Palatial and the French Blonde cocktails are sensational.
6 of 6Sushi Samba
What goes perfectly with a cocktail? Sushi. And Sushi Samba's Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian menu really hits the spot. Positioned on the 38th and 39th of the Heron Tower, you have plenty of space to explore and dance as you look across at the capital's skyline.