If there’s one thing Londoners love more than a pint, it’s a pint with a view. And when the sun’s shining, there’s no better place to enjoy both than on the city’s bustling rooftop pubs. From swanky skyscrapers to cozy neighborhood hangouts, the capital has an impressive array of elevated drinking dens that offer the perfect blend of panoramic cityscapes and ice-cold libations.
Reaching New Heights
As someone who’s spent more than a few afternoons perched atop London’s highest watering holes, I can confidently say that the rooftop pub experience is in a league of its own. There’s just something about sipping on a crisp lager or a well-crafted cocktail while gazing out over the familiar skyline that makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. And with the majority of these lofty establishments offering al fresco dining options, you can easily make a day (or night) of it.
But with so many rooftop pubs to choose from, navigating the options can be a bit daunting. That’s where I come in. I’ve done the legwork, scouring the city’s best spots to bring you my top picks for the ultimate rooftop pub experience. So, whether you’re in the mood for a swanky Soho soirée or a laid-back Peckham pint, read on for the crème de la crème of London’s rooftop pub scene.
Franks Café: Where Peckham Parties
Let’s start with a true London institution – Franks Café. Perched atop a multi-story car park in the heart of Peckham, this summer-only watering hole has gained cult status among the city’s rooftop aficionados. As Time Out London puts it, Franks’ reopening each year “heralds the start of summer” – and for good reason.
I’ll never forget my first visit to Franks. It was a balmy evening in late June, and the place was buzzing with a lively crowd of locals and in-the-know tourists. As I stepped out onto the expansive terrace, I was instantly captivated by the stunning views over the Peckham skyline. The iconic Shard stood tall in the distance, while the low hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses created a truly vibrant atmosphere.
But Franks Café is more than just a pretty face. The drinks menu is extensive, with a focus on Campari-based cocktails that perfectly complement the laidback vibe. And the food offerings, while not overly complicated, are exactly what you want when you’re nursing a few pints – think gourmet burgers, crispy fries, and sharing plates galore.
What really sets Franks apart, though, is its commitment to the arts. Throughout the summer season, the rooftop plays host to a rotating series of art installations and cultural events, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover. It’s the perfect spot to spend a balmy evening, sipping on a few pints and soaking up the eclectic energy that makes Peckham such a vibrant corner of the city.
The Standard: A Slice of NYC in the Heart of King’s Cross
If Franks Café is all about that Peckham charm, then The Standard’s rooftop bar is the embodiment of big-city glamour. Perched atop the first European outpost of the iconic American hotel brand, this stunning 11th-floor terrace offers unparalleled views of the Gothic spires of St Pancras International station.
As Time Out London notes, The Standard’s rooftop is “the place to be seen” during the warmer months, drawing a stylish crowd of in-the-know Londoners and savvy tourists alike. And with a lineup of live music, Afrobeats, and house DJs, it’s not hard to see why.
But the real draw of The Standard’s rooftop, in my opinion, is the food. While many of the city’s lofty drinking dens rely on generic pub grub, this place takes its culinary offerings to the next level. Think New York-style pizza slices, fresh seafood platters, and creative cocktails that complement the stunning views.
Whether you’re looking to impress a first date or simply want to feel like a VIP for the day, The Standard’s rooftop is the perfect spot to indulge in a bit of big-city opulence. Just be sure to arrive early, as this place tends to fill up quickly on sunny afternoons.
Peckham Levels: Where Panoramic Views Meet Indie Vibes
If you thought Peckham’s rooftop game was limited to Franks Café, think again. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find Peckham Levels – a multi-story creative hub that houses one of the area’s most impressive rooftop bars.
Described by Time Out as a “chic wine bar and restaurant” with a focus on “serious stuff” when it comes to food and drink, Peckham Levels is the perfect antidote to the sometimes-stuffy rooftop scene. Here, you’ll find a laidback, indie-leaning vibe that’s equal parts sophistication and edge.
The menu, for starters, is a true delight for the discerning palate. The fritti (that’s Italian for “fried things”) are to die for, and the wine list features a carefully curated selection of natural and biodynamic bottles that pair perfectly with the panoramic views. And while the indoor areas are cozy and inviting, the real magic happens out on the terrace, where you can sip your vino while watching the sun dip behind the city skyline.
But Peckham Levels isn’t just about wining and dining – it’s also a hub for the area’s vibrant creative community. Throughout the summer, the rooftop plays host to a diverse lineup of events, from live music and DJs to art exhibitions and film screenings. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying a few well-crafted drinks.
So, if you’re looking to experience Peckham’s artistic side with a side of stunning vistas, be sure to add Peckham Levels to your rooftop pub bucket list.
The Culpeper: A Rooftop Oasis in the Heart of East London
Now, let’s head a bit further east to one of my personal favorite rooftop pubs – The Culpeper. Nestled on the Hackney Road, this unassuming East End boozer might not have the sweeping panoramas of some of its more glamorous counterparts, but what it lacks in views, it more than makes up for in charm and character.
As Time Out rightly points out, The Culpeper’s rooftop “might not quite offer a Mary Poppins-esque rooftop views, but we love it anyway”. And I have to agree – there’s just something so delightfully unpretentious about this place that keeps me coming back, time and time again.
Perhaps it’s the cozy, plant-filled terrace, with its mix of weathered wooden benches and leafy greenery. Or maybe it’s the fact that the rooftop bar serves up some of the best gastropub grub in the East End, from juicy burgers to delectable veggie dishes. Whatever the reason, The Culpeper feels like a true hidden gem – a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a few pints in a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
And let’s not forget the crowning glory – the mini greenhouse bar, where the talented mixologists whip up creative cocktails using fresh herbs and botanicals plucked straight from the rooftop garden. It’s the perfect spot to while away a lazy summer afternoon, sipping on a refreshing gin and tonic while soaking up the laidback East London vibes.
Flute: Sip and Strut in Soho’s Glitziest Rooftop
If Peckham and Hackney are all about that indie charm, then Soho is the undisputed king of rooftop glamour. And when it comes to the crème de la crème of the neighborhood’s elevated drinking dens, Flute is undoubtedly the place to be.
Perched atop the Broadwick Soho hotel, this outré, over-the-top terrace is a feast for the senses. As Time Out so aptly describes it, Flute pays tribute to a famous flute maker who once resided on Broadwick Street, and the decor is nothing short of “seriously camp” – think animal print, onyx bars, and cork walls that scream “look at me!”
But beneath the glitz and glamour, Flute is all about the drinks. The cocktail menu is a veritable homage to the silver screen, with creative concoctions inspired by iconic movies shot in Soho. My personal favorite? The “Peeping Tom” – a delightful blend of rum, sherry, and acai berries that’s sure to transport you straight to the set of a classic noir.
And while the drinks undoubtedly steal the show, Flute’s food menu is no slouch either. The charcuterie and cheese boards are the perfect accompaniment to a few too many Peeping Toms, and the small plates are both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
So, if you’re in the mood to strut your stuff and sip on some seriously impressive libations, be sure to add Flute to your Soho rooftop itinerary. Just be prepared to throw your inhibitions to the wind and embrace the unapologetic exuberance of this one-of-a-kind drinking den.
The Devonshire: Soho’s Pint-Pulling Powerhouse
Of course, no discussion of Soho’s rooftop pub scene would be complete without a mention of The Devonshire. Dubbed by Time Out as “the most hyped pub in Soho”, this place is all about embracing your inner extrovert – whether you’re sipping on a performative pint of Guinness or spilling out onto Denman Street with the rest of the crowds.
The Devonshire’s rooftop terrace is the stuff of legend, a third-floor oasis where the city’s most discerning drinkers gather to see and be seen. And while the views may not be as sweeping as some of the other spots on this list, the energy and atmosphere more than make up for it.
But beyond the social sizzle, The Devonshire also boasts some serious culinary chops. The kitchen serves up a menu of classic chophouse fare – think juicy burgers, hearty pies, and decadent sides that pair perfectly with the pub’s extensive beer selection. It’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and fuels those long, lazy afternoons spent soaking up the Soho sunshine.
So, if you’re in the mood to rub elbows with the city’s most fashionable revelers while enjoying a few pints and some damn good pub grub, head to The Devonshire. Just be prepared to arrive early and stake your claim on one of the coveted rooftop tables – this place tends to fill up faster than you can say “another round, please!”
Soak Up the Sun at Somerset House
Of course, no rooftop pub journey through London would be complete without a stop at the iconic Somerset House. Described by Time Out as a “glorious adjunct” to the art-filled institution, the Somerset House terrace is a true summertime oasis – a San Miguel-sponsored sanctuary where you can sip on refreshing beers, nibble on tapas, and soak up the stunning views of the River Thames.
But this place is more than just a pretty face. Throughout the warmer months, the Somerset House terrace plays host to a diverse lineup of events and experiences, from immersive masterclasses to live music performances. It’s the kind of place where you can while away an entire afternoon, bouncing from one activity to the next while keeping your glass perpetually full.
And let’s not forget the food. The menu here is a true celebration of summer, with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients that let the quality shine through. From the tangy pan con tomate to the perfectly grilled prawns, every dish is a masterclass in Mediterranean-inspired perfection.
So, if you’re looking to experience the best of London’s rooftop pub scene while also getting your fill of art, culture, and culinary excellence, make a beeline for Somerset House. Just be sure to arrive early and stake your claim on one of the prime riverside tables – this place tends to fill up faster than you can say “another Estrella, please!”
Tying It All Together
As I reflect on my rooftop pub odyssey through London, I’m struck by the sheer diversity of the city’s elevated drinking dens. From the indie-leaning charm of Peckham Levels to the glitzy glamour of Soho’s Flute, there’s truly a rooftop pub to suit every mood and occasion.
But beyond the individual spots, what really stands out to me is the way these lofty watering holes have become interwoven with the fabric of the city itself. They’re not just places to grab a pint – they’re hubs of creativity, community, and cultural exchange, where Londoners and visitors alike can come together to soak up the sun, sip on innovative cocktails, and revel in the best that the capital has to offer.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back afternoon in Hackney or a night of unapologetic indulgence in Soho, be sure to keep an eye out for London’s best rooftop pubs. Because when it comes to enjoying a perfect pint with a view, the sky’s the limit.
And if all of this has whet your appetite for more pub-related adventures, be sure to check out The Up & Under Pub – your one-stop-shop for the latest news, reviews, and insider tips on the best boozers in town. Cheers!
