Celebrate summer the way the Brits do: by having a pint! And there’s no better way to do it then...
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Celebrate summer the way the Brits do: by having a pint! And there’s no better way to do it then on the top of a building admiring the beautiful London skyline. We’ve done all of the hard work for you and found our favourite Rooftop bars for this summer. From cinemas in the sky to affordable rooftop beaches, there’s something for everyone!
1 THE LYRIC ROOFTOP
The Lyric Centre, King St, London W6 0QL
£-££
Not only does it offer an amazing theatre experience, The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith also has it’s very own rooftop bar. This little hidden gem is the ideal place to come during the summer to sunbathe whilst tucking into a good book or just simply enjoying a nice relaxing drink with your friends. (try their ‘Lyric Summer Cup’).
The Lyric Bar and Grill offers you some tasty delights from juicy burgers to quick bites and, for charcuterie lovers, they even offer some sharing boards. It’s just around the corner from our Hammersmith hostel too.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Shepherd's Bush
3 BUSSEY BUILDING
Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
££
Take a break from going to your local cinema and head down to the Bussey Building where you can watch a variety of different films from brand new releases to cult classics, and all with a great view over Peckham and London. This rooftop cinema has it’s own popcorn and you can even rent out a blanket if you’re feeling a little cold (isn’t it cute!).
If you fancy a nice drink before the film and want to see the sunset, there is a lovely rooftop bar right next to the rooftop cinema, with some tasty cocktails and a lovely relaxed vibe.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Peckham Rye Station
4 ROOF EAST
45a Broadway, London E15 1XD
££
A little different from all the other rooftop bars that London has to offer, Roof East is like a playground but on the top of a building! Join in on some fun with games like crazy golf, film screenings and it even has a rooftop Rollers Roller Disco! This one is for the fun-seekers who are always looking to try something new.
That’s not all though, Roof East also has a bar that makes some classic and experimental cocktails for you to try and some mouth watering burgers and hot dogs to soak up all that alcohol! Located only minutes away from Stratford station and Westfield, this is the ideal place to come after a long day of shopping!
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Stratford
5 THE MAGIC ROUNDABOUT
Old Street Roundabout, London EC1Y 1BE
££
Located in the middle of a roundabout next to Old Street tube station, you’ll find the quirky Magic Roundabout, one of Shoreditch’s most buzzing destinations.Once you’re inside, you feel like you’re in a magical wonderland with the beautiful decor and unique artwork on the walls.
Enjoy your night in this cool summer spot, that boasts an epic club vibe in the evening. The Magic Roundabout is a place full of foodie stalls, cocktail bars and live DJs so there’s plenty to fill you up on drinks and grub. Try their delicious potato skins loaded with chilli, cheese and even garlic mash.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, come during the day. There are fewer people but it’s still a great place to soak up the summer sun with a glass of Pimms!
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Old Street or Liverpool Street
6 MADISON
1 New Change, St Paul’s, London EC4M 9AF
££
Ever wondered what St Paul’s Cathedral looked like from the top instead of always looking at it from the bottom?
Located above One New Changes shopping complex, Madison’s rooftop bar is right opposite the breathtaking St Paul’s Cathedral giving you the chance to admire this beautiful monument. However, the views aren’t the only thing you can soak in : there are plenty of drinks on offer, from standards cocktails such as Mojitos to more unique cocktails like the Hot Bitch Martini.
Nearest hostel: St Christopher's At the Inn
Nearest station: St Paul’s
7 RADIO ROOFTOP
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
££- £££
If you’re a sucker for rooftop bars then you have to check out this sky high bar. Located on the 10th floor of the luxurious ME London hotel near Covent Garden, Radio Rooftop has the BEST views of London’s skyline and the river Thames. Decked with sofas and comfy chairs, this chic and sleek rooftop garden is worth having drinks just to admire the amazing views including the Gherkin and the Shard. Its unique and tasty cocktails such as Waterloo Sunset and Mad Man will keep you wanting more…
Nearest hostel: St Christopher’s Camden
Nearest station: Covent Garden
8 QUEEN OF HOXTON
1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX
£££
This summer the Queen of Hoxton rooftop bar has transformed into Lost Vegas. This quirky rooftop is definitely a treat for eyes: meet Elvis in the Little Vegas Wedding Chapel, play the slot machines or opt for a boozy ice lolly.
Not only is it beautiful, this rooftop also has everything you could possibly think of. It’s the perfect place to have some game fun (table tennis and arcade football table) or, if you just want to relax there are multiple films played every month. (make sure to book because they sell out fast!)
Located in the bustling Shoreditch, this cool, funky place with a great atmosphere is usually from 12pm until 10pm and it will definitely put a smile on your face.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
9 SKYLIGHT
Pennington St. Car Park Entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
££
Perched up high on the roof of an east London car park, Skylight at Tobacco Dock is back for a whole summer of fun. Head up for a game of pétanque or croquet while you sip on cocktails and look out over London’s skyline. This year there will even be huge screens put up which will be showing the World Cup and Wimbledon. Skylight is more than just a rooftop cocktail bar, and you can book a table if you’re quick enough!
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Tower Hill (District/Circle lines) or Shadwell (Overground/DLR lines)
10 NETIL360
1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London E8 3RL
££
Up near London Fields in South Hackney, Netil360 is a little lesser known amongst London’s visitors however locals LOVE it. There’s only a small cocktail selection, however if you’re into local craft beer and fine wines (the prices are surprisingly reasonable, too), Netil360 is the place to go. Feeling peckish? Hackney Pizza will be there cooking up freshly made pizza to order. Don’t expect to stay here for an all-nighter though, as last orders are 8:30pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, and 10:30pm from Thursday to Saturdays – just a heads up!
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Cambridge Heath & London Fields stations
11 SUMMER OF SOUND ON THE ROOF AT JOHN LEWIS
300 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1C 1DX
Escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street on the biggest roof garden in central London. Find the haven of live music, gin and fried chicken in the garden on top of John Lewis all summer long. Pull up a deck chair, grab a goblet of gin from the Fevertree gin bar and bask in the sunshine high above one of the busiest streets in the city. The panoramic skyline is the perfect backdrop to enjoy a few drinks and indulge in crispy fried chicken by the champs at Butchies. It’s the perfect place to sit back and relax…
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Oxford Street
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