Rooftop hangouts in Central London to have on your list this summer

London has no shortage of rooftop bars, all vying for attention high above the sky, offering panoramic views and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Finding the best rooftop hangout isn’t just about a brilliant view, though. These bars and pubs offer ice-cold pints, exceptional cocktails and menus that will delight any foodie.

From cosy terraces on traditional pubs where you can sip an exceptional pint of Guinness to sky-high cocktail bars serving up unique concoctions, these are the best rooftop bars in Central London for every occasion.

Set within the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Gilroy’s Loft serves a refined menu, focused on high-quality seasonal ingredients, along with a selection of meticulously crafted cocktails.

The kitchen offers contemporary and thoughtfully prepared seafood with a view. The menu showcases carefully chosen fresh produce, from line-caught fish to native oysters, rope-grown mussels and lobster. Inspired by the coastline while staying true to its Guinness heritage, Gilroy’s Loft is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The drinks menu is nearly as extensive as the food on offer, with a range of beers from the on-site brewery, house cocktails, wines and classic Guinness all available. The house serves include a ‘Toucan Colada’, ‘Guinness and Black’ and more familiar options with a twist, like a Spicy Lagerita, a fiery companion to any meal. Ask for the best food and drink pairings to get the most out of the experience.

Perched on the fifth floor, diners can enjoy fresh oysters and ice-cold cocktails with skyline views across Covent Garden and beyond.

Walk-ins are possible, but booking is advised.

Best for: Unique Guinness-inspired cocktails and fresh seafood with a view

Address: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Old Brewer's Yard, 1 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA

Find out more about Gilroy’s Loft

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know how difficult it is to get a table at The Devonshire, famous for its elevated take on classic British food. It’s also famous for serving a great Guinness, and is one of the 35 UK pubs named in the prestigious Guinness Harp Guide. What you might not know, however, is that its roof terrace is walk-in only, meaning that you don’t have to book a reservation months in advance to get a seat.

Overlooking Piccadilly Circus, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy an award-winning pint of Guinness (or another tipple of your choice) while sampling its much-talked-about menu, which features an extensive steak selection and fresh fish, lobster, and scallops.

If you’re not fortunate enough to score a table on the terrace, then you can still enjoy a pint outside on street level, joining the throngs of other patrons who travel from far and wide to sample The Devonshire’s famously good pint of the black stuff.

Best for: An exceptional gastropub experience
Address: 19 Carlisle St, London, W1D 3BY

Find out more on the Devonshire website

Occupying a prime spot above Trafalgar Square, on the rooftop of the Page8 hotel, Kitty Hawk offers breathtaking views over Nelson’s Column and Covent Garden.

The wrap-around terrace is a particularly special spot to be at sunset, where guests can enjoy panoramic views while sipping on carefully crafted cocktails and fizz. Non-alcoholic options, like Guinness 0.0, are also available.

It’s also an upscale spot for weekend brunch or lunch if you prefer to take in the views early in the day, and it serves food from 11am until 1am seven days a week.

Drink highlights include the ‘Pear’ - an expert blend of The Singleton 12yo whisky, with pear brandy, liqueur, apple and lemon. The ‘Black Ruby Sour’ is also worth your attention, a twist on a classic sour, this time bringing together Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, raspberry syrup, honey, lemon and egg white.

Best for: Golden hour drinks in the heart of Central London
Address: 8 St. Martin's Place, London, WC2N 4JH

Find out more on the ETM Collection website

Perched on the fifth floor of The Conduit, Rucola is a chic rooftop bar right in the heart of Covent Garden, dishing up sustainable Northern Italian meals and creative cocktails.

It’s a tranquil but buzzy aperitivo spot, where you can enjoy panoramic views over London with a well-mixed cocktail, alongside generous sharing boards or fresh, plant-centred mains. The gondolas and plants, which are dotted around the rooftop, also make you feel like you’re in the continent, rather than in the busy capital.

Beers are available, but we’d recommend trying the ‘Dolce e Picante’, a fiery serve with a base of Don Julio Blanco infused with chilli, along with honey and lemon notes. Non-alcoholic options are also offered.

Best for: Post-work aperitifs and mouthwatering Italian cuisine
Address: 6 Langley St, London, WC2H 9JA

Find out more on The Conduit’s website

This historic venue dates back to 1763, with connections to London’s first police force, the Bow Street Runners. Nowadays, it’s a convivial traditional pub, with quirky Victorian-style decor throughout, and lots of little nooks and crannies across its five floors. However, on a sunny day, the rooftop terrace is the place to be. Ascend the staircase to the terrace for a sun-soaked haven, an ideal backdrop for an ice-cold pint or spritz.

Complete with colourful cushions, sloping roofs and bright decor, the terrace has a retractable roof and heaters, so if the weather isn’t on your side, it still offers a quirky hangout spot. There are also TV screens on the terrace, which often show sports - this will either be a pro or con, depending on your interests.

While there is a bar upstairs on the terrace level, it’s not always open, so be prepared for a bit of a workout to get to this space. But trust us, it’s worth it. Despite its central location, this does still feel like something of a hidden gem, and you can often find a table without booking.

On the menu, find a selection of craft beers, ales, Guinness, and an extensive array of gins, spirits and spritzes. Food is also available throughout the bar, including pub classics and Sunday roasts.

Best for: Casual drinks in a quirky central location
Address: 37 Bow St, London, WC2E 7AU

Find out more on the Bow Street Tavern website

If you’re looking for a decadent rooftop spot that oozes glamour, look no further than the wraparound terrace of Flute, located within Broadwick Soho. The interiors are distinctly maximalist: think animal print upholstery, an onyx bar and mirrored ceilings.

The innovative cocktail list, which changes regularly, is inspired by classic films that were shot in and around its home of Soho. A current highlight is the ‘Love is the Devil cocktail’, a sophisticated serve that uses a base of Tanqueray No. TEN, along with sherry, chocolate wine and red bitter. Beers may be available on request, but cocktails seem more fitting at this elegant rooftop spot.

Best for: A glamorous cocktail with friends
Address: 6 Langley St, London, WC2H 9JA

Find out more on The Broadwick website

Another rooftop bar built on a historical location, Radio is set on the site of the BBC’s first-ever transmission, back in 1922. A century later, it broadcasts on a different wavelength - one defined by inventive cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine, described by the team as ‘food art’.

Recline on the comfortable U-shaped sofas and take in the 360° views of the city below, featuring the Thames, the towering Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye.

Contemporary and cool, it’s an ambient spot to watch the sun go down over London and marvel at the city's glittering lights after sundown.

Best for: After-dark cocktails
Address: 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA

Find out more on the Melia website

Nestled in a side street just behind Regent’s Street, The Windmill is a charming Victorian pub that offers a laidback atmosphere, well-poured pints and summery spritzes.

It’s worthy of a spot on this list for two reasons: first, its charming roof terrace, complete with colourful cushions and throws. Second, its award-winning pies, particularly its Guinness braised short rib pie, which won the pub a silver medal at the British Pie Awards. As you might expect, Guinness is also available on tap.

Admittedly, the rooftop views at the Windmill aren’t as impressive as some of the panoramic views offered by the upscale cocktail bars on this list. But, if you’re looking for a well-poured pint and award-winning pub grub right in the heart of London’s elegant Mayfair neighbourhood, this is undoubtedly one of the best spots.

Best for: Award-winning pies - and a good pint
Address: 6-8 Mill St, London, W1S 2AZ

Find out more on The Windmill Mayfair website

Located within a grand Art Deco building in the City, Wagtail provides 360° views of iconic London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard - to name a few.

Towering above the city on the 9th and 10th floors, the sophisticated rooftop bar has a late licence, making it a particularly great late-night hangout once the sun goes down over the city.

Enjoy an expansive range of top-shelf spirits, expertly mixed cocktails, mocktails or non-alcoholic serves (including Guinness 0.0), along with elegant food options, centred around good-quality British produce.

Best for: Late-night tipples against the backdrop of the glittering city lights
Address: 68 King William St, London, EC4N 7HR

Find out more on the ETM Collection website

This unassuming pub in Covent Garden occupies a prime spot just moments from the tube station, and some of the city’s most loved West End shows. But what makes it really special is its rooftop terrace - a rarity in this part of town.

Offering spritzes, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic options, including cocktails and Guinness 0.0, the rooftop terrace showcases impressive views of the Covent Garden skyline and the busy streets underneath.

Another plus: the terrace has a retractable roof, so it is a reliable central spot, whatever the weather.

Best for: Rooftop drinks before heading to the theatre
Address: 39 Bow St, London, WC2E 7AU

Find out more on the Marquess of Anglesey website

Probably the most central bar on the list, Aqua Kyoto is a mere one-minute walk from Oxford Circus tube station. Set in the former Dickins & Jones department store, Aqua Kyoto excels at well-mixed cocktails and Japanese and Spanish-style fusion food in a sky-high setting. The circular roof terrace offers far-reaching views across Central London, high above the hustle and bustle of Regent Street below

Cocktail highlights include the ‘Golden Eagle’, a complex and zesty mix of Casamigos Blanco, Calamansi, Lychee, and Shichimi Agave.

Best for: A post-dinner cocktail
Address: 30 Argyll St, London W1F 7EB

Find out more on the Aqua Kyoto website