heatworld’s guide to the best rooftop bars in the UK

For when it eventually stops raining...

rooftop bars uk

by heat staff |
Updated on

Dust off your sunnies and grab some factor 50 'cos the UK's rooftop bars are opening their doors and it looks like winter might finally be coming to an end.

Unless that bloody Beast From The East makes another return, which is always a possibility.

Here are our picks of the best rooftop bars in the country.

Best rooftop bars in London

Gallery

rooftop bars London - summer

Bird of Smithfield (London)1 of 7

Bird of Smithfield (London)

The Bird of Smithfield has transformed its terrace into a Spritz Garden for the summer, and it's sure to steal all the spotlight up Farringdon way. The intimate terrace has fragrant jasmine trees perched along the walls, emerald green artificial grass, and a myriad of tall tables and chairs to plonk your bum at. As for the cocktails? They're all spritz-based but make sure to try the honeysuckle fizz - it's made with Belvedere vodka and fresh muddled plums.Nearest station? Farringdon

Boundary (London)2 of 7

Boundary (London)

Boundary's rooftop is as unique as they come. Sitting proudly above a boutique hotel in Shoreditch, this east London hangout has its own heated orangery. Yup, you heard. It has a cluster of mimosa, clementine and lemon trees, and the space doubles into a garden come summer time. With cracking views and cosy seating at the ready, there's no better place to soak up some vitamin D.Nearest station? Shoreditch High Street

Madison (London)3 of 7

Madison (London)

Fancy clinking flutes of champagne with your friends at one of Europe's largest open-air roof terraces? Silly question. Of course you do. Madison overlooks the iconic dome of St Paul's Cathedral and it's a prime spot for fawning over London's striking skyline. Once you're done gawping at your surroundings, make your way inside to their Manhattan-style restaurant. The menu is packed with fantastic dishes; think triple duck burgers and spicy buttermilk chicken sharing plates.Nearest tube? St Paul's

Rumpus Rooms (London)4 of 7

Rumpus Rooms (London)

If you're a sucker for views and booze, the Rumpus Rooms is the place for you. Supporting a brand new look and situated on the 12th floor of the Mondrian London at Sea Containers, this exclusive spot is nothing short of amazing. The space now features retro seating and a healthy dose of green shrubbery, but the Thames-side terrace is what makes this place super special. It has spectacular views of St Paul's and the city's skyscrapers.Closest tube? Blackfriars

The Roof Gardens (London)5 of 7

The Roof Gardens (London)

No rooftop list is complete without mentioning London's very first rooftop bar: The Roof Gardens. Situated in Kensington, this al fresco spot is bursting with green foliage and exotic flowers, and it has three different areas to wander around - the Spanish Garden, the Tudor Garden and the English Woodland Garden. It attracts a glamorous crowd all year round but summer is when this place really comes alive. They have DJ nights and BBQs every weekend, plus flocks of pink flamingos roaming the venue during the day.Nearest tube? High Street Kensington

Prince Of Wales (London)6 of 7

Prince Of Wales (London)

The Prince Of Wales in Brixton has just opened its famous two-tier terrace for the summer - and we can confirm it's absolutely lit. Nearest tube? Brixton

No.32 (London)7 of 7

No.32 (London)

When we think of Clapham's Number 32, we think of fancy shmancy Sunday brunch with the girlies and several mimosas. But did you know you can do that on their rooftop, too?Nearest tube? Clapham Common

Rooftop bars in Liverpool

Goodness Gracious

goodness gracious liverpool

Although Nelly’s song Hot In Here springs to mind when the words ‘Goodness’ and ‘Gracious’ are put together, this is actually the name of Liverpool’s coolest rooftop hangout. It’s a secret spot a top of Oh Me Oh My, and it offers up stunning views of the Royal Liver Building and the city’s scenic waterfront. The cocktails here aren’t too shabby either, with Tommy's margarita and their rose petal-infused G&T coming in as firm favourites amongst the masses.

Rooftop bars in Cambdridge

The Varsity Roof Terrace

best rooftop bars UK

Charming beyond belief and with buildings dating back to 1033, Cambridge should be jotted down as one of your must-visit destinations for 2017. Luckily for you, we know the perfect place to capture crisp views of the historic city: The Varsity Roof Terrace. This spacious rooftop is open daily until 8pm and is a smashing spot to watch the sunset with a Pimms in hand.

Rooftop bars in Newcastle

Sky Lounge at Vermont Hotel

best rooftop bars UK

Located slap bang in the middle of Newcastle, Sky Lounge is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet with its panoramic views. It’s 200ft above off ground level giving you eagle eye views of not only the Quayside but the Castle too. Whether you recline in their comfy loungers under the sizzling sun or under a blanket of twinkling stars, it’s the ultimate rooftop destination for cocktail connoisseurs in the city.

Rooftop bars in Manchester

Lounge on 12 Terrace

best rooftop bars UK

Grab your sunnies and get sky-high at Lounge on 12 this summer. Located on the 12th floor of Manchester House - we know, shocker - you’ll have four wonderful terraces to wander around; all of which have retractable roofs and stylish furnishings. You’ll also enjoy wicked views of Spinningfields while you work through the bar’s endless cocktail collection.

For more info on the best rooftop bars in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight.com.

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