Get yourself away from the street-level bustle and head for the skies where cocktails, convos and sweet sunshine await. From seasonal pop-ups with a penchant for street food and fun activities, to chilled out suntraps designed for lazy days, we've rounded up the best rooftop bars to check out this summer.
Best rooftop bars to visit this summer
Roof East - London
A sprawling playground for the young and day drunk, Stratford's haven of fun and games is keeping you entertained with everything from curling and shuffleboard to crazy golf, cornhole and movie nights. They've also got an expertly curated selection of street food stalls for when all that activity leaves you craving Kati Rolls and vegan eats.
Bambalan - Bristol
Soak up the sun at Bristol's favourite rooftop bar where the views are great and the atmosphere is unparalleled. A place to drink, dance and challenge your pals to a few rounds of ping pong, stop in for brunch or a tasty 'bab off their all day menu, then stick around for cocktails and live DJs until late.
Goodness Gracious - Liverpool
Open from spring through autumn, Goodness Gracious is the cherry on top of the already beautiful Oh Me Oh My. Located on the 8th floor of West Africa House, grab a spot ASAP for the chance to indulge in delectable cocktails, live music and stunning views over the Mersey and some of Liverpool's most iconic locations.
Flight Club - London
Fronting pizza paddles, boozy slushies, trophy cocktails and the most high-tech darts experience in the land, Flight Club's Victoria venue is one to check out. Their magical fairground terrace features bookable huts, firepits and even a jukebox phone booth for seeing out those warm nights in style.
20 Stories - Manchester
Get sky high at 20 Stories where the foliage decked interiors will take you a world away from the rush of Spinningfields. A dream location for summertime drinks, their industrial-inspired roof terrace is all about luxury with comfy chairs to lounge in and a spectacular array of cocktails to keep you well-watered all evening.
Skylight - London
If you fancy pairing views, booze and a spot of croquet then make headway for Tobacco Dock where Skylight is waiting to give you those goods. On top of all that? Their street food vendors can provide you with burgers and Greek eats for soakage, while the bar brings out marshmallow tequila cocktails and beer buckets.
Madison - London
Post-work spritzes never looked as good as they do at Madison where the St. Paul's rooftop offers some killer views of the London skyline, alongside some equally killer cocktails. And while the rest of The City shuts down come the weekend, Madison hots up with brunches, live music and DJs doing their thing until the early hours.
FEST - London
With a fully covered roof garden overlooking the Stables Market Yard, FEST is Camden's top spot for party antics and unique events. Weekends here are a mash of saucy cabaret and sublime soul perfect for some post-sunshine entertainment, while their Magic Mike-inspired brunch brings you bottomless prosecco and some very talented boys.
Bar Elba - London
Take in the sights of the city at this relaxed Waterloo spot that brings you colourful murals and creative cocktails seven days a week. The tropical sister bar of iconic basement hangout Tonight Josephine, this is the only place you should be getting your fill of frosé and big, juicy Dip & Flip burgers this summer.
Radio Rooftop - London
A slinky summer terrace sitting pretty above The Strand, Radio Rooftop is here to whisk you away from the city streets and into a Mexican hacienda and botanical garden. Book out one of their two fully-immersive spaces for the chance to sip on tequila-laced cocktails or chow down on delicious Anglo-Indian tapas.
For more info on London’s best rooftops and rooftops across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.