Are you sweating right now? Us too.
The hot weather has arrived and people are doing everything they can to lower their body temperature.
If fans aren’t doing it for you, might we suggest moving a little higher for that gentle breeze?
To help you out, we’ve rounded up the nine best rooftop bars in London – so that you can have your cocktails and cool down, too.
Bar Elba, Waterloo
If your Instagram account has been lacking during lockdown, head to Bar Elba to fill it up with hipster-worthy snaps.
The spacious rooftop overlooks Waterloo station, and features a range of events including brunch, movie nights and afternoon tea.
You can also take in the sunset every Saturday from 7pm with two hours of unlimited booze such as beer, prosecco and cocktails.
The space can seat 600 people on a regular day, but there are now strict social distancing measures in place to protect drinkers.
Go sample the new cocktail menu, but make sure to book a table before you head down.
Frank’s Cafe, Peckham
Frank’s Cafe is back.
The popular drinking spot, which is essentially just one big rooftop car-park-turned-bar, is the perfect space to have a drink with your mates in lockdown.
As you’d expect from a venue in Peckham, it’s very artsy – with light installations dotted around the vast space, as well as a gallery on site, called Bold Tendencies.
The unobstructed view of London is unparalleled, and the food is pretty great too – with table service and a yearly-changing menu.
Frank’s has also planned in some spectacular events for coming months, including a performance from the cellist who played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
And hey, if you’ve just been made redundant – the bar is also hiring right now.
Aviary, Finsbury Square
Fancy a touch of luxury instead?
Behold the Aviary, the chic bar and restaurant atop the Montcalm Royal hotel, which features both a heated outdoor terrace (like we need more heat right now), as well as an indoor rooftop drinking hole.
Sit yourself down on one of the plush chairs – the decor is very posh – and discuss the fate of the world while sipping botanical cocktails.
An excellent date spot, actually.
The Bussey Building, Peckham
And we’re back in Peckham again, with this time, at The Bussey Building.
The beautiful space is covered in floral arrangements with quirky interior details like purple Persian rugs, high bar stools and a wooden roof.
On one end, you’ve got the bar and food – courtesy of Share A Slice, with its pizza made in a fire-based oven (and there are vegan options available).
While on the other side, you can usually find the pop-up cinema hosted by Rooftop Film Club – though sadly it’s currently closed.
Instead, the Bussey Building has got other entertainment planned in the form of comedy nights, starting next weekend on 16 August with comedian Phil Wang.
Walk-ins are welcome but you’re really better off booking a table.
Skylight, Tobacco Dock
Imagine a playground, with alcohol – that’s pretty much what you can expect.
Try your hand at croquet or pétanque, or book in a cocktail master class for you and five friends.
Alternatively, just enjoy the sunshine and have a drink while relaxing to the tunes played by the DJ – who is there every Friday and Saturday.
Foodwise, you have two street food stalls to choose from; Japanese treats from Hakari or American grub from State Side – we’re especially intrigued by the Philly cheese sub, stuffed with roasted brisket.
As for coronavirus measures, it’s pretty much the same as the rest of the bars on our list: social distancing, table service only, maximum six people at every table, and you’re recommended to book in advance.
Madison, St Paul’s
On the topic of hipster versus luxury versus basic, Madison rooftop bar falls somewhere in the middle.
The food is decent, the drinks are too, but it’s like any other bar, really – except for one difference.
Punters get a stunning view of St Paul’s Cathedral, and that is not to be sniffed at (it is also the reason Madison has made it onto our list).
And hey, the venue is also on top of the One New Change shopping centre, so it could be a great day out overall.
Get some new fashion bits, order a standard G&T and relax.
Netil 360, Hackney
Netil 360 is the epitome of cool.
Then again, the bar is located in Hackney so what did you expect?
Craft and fancy draft beer from Truman Brewery, wines from all over the globe, spirits from East London Liquor Company and a millennial crowd – not bad, if hipster is your preference.
The fake grass-covered space is vast, which is optimal for lockdown drinking.
As for food, there’s nothing on site but Netil 360 has teamed up with two local restaurants who will deliver straight to your table.
Munch on organic, plant-based dishes from Palm Greens or Italian carbs from Venderi pizza.
Radio Rooftop, The Strand
On the 10th floor of the ME London hotel, you’ll find a tiny and luxurious sanctuary known as Radio rooftop.
It’s an incredibly popular spot, partly due to its 360-degree views that shows off the capital’s skyline and the River Thames, but also thanks to its superb cocktail list.
Definitely work a visit – if you don’t mind handing over your hard-earned cash, that is.
Let’s just say, a cocktail will cost you at least £17, and the cheapest bottle of wine is priced at £39.
The Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
The Queen of Hoxton usually offers a pretty excellent night out.
During lockdown, the downstairs bar is shut – but the rooftop is wide open.
Get your tan on while sipping on an alcoholic slushies, flirt with Shoreditch locals from afar or dig into a buttermilk chicken burger (there is a beef and vegan option, too).
There’s not much else to it really, and that’s kind of the beauty of this bar.
No muss, no fuss.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/08/07/nine-best-rooftop-bars-london-13098747/
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