Whenever I visit a new city, the first thing I search for is: “Where is the best rooftop bar in [insert location here]?” In London, you can use the landmarks like a map. You see the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye circling round, the Shard, the Gherkin, and perhaps the Crystal Palace Transmitting Station when looking South.

Whoever’s idea it was to plonk a bar on top of tall buildings so we can soak up views and now sunshine (read: global warming), I thank you. These are the best rooftop bars in London for cityscapes, drinks, and, occasionally, even working on your tan.

Frank’s Cafe

Walking up the bright pink stairs of Frank’s Cafe is an experience like no other. It is a permanent art installation by Simon Whybray titled “hi boo i love you”. And I love you, too, Frank’s. The stairs are the scene-setting moment, preparing you for what lies ahead, which is twirls painted on the tarmac, a Wizard of Oz-style house poking out of the ground, and words illuminated on LED signs, showing statements that run from lyrical and poetic to acidic and incendiary, speaking to a polarised world of desire and politics. This rooftop is designed by Practice Architecture, and was Bold Tendencies’ first architecture project, aimed to be a place to sit and refresh. And it still is.

Aside from the interesting art installations and panoramic views, it’s a very good bar. My favourite, in fact. Opening only for the summer, Frank’s does everything from brunch to small plates for dinner and tasty drinks. This summer, I’ll be drinking the frozen paloma and falling more in love with the cityscape.

Peckham, SE15 | boldtendencies.com

Skylark Roof Garden

This one claims to be London’s tallest rooftop bar, sitting on the 10th floor with views of Notting Hill and Hyde Park. I reckon they’re bang on. The Skylark Roof Garden in West London is a place for boozy brunches, weekend DJs, and all-around good vibes. The pink brollies and hibiscus-print cushions dotted around give beach club, and the flavours in the signature cocktail will transport you there if you just close your eyes. Sip on the Poco Locco – with Tequila and Archers, topped with lime, orange, and pineapple juice, Blue Curacao, and fresh watermelon – and dream of “Beefa”.

Skylark’s drinks menu has classic cocktails nailed, with your Aperol Spritz, Spicy Margarita, and Frozen Daiquiris, plus soft drinks, beers, and a short but sweet wine list. For food, think seasonal and light, like you’re at a posh BBQ where you can tell they bought a cookbook just for the occasion.

The best thing about this rooftop bar, though? The self-serve ice cream on the dessert menu. Forget another cocktail, I suggest you go for bottomless and top it with all the sauces available. Don’t forget the sprinkles.

Notting Hill, W2 | skylarkroofgarden.co.uk

Netil360

This is an example of what East London does best: repurposing spaces, supporting local makers, and serving damn tasty stuff. Netil360 in Hackney has 360 views, and each weekend, it schedules a changing lineup of DJs that set the mood. Fridays are for soul, hip-hop, and global sounds. Saturdays go deep with house, disco, and Balearic. Reservations here are strictly for groups of 40-plus, so it’s likely a walk-in situation for most of us. Get there early, you don’t want to be disappointed when chasing some drinks in the sunshine.

On the topic of drinks, Netil360 serves natural wine, including a variety of organic bottles, local beer from Five Points Brewery, which is just down the road, and “proper” cocktails, including slushies and sharers. Because of jug of sangria is made for drinking on a rooftop. Netil also has stone-baked Neapolitan pizza on the menu, which is best torn up and shared.. Get every flavour and share with your pals.

Hackney, E8 | netil360.com

Bubba Oasis Islington

A true oasis in North London, Bubba Oasis is part of a collection of open clubhouses designed with work, play, and connection in mind. And its Islington spot has a hidden, weatherproof rooftop terrace on the first floor. It doesn’t get more playful than year-round rooftop access.

After a long day, the Friday House Party is the perfect time to let loose, rid yourself of the constant Slack notifications going off in your head, and sip on something strong. Bubba Oasis also has a South London Clapham location, which lacks a rooftop, but does have an equally cosy “living room” and conversation pit.

But it’s the Saturday Bottomless Brunch at the Islington branch that steals the show. It comes with a promise that Bubba is “very generous”. Because aren’t we all really looking for a bottomless that leaves you legless?

Islington, N1 | bubbaoasis.com

Radio Rooftop

An elevated rooftop bar experience. Central London’s Radio Rooftop, which sits at the peak of ME London, has some of the best views of the city – it is located right in the heart of it, after all.

Radio Rooftop is chic. It’s the luxe setting of London rooftops. Come here for a special occasion and spoil yourself, just as you deserve. Cocktails are almost twenty quid a pop, so you’re going to want to savour the drinks as well as the sights. Bring the party to life with the cocktail menu inspired by Asian flavours. Try It's Giving Geisha, made with Belvedere vodka, Fair açaí liqueur, and lychee, for a twist. Or go short with Radio’s Yuzu Negroni, of Ukiyo yuzu gin, Campari, and Carpano Classico.

And every Thursday to Saturday, the Radio DJ takes to the decks with a perfectly curated mix to match the mood. Ideal for a boujee boogie.

Covent Garden, WC2R | radiorooftop.com

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