Finding rooftop bars in London is easy - there are over 100 amazing spots to sip with a view. But finding the best rooftops for a party is another thing. But don’t despair, we’ve done the hard work for you! After visiting over 40 rooftop bars in London recently, searching for the best party venues, we could narrow it down to 6 great venues for an elevated party experience in London 2025!
This article comes packed with the following info about each rooftop venue:
The London party crowd is super trendy, and that also applies on the rooftops. So, dress to impress to blend in. Sunshine is a rarity in London and checking the weather forecast before your rooftop visits is always recommended. Or choose the rooftops equippedthe with retractable roofs or inside areas.
The Party: This casual urban rooftop bar is available pretty much all week long to enjoy after-work drinks, sunset cocktails, banging burgers, lunchtime pints, weekend bottomless brunch, DJs and stay all night catch-ups. All complemented with panoramic 360° over the London skyline, including Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the London Eye.
Ambience: Up here, the grey concrete of the rooftop mingles with mint green pergolas, fairy lights and green plants to create a cool urban summer hang out in the city. But there is also flexible shutter coverings and heaters across the venue to keep everyone warm and cozy, no matter the weather and season. During the 2024/25 winter season, LBR will transform into a charming Winter Alpine Après rooftop.
What we think: One of the best party rooftops this year. And, many agree with us. With daily DJs on rotation and a great atmosphere, London Bridge Rooftop is a popular venue, and the rooftop can get crowded pretty quickly on a sunny day. So, reservations are recommended, with walk-ins welcomed depending on availability.
Dress code: The London Bridge Rooftop dress code is casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
LONDON BRIDGE ROOFTOP
The Party: Queen of Hoxton is a bar, nightclub, and rooftop terrace, all packed over three floors of the same building in the heart of Shoreditch. Expect hot and vibrant summers filled with action-packed party's and events, aiming to provide 'all fiesta and no siesta'. And the rooftop bar is an eventful and ever-changing place in itself, where you can visit several times and get a different experience on each occasion.
Ambiance: Every season means a new theme on the rooftop, and it is usually a colorful one. During summer 2024, the rooftop turned into Terraza Del Sol, a Hispanic-inspired and sun-drenched oasis, complete with palm trees and a bamboo triangle eye structure. To get the most out of the winter months, the rooftop has been transformed into a dazzling winter escape inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
What we think: After our two visits here in 2024, we were blown away by the fantastic atmosphere. Vibrant and funny! We’d recommend all partygoers in London to come here, preferably more than ones, as every evening here is different.
Dress code: The Queen of Hoxton dress code is casual, just come dressed to dance! Due to safety and the nature of the venue, open toe shoes and flip flops are not permitted.
QUEEN OF HOXTON
The Party: A little different venue than most other party rooftops in London. Up here, the best party vibe is during the weekend brunch and Sunday Roast. Afternoon party with London under your feet is one of the best ideas for a superb rooftop experience in London 2025. And Aviary does it better than all other!
Ambience: The elegant and chic rooftop terrace is a spacious open-air rooftop, offering grand views of the London skyline, including many of the most famous buildings. When sitting up here, we got the feeling that we didn’t need to do any sightseeing, as almost all famous monuments were already visible. During the colder months, the Aviary terrace turns into a cozy winter escape, with beautiful rooftop igloos. A perfect way to keep the rooftop season going year-round.
What we think: Aviary is one of our favorite rooftop bars in London. Open from breakfast to late night, Aviary is always a great spot for everything from elevated lunches and vibrant after-work drinks, to special dinners. You can also visit for lux weekend events, including Champagne Brunch and Sunday Roasts. When we visited Aviary, the winter-menu also included hot drinks to keep everyone extra warm.
Dress code: The Aviary London dress code is smart casual. So, typically, it’s a look that lands between a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and a full-on suit and tie look. You can mix elements of those two outfits, or you can add or takeaway things to make it smart casual.
AVIARY LONDON
The Party: The party vibe up here is more relaxed than wild. The live DJs helps pumping up the vibe during weekends, so that’s the best time to come here for the party. While you can book a table/area on the rooftop, walk-ins are always welcome. You are supposed to be able to just pop in from the street.
Ambience: Netil360 is one of London’s original rooftop bars, found in the area of Hackney in the eastern part of the city. Decorated with astro turf, the interior of the rooftop is charmingly 'home-crafted' and consistently in wood. From the benches and chairs to the pergolas and tables. The view on display is however much more luxurious. Up here you get some lovely vistas across London, and the image of a magical and iconic skyline in the horizon.
What we think: We’ve been here 4 times since 2012, and we’re still in love with Netil360. A popular spot among locals, so if you are looking for a chill and elevated place with a fun crowd and regular live DJs, affordable quality food and drinks, and free entry, then Netil360 is the obvious choice.
Dress code: The Netil360 dress code is casual, laid back and low-key. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.
The Party: The 12th Knot rooftop is great for a party night with friends. There is usually live music every Wednesday, and live DJs Thursday to Saturday. Situated 12 floors up on the fantastic Sea Containers you get a lovely view of the river and the city skyline. One of the better views any rooftop terrace in London can offer.
Ambience: Equipped with stylish plush sofas and comfortable lounge spaces. The terrace in itself is not that large, and seating out here is mainly more simple chairs, so the most comfortable places are inside. This is however made up for with, as mentioned, an iconic view, plus great cocktails and a lovely atmosphere. The drink menu offers a good selection of wine, champagne, beer and a mix of American and British cocktails. There is also seasonal food served as plates made to share.
What we think: We’d recommend coming here on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays when the live DJs and musicians plays. 12th Knot London rooftop bar is mainly focused on great cocktails, views and atmosphere..
Dress code: The 12th Knot dress code is smart casual. Sportswear and flip-flops are not permitted.
12TH KNOT
The Party: Trendy and vibrant in atmosphere, Jin Bo Law is usually also home to different lively events. Like the 'Moët & Chandon Summer Series' and other weekly sessions, including live entertainment and top vibes. Perched on the 14th floor of the fantastic Dorsett City London with a spectacular view of the City of London.
Ambience: The outdoor terrace and panoramic windows serve amazing panoramas over the skyline, with a lot of the famous landmarks so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Gherkin, they are all within sight. The interior of the rooftop is really posh, with a lot of bronze, marble floor and a long bar, also in marble. The balcony-like terrace is not huge, but stretches over the full length of the bar. Which means lots of front row spots.
What we think: This is a rooftop venue to enjoy party vibes while sipping on carefully curated, unique and well prepared cocktails while enjoying one of the best views any rooftop bar in London can offer. Go for a 'City Diet', made from The Botanist gin and Yuzushu citrus liquor. Or a 'Discaroni', made with discarded vermouth, discarded rum from banana peel and campari.
Dress code: Jin Bo Law Skybar dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
JIN BO LAW
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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