Summertime Bars In London

Make it a hot girl summer this season and head to Bussey Rooftop Bar. The watering hole fronts gorgeous pops of greenery, an outdoor space and plenty of crafty cocktails to hold you over. Plus, the venue whips up five cheese pizzas and much more.

When it comes to whiling away the evening under the London sun, there's not many pubs that offer views and sunshine rays quite like Founders Arms. Join them as they promise authentic British drinks and dining alongside the Thames, all summer long.

If sipping on a refreshing beer and watching the world go by floats your boat, then make sure to visit The Union Tavern. Brilliant for hot summer days and after-work drinks; its foliage-filled, umbrella shaded terrace won't disappoint. Head on down for a jaunt by the canal, and get to grips with London's favourite hobby: drinking in the summer sunshine. It isn't hard to master, we promise. 

Tucked away in Shepherd's Bush Market, The Hawk's Nest is a gorgeous outdoor drinking and dining spot that's packed with botanical touches. Here, you can sip your way through a menu of pizza and cocktails, or play pool and catch a live event.

One of the best bars for summertime in London, Union Social is fronting the perfect sunny terrace and list of sippable cocktails from its perch at The Gantry hotel. And if you get peckish? There's a range of international plates to choose from on their food menu.

A top choice of London bars this summer, Devonshire Terrace is a chic destination that's complete with multiple tiers of outdoor seating. Not only will you get plenty of alfresco action, but also a European food menu and unique cocktails.

You might recognise this destination from TV, as their gorgeous rooftop has been used for all sorts of film and photography over the years. Netil360 can be found in Hackney, boasting one of the best outdoor terraces around and amazing views of East London. Sip refreshing cocktails, wines and locally sourced beers, while tucking into fresh Neapolitan pizza made with 48-hour fermented dough. There's a cosy, heated interior for the unpredictable weather, and you'll find live DJs playing every Friday and Saturday.

Skylark Roof Garden is an urban oasis sitting on the banks of Little Venice. Serving a menu of fresh British eats and frozen cocktails in lush greenery, its stunning food and drinks offerings and exceptional views make it one of London's top summertime bars. 

People's Park Tavern has got the jubilant good vibes that England only lets slip from under its stiff upper lip in summertime. That's because beer gardens this good make even the most prim and proper British gentleman want to kick back, crack open a beer and get chatting to the people on the next table along.

For summertime bars with entertainment, we highly recommend checking out CLF Art Lounge in Peckham. Fronting gorgeous greenery and string lights, the roof garden is mega pretty. Also great? Their Dominican food, music events and tantalising tipples.

With a gorgeous riverside terrace and award-winning craft beers up for grabs, Two More Years is a no-brainer when it comes to summertime bars in London. The Hackney Wick beauty has also got organic wines and tasty burgers on the menu.

For those of us that can't afford to shell out for a plane to some beautiful Latin city where the BBQ is always cooking and the cocktails are always flowing, Barrio is a more than adequate substitute for the real thing. Head here for vibrant surrounds and plenty of refreshing tipples at an affordable price.

An East London institution, BOXPARK Shoreditch is the place to be this summer. There are plenty of open-air spaces to relax in, as well as stunning views of the area from their rooftop seating. You'll find everything you could ask for at this venue, from bars and street food restaurants to quirky shops selling clothes, accessories and more. What's more, they also host a regular lineup of live events, including live music, food festivals and art exhibitions.

Thanks to a suntrap of a rooftop terrace, Aquum is the ideal place to head for your summertime drinks. Expect Greek-Cypriot food, bottomless brunches and signature cocktails galore, all with a ball pit and club to carry on the party indoors afterwards.

When the suns out there's no better place to be than by the river in London, soaking up city sites and sipping on gin-based cocktails. You can do all of this and more at Fairgame Canary Wharf, nestled among skyscrapers. The adults-only playground boasts a pretty terrace alongside neon interiors and innovative games like Pantry Pandemonium (where you raid Gran's cupboards) and more. There's also moreish grub from some of the city's top vendors up for munching, such as Rudy's pizza, Burger & Beyond and Dos Mas Tacos. 

Head up to the 14th floor of this Aldgate hotel to find one of the hottest city bars. Jin Bo Law has a sun-trap rooftop terrace that provides gorgeous views over London, along with a dreamy interior for when the weather isn't perfect.

From soaking up the sun on its gorgeous outdoor terrace to catching a Friday DJ night or bottomless brunch party come the weekend, Pergola on The Wharf is one of our favourite summer bars in London. Better yet, it's got sweeping views thanks to its Crossrail Place perch.

Fancy stepping into a plant-adorned terrace this summer? Swingers West End has got you covered. Venture into this activity bar, where you'll get to play a few games of crazy golf, before heading to the alfresco space for cocktails.

Tucked under the arches of Hackney Central, Night Tales is one of the city's most beloved venues. Head on over during the summer and you'll find a stunning outdoor space selling a fine selection of London's best street eats, a terrace that's perfect for drinking and dancing and plenty of live music all evening long. 

Looking for somewhere in Southbank to grab a drink and soak up some vitamin D? Look no further than The Green Room. Part of the National Theatre, this stunning space has previously won awards for its architecture - with glass walls bringing the outdoors in, and a stunning garden to boot.

Wide-open spaces and cool warehouse conversions aren't the only hidden gems Hackney has to boot. Set on the water alongside the Olympic Park, Barge East is one of London's coolest floating restaurants and bars. Get ready for summer cocktails overlooking the water and take a trip to its gardens.

When only the best summer pubs in London will do, check out Big Penny Social. The outside space here is being transformed into Walthamstow On Sea - a mecca of beach huts, sand pits, and deck chairs. Not only that, but you can expect fish 'n' chips and soft-serve 99s washed down by frozen cocktails.

Hit up this swanky rooftop pad at One New Change for killer views of London, party vibes, and top-notch cocktails. Madison is a Manhattan-style restaurant in St Pauls serving up all kinds of goodness from noon 'til late. Head over on a Friday night to catch their Aperol Sunset Sessions happening from 4pm till midnight every week all summer long. It's the ultimate spot to sip on tasty spritzes and jam to live music with all your best mates.

Colour Factory in Hackney Wick is the ultimate summertime bar thanks to its south-facing terrace, rows of benches (making it great for group socialising) and cool views over the warehouse-heavy area. Enjoy delicious food from the likes of The Hogless Roast, Burger & Chop, Pittagoras and Matteo's Cucina Italiana while washing it down with top sips from mixologists. 

Situated in East London, Dalston Roofpark is a great summertime bar for your daytime antics. From bottomless brunches to DJ sets and sunrise yoga sessions, it's great for any occasion. Plus, they've got signature cocktails, alongside food from BEER + BURGER.

The perfect summertime bar doesn't exist, right? We're here to tell you otherwise by pointing you to the pretty Hawksmoor Bar Wood Wharf, housed on an eco-friendly floating pavilion and home to a 120-seat waterside drinking den. As well as tucking into the ethically sourced steaks it's so famous far, you can enjoy a selection of signature sips with amazing views. Look forward to the likes of Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew, made with gin and London pride, and Fuller Fat Old Fashioned, featuring salted brown butter and tonka bean.

Acting as an oasis from city living, Near & Far brings California to Camden this summer. Decked out to the max with palm trees, pink flamingos and stylish neon lighting, this bar is made even more special when you discover the luscious rooftop terrace. 

When it comes down to summertime bars in King's Cross, Rotunda is a firm choice. At this venue, you'll get to dig into Mexican plates, including refried bean tacos served with tequila, lime and pico de gallo salsa, all while taking in the water scenes from the alfresco terrace.

Situated in Waterloo, this rooftop bar promises amazing views of the city's skyline and the bustling streets below, perfect for sunset drinks during the warmer months. There are three gorgeous terrace areas to choose from, boasting pretty pastel furniture, lots of plants and a regular lineup of DJs and live music. Choose from a vast selection of cocktails, including frozen concoctions and refreshing spritzes, as well as a menu of Mediterranean small plates - think honey-coated barbecue chicken, chilli garlic prawns or cacio e pepe arancini.

One of the best spots to sip on fabulous cocktails is in London's The Hari Hotel and Bar Terrace. Enjoy their all-weather outdoor dining space, which is perfect for those alfresco lunches, or cosy evenings sharing bubbly with friends.

Looking for one of the coolest places to drink outside in West London? Head over to Barnes where The Sun Inn is back with its beautiful beer garden this summer, complete with fresh pints, tasty food and sunshine-ready seating areas.

Searching for something different in the city? Head to London Bridge Rooftop for lovely views of The Shard and a cracking good time. Munch on scrumptious burgers, chicken tenders and much more, alongside boozy beverages.

If you're looking for stunning rooftop bars this summer, look no further than The Montague on the Gardens. Not only is this pop-up bar bringing you BBQ dishes and cocktails served in coconuts, but the beach huts and sandy scenes are just right for Instagram.

Known for their epic happy hours and a hit among the late-night scene in Canary Wharf, The Cocktail Club Canary Wharf offers 2 for £12 cocktails all night long, from brambles to mojitos and espresso martinis. Get comfy in their party paradise and groove to lively tunes this summer.

Imagine this; you're on a barge moored to the banks of the River Thames, taking in the views of London with a crisp glass of vino to hand. Make the dream a reality over at Tamesis Dock, a quirky bar in Vauxhall that's ideal for summertime drinks.

Boasting stunning views of the city, TT Liquor in Shoreditch is one of the best roof terraces around. Pay them a visit this summer for urban jungle vibes in their wooden, plant-filled venue, which offers covered and open-air seating options for all weathers. Enjoy a range of delicious cocktails here, as well as wood-fired dishes created by Head Chef Sam Lane - think smoked ox cheek croquettes, grilled Cornish octopus, citrus salad and more.

If the sun's shining? Head along to Kindred on Queen Caroline Street in Hammersmith. This gorgeous venue is home to a swoon-worthy garden space that's perfect for drinks with pals or that sultry date night. If you're thirsty, enjoy its fabulous selection of bespoke concoctions.

For one of the best summer bars in London, look no further than a trip to the gorgeous Spanish oasis known as La Terraza. You'll be transported to the streets of Madrid or Barcelona, all while you indulge in tapas and plenty of booze.

The Gun is a spooky one. It can read our minds. It knows exactly what we dream about on chilly winter nights... the spectacular river-side views, bright parasols, seaside lounge chairs, and cheerful bunting blowing in a cool, wistful breeze. It's got it all. So if you want to visit the soothsayer of British pubs and have your dreams of summer-time materialize before your very eyes then head down to The Gun. 

The roof terrace at Lockside overlooks Camden lock and the bustling market below. Perfect for post-work drinks or a sun-soaked lunch, the bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, wine and beer, along with a casual menu of burgers and sharing plates.

Flaunting one of the most stunning ceilings in the city, Florattica is a must-visit this summer. The Aldgate venue is covered in beautiful floral displays, with a sophisticated gold bar serving fine wines and all kinds of refreshing cocktails, from a Rose Mule to spiced mango margaritas. Step out onto their rooftop terrace for incredible views, stretching all the way from St Paul's to Canary Wharf. They serve tasty bar snacks too, including whipped feta flatbreads to native oysters.

In need of summer bars in North London? Wood Green's The Westbury has a gorgeous outdoor terrace for soaking up the sun or staying in the shade. Better yet, they host monthly DJ nights, regular quizzes and boast a crackin' menu to keep you entertained and fed. 

If you're on the hunt for a summertime boozer, then head to The Perky Nel. Not only does this gorgeous venue have an Instagram-worthy terrace space to enjoy alfresco antics with pals, but it also offers revellers bottomless brunches, live music and bespoke cocktails. 

Celebrating its 10th year, Roof East is a vibrant rooftop playground in East London that's back with a bang for the summer, bigger and better than ever. This lively venue is a literal playground for grown-ups, boasting stunning city views, delicious street food, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe. With free entry, you can enjoy all sorts of fun games ranging from mini-golf, batting cages, rooftop yoga, and more. Not into gaming? Catch a movie at one of London's best rooftop cinemas. 

Nothing says summer in the city like a trip to a rooftop bar. Head up to the top of ME hotel in Covent Garden and experience one of the best summertime bars in London in the form of Radio Rooftop.