Sometimes you just need an escape from the hustle and bustle, but you needn't travel far to find a gorgeous hideout; we Londoners are innovative folk, placing luscious retreats sky-high above the city. From pretty floral havens to quirky botanical terraces, unique herb nurseries to living bars, delve into our list of best roof gardens in London.
Thirsty for more? Check out our guide to rooftop bars here.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
Last updated on 30th October 2024
KRAFT could be considered the best rooftop beer garden, thanks to its views, fusion menu, overgrown plants and the fact they stock German Kraft Beer. Pints come fresh from the on-site brewery, and the Latin American-Japanese menu boasts unique small plates from squid ink croquettes to salmon tostadas and pork belly tacos.
This one features an indoor oasis of vegetation that's just begging to be explored. Making the experience even more special, the cityscape provides a perfect contrast between nature and civilization. Bag your Sky Garden tickets to enjoy live music and drinks while mingling with the clouds. The resident Sky Garden restaurant Darwin Brasserie is the place to be for feasting on British grub with a view.
On the hunt for a rooftop bar with a garden? 601 Queen's Road is a lush and lofty spot for all of you thirsty folk who fancy heading up high. Swing by this Wimbledon watering hole to gulp down classy cocktails and chomp on alfresco eats.
You may know Flight Club better for its signature social darts, but the Victoria outpost also has a beaut rooftop garden. Cool and quirky, this space is home to hanging plants, towering trees and manicured shrubs. Pop by for sips under the sun or stars.
Situated on the 15th floor of the building on Fenchurch Avenue, just above 14 Hills, The Garden at 120 is home to a splendid space, Ned's Shed. Created by landscape architects Latz + Partner, this public rooftop garden flaunts wisteria, fig trees, shrubs and so much more.
Adorned with wildflowers and featuring private wooden booths lined with red and white pinstriped quilting, 1864 Rooftop Bar is a picturesque getaway located on the 6th floor of John Lewis Oxford Street. It welcomes revellers into its plush, green garden and invites them to get their lips around one of its signature cocktails, like the Calamansi Margarita, made with muscovado syrup and finished off by an ancho chilli rim. If you're hungry, then you'll love its selection of small plates too. Our favourite? The chorizo croquetas topped with shaved Manchego.
Enjoy swish sips in leafy surrounds at London Bridge Rooftop, one of the best free rooftop gardens in London. You can drink up the sights of the city at the same time as your cocktails. Found six storeys above the ground, this joint also offers cracking DJ nights bringing summer vibes and lip-smacking burgers.
The Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden is a botanical-lined beauty, perfect for weekend cocktails and cold brews when the sun breaks through. Picturesque views of the London Eye and the River Thames make this rooftop garden restaurant in London even more desirable.
A Hackney bar with a chill attitude, Netil 360 is the place to go for casual drinks above the city. Boasting faux grass, plenty of plants peppered about and regular events (think pop-ups, music shows and talks), this is ideal for a crisp pint in the summertime.
The Culpeper's quaint little herb plot adds an extra touch of rustic charm to its secret rooftop garden in London. Providing fresh garnishes for both food and drinks, it's vegetation with purpose, which makes your experience even more special.
This sky-high spot is a rewarding pilgrimage for those of you in need of after-work refreshments. Located in the middle of the City, Coq D'Argent flaunts a sanctuary of carefully trimmed grass, as well as an impressive view of landmarks, including St Pauls, The Shard and The Gherkin.
Crossrail Place is a rooftop garden in Canary Wharf making visitors feel like they've stepped into a forest, thanks to its impressive selection of exotic plants, towering trees and hidden pathways. You can also pop along to this verdant space for live music and festivals throughout the summer.
