Across bars, restaurants and gardens, there are a whole load of roof terrace spaces in our capital that have to be seen to be believed. From those with views over Kensington Gardens to places next to the Saatchi Gallery and even one of London's most famous party venues, there's plenty in store on our guide to Kensington and Chelsea's best rooftops.
Studio Frantzén
On the top floor of Harrods sits Studio Frantzén, the London outpost of Swedish Michelin starred chef, Björn Frantzén. Scandi design and Nordic cuisine collide here, coupled with some Japanese influences, to create a menu that includes tartar of tuna and red deer with vendace roe, wasabi cream, fermented plum and warm ginger butter or bone-in ribeye steak and smoked bone marrow with pine. While the restaurant itself is inside, one of the bars has sweeping views across the surrounding area from an outdoor terrace kitted out with cosy blankets, plant-filled dividers and festoon lighting.
While a little further east into Knightsbridge, this is still one of the wider borough's best rooftops.
Min Jiang
Overlooking Kensington Gardens from the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel London, Min Jiang is all about views and authentic Chinese food to match. The high street beauty comes with huge windows for admiring the treetops and greenery below, so make sure to request a table as close to them as possible. Better still, they've been purveyors of Chinese fine dining for over 10 years, so you can be sure you're in good hands. Our advice? Get your chops around their famed wood-fired Beijing Duck, which is created from an ancient Chinese recipe for rich flavour, juicy meat and crispy skin.
This rooftop restaurant is a must for a totally new perspective on Kensington Gardens.
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
Found next door to Sloane Place hotel and restaurant, right near the Saatchi Gallery, The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club is a rooftop space that promises a taste of Provence in the heart of Chelsea. This summer, they partner with Château d’Esclans to bring the ultimate choice of three different rosés to sip alongside your meal. As for food? Expect everything from Cornish wild seabass ceviche to Cajun-spiced spatchcock poussin and Surrey-farmed Angus grass-fed ribeye or fillet. While there aren't many views at this one, the pretty spot is still well worth a visit.
After rooftop bars in Chelsea, London? You're in luck.
The Roof Gardens
This rooftop bar on Kensington high street was once known as Kensington Roof Gardens, but has since been rebranded as The Roof Gardens for a summer 2024 reopening. Previously owned by Sir Richard Branson for over 30 years, and home to an events space, club, flamingos and some of London's most sought-after parties, the venue is set to return under new owner Stephen Fitzpatrick (of Ovo Energy). Still found 100ft above street-level with themed gardens and views across the surrounding area, it will now be a private members' club that aims to restore the green spaces to their former glory - in a move away from the typical "ostentatious Mayfair private members' club". Memberships are expected to cost up to £2,000 a year once founding member capacity is reached.
Three themed gardens are being restored here: the Alhambra-inspired Spanish Garden, the Tudor Garden and the Woodland Garden.
La Terrazza by Made in Italy
Sharing the nostalgia for their Southern Italian homeland with the people of Chelsea is Made in Italy; the cosy and authentic restaurant on Kings Road. The venue also features La Terrazza rooftop terrace, which is both heated and covered for year-round use. With a different menu to the downstairs trattoria, this roof space pairs the likes of beef carpaccio and burrata-topped Sicilian caponata with fine Italian wines and aperitivo spanning Hugo and Aperol spritzes. If you're hungry for 48-hour slow-fermented sourdough pizzas and fresh pasta, then you can order that here too.
Be transported to Italy at this rooftop restaurant, where the terrace is walk-ins only.
Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace
Another just over into Knightsbridge but still a stone's throw from Kensington is the Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace. Attached to their department store café and bar on the same level, it's promising rotating themes in collaboration with different drinks brands and plenty to eat too. Think £40 afternoon teas with the chance to upgrade to include Champagne, three courses from the summer menu washed down with a margarita or paloma for £35, and everything from tacos to club sandwiches when you dine a la carte.
Shop 'til you drop, then drink and dine on the rooftop.
After rooftops that are a little more central? We've got guides for Soho and Covent Garden too. Sign up to our newsletter and stay in the know.
