Best Rooftop Bars In Soho

Whether you want to see the city lit up at night, or enjoy some alfresco drinks during the summer months, there's nowhere better to be than on a rooftop. There are plenty of elevated destinations all over London, and it's no secret that Soho has got some of the best. We're talking floral terraces serving sushi and cocktails, exclusive hotel watering holes and plant-filled glass domes. So if you're looking to head up high on your next night out, check out these Soho rooftop bars.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 20th November 2024




Aqua Nueva

Located on the bustling Regent's Street, Aqua Nueva is a stylish bar and restaurant that boasts an open-air rooftop terrace. Whether you're soaking up the sun in summer or cosying up with a blanket under the winter sky, you can do it with a hand-crafted cocktail here. The interiors are inspired by Spain, from the mosaic tiled floors to the copper vaulted ceiling, with a tapas menu from Head Chef Yahir Gonzalez to match - think beef short rib, Bacalao tacos and potato gratin.

Aqua Kyoto

If you're on the hunt for stunning rooftop bars in Soho with a view of the city, then you can't go wrong with Aqua Kyoto, found just off of Regent Street above the famous former Dickins & Jones building. Their covered outdoor terrace is perfect for all weathers, decked out in floral displays and colourful furnishings. You'll find all kinds of mouthwatering Japanese fare here, from wagyu sirloin beef in garlic to miso baby chicken or tuna tataki. And if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you can attend their popular free-flowing brunches for 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails and sharing platters.

Carpenters Arms

Situated on Whitfield Street, the Carpenters Arms is a top choice for after work drinks and group meals out alike. Their secluded and partially covered rooftop terrace is filled with wooden furniture, pretty plants and even outdoor screens for watching live sport on, with exposed brick walls surrounding the area. This welcoming boozer has been around since the 1930s, and you'll find a wide range of craft beers, wines and artisan spirits at the bar - paired with enticing dishes such as chicken schnitzel or pan-fried hake with gunpowder potatoes.

The Rooftop St James

Searching for Soho bars with a rooftop terrace? Then be sure to check out The Rooftop at St James, which promises views of some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The skyline provides the perfect Instagram backdrop, with a carefully curated cocktail menu to enjoy too - we recommend the fruity rhubarb and hibiscus blend. As for food? You can chow down on everything from salmon arancini to chargrilled aubergine and double cheeseburgers here.

Terrace At The Dilly

This historic venue has been around since 1908, boasting a gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant called Terrace at The Dilly. This is the only outdoor terrace that overlooks Piccadilly, promising exclusive views while you dine on grilled halloumi gnocchi, Thai green curry or their Parisian themed afternoon tea. The majority of drinks here are created using locally sourced products, such as Chapel Down English sparkling wine from Kent, and you'll often fine live music to provide the perfect backdrop to your evening.

1864 Rooftop Bar

Fronting dazzling views across Central London and located on the 6th floor of John Lewis Oxford Circus is the 1864 Rooftop Bar. It's a tranquil hideaway with private booths surrounded by wildflowers, heaps of greenery and pretty pinstriped furnishings. The menu specialises in decadent small plates made for sharing, such as chorizo croquetas with shaved Manchego, sweetcorn tarragon fitters and seaweed tempura monkfish, all of which can be enjoyed with a signature cocktail in hand, like a fig old fashioned. 

Century

The Century Club has been around since 2001, situated on Shaftesbury Avenue. This venue takes its name from the 100 steps you have to climb to get there - and trust us, it's well worth the trek. You'll find four floors of members' facilities here, as well as Soho's largest rooftop terrace, which looks out over the West End. Annual subscriptions to this exclusive destination start from £360, with over 100 events taking place here every year, alongside live music and great cocktails - including the tropical, rum-based Jungle Bird.

Dovetail Bar At Empire Casino

Found within the iconic Empire Casino on Leicester Square, Dovetail Bar is a sultry spot that boasts a spacious outdoor terrace - looking out over the streets below from its rooftop position. As for the interior, expect elegant tiled walls, dark furnishings  and cosy leather booths to relax in.

Not only are they serving up a range of delicious cocktails, but their talented bartenders even offer masterclasses, that let you try your hand at making these concoctions yourself. The bar stays open until 2 or 3am, and there are DJs here often as well.

Flute Bar Soho

Flute rooftop bar is always a winner for elegant drinks, whether it's on their plant-filled outdoor terrace or in their decadent interiors - full of animal print and mirrored ceilings. This venue is found on the top floor of the iconic Broadwick Street hotel, serving cocktails themed around films shot in the area - from the Sid and Nancy to a Last Night in Soho. And if you're feeling peckish, you can also nab tasty small plates like steak tartare or wild mushroom and pumpkin gyozas.

The Nest At Treehouse Hotel

For 360-degree skyline views of the city, make your way to The Nest, found on the 16th floor of the Treehouse Hotel. This leafy paradise is complete with rustic wooden tables, quirky hanging lights and lots of comfy sofas to sink into, as well as live DJ sets from Thursday to Saturday. You can even bring your dogs along on Sunday afternoons, when their Drinks on The Woof event takes place on their wraparound outdoor terrace. And while you're here? Make the most of their unique cocktail offering, from the Bakewell Bomb to the Cool as a Cucumber.

Tattu London

This immersive bar and restaurant transports you to Asia, thanks to indoor blossom trees, traditional decor and a modern twist on Chinese cuisine. But what really stands out at Tattu is their rooftop terrace, which is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping on cocktails and tucking into sharing plates of black pepper beef fillet, pak choi cooked in ginger and pan-seared Iberico pork bao buns.