A historic, cultural city that's home to the oldest university in the country, there's plenty that draws people to Oxford. It's also one of the most beautiful places around, and there's no better way to admire the striking architecture than by getting a bird's eye view of it all.
That's why we've rounded up all the top rooftop destinations to visit, from chic cocktail bars with a view to stylish restaurants that come with an elevated terrace. Whether you're looking for a few drinks, dinner or even a bottomless brunch, you can find it all at the very best rooftop bars Oxford has to offer.
Best Oxford Rooftop Bars
1. The Alchemist
- Address: Westgate, Bonn Square, OX1 1TR
- Best For: Creative cocktails
Situated on the rooftop of the Westgate Centre, The Alchemist's Oxford outpost is a great choice for drinks with a view. The wrap-around terrace allows you to admire the city below, while the sleek interiors create a dark, sultry atmosphere that's perfect for date night.
Their molecular cocktails promise theatre in a glass, whether they come smoking, topped with bubbles or even changing colour. Enjoy these alongside international dishes like crispy vegetable gyoza, tempura fish and chips or a panko-coated halloumi flatbread, or they even offer bottomless brunches too.
A wrap-around rooftop terrace and Instagrammable cocktails are guaranteed at The Alchemist Oxford.
2. The Rooftop At The Store
- Address: 1–5 Broad Street, OX13AG
- Best For: A relaxed, walk-in drink
The Store is a luxury hotel right in the heart of Oxford, complete with its very own rooftop bar. This is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with no bookings required, promising an amazing vantage point over the city centre.
Take a seat on their pretty terrace to enjoy the range of signature cocktails on their menu - think a smoked maple syrup and blueberry-flavoured Second Breakfast or the tequila and pineapple-based Modern Education. They also serve carefully curated charcuterie boards to go with your drinks.
Sip unique cocktails at The Store Oxford's rooftop bar.
3. Sticks'n'Sushi
- Address: 311 The Westgate, Castle Street, OX1 1NZ
- Best For: Drinks and dinner
Since its first venue opened in Denmark in 1994, Sticks'n'Sushi has become one of the most popular restaurants in the country, and they've made quite a name for themselves in the UK too. It was created by Danish-Japanese brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek Hansen, who have seamlessly fused chic, minimal Scandinavian interior design with modern Japanese cuisine.
Their Oxford location can be found above the Westgate Shopping Centre, boasting views of the 1546 Tom Tower clock tower and beyond from its rooftop terrace. Order delicious cocktails like the whisky miso sour or a blackberry mule, before indulging in sushi roll platters, grilled chicken skewers, salmon sashimi and so much more.
Pair authentic Japanese flavours with amazing views at Sticks'n'Sushi.
4. The Varsity Club
- Address: Avenue 1, The Covered Market, 9a The High Street, OX1 4DB
- Best For: Dancing to live DJs
Nestled among the picturesque spires, The Varsity Club is an independent rooftop terrace and bar that's open all year round. Make the most of the sun when it's out, or cosy up under blankets and heating in their cosy seasonal pod, which ensures that you'll get your rooftop fix, even in the winter.
There are resident DJs playing every single weekend in the cocktail lounge below, and there's even a nightclub on the first floor. And if you visit between 3 and 7pm Sunday to Friday? Secure two cocktails for £15, including the classics and more unique tipples like the Strawberry Lynchburg Lemonade.
Whether you're booking a cosy dining pod or a seat on the rooftop terrace, The Varsity Club has it all.
5. The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
- Address: Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH
- Best For: Afternoon tea
The Ashmolean is a world-famous museum that brings in visitors from all over Oxford and beyond, but did you know that there's a rooftop restaurant and bar at the top? After a day of art, culture and history, there's no better way to wind down than by quaffing prosecco in the sun.
They serve one of the best afternoon teas around, starting from as little as £29.50 per person. Choose between a classic or vegan option, both featuring finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. Or for lunch, we recommend the braised British lamb shepherd's pie.
Whether you're in the mood for hot drinks or prosecco, you won't find a better afternoon rooftop tea than at the Ashmolean.
6. Victors
- 304 The Westgate, Queen Street, OX1 1PG
- Best For: Pretty Surrounds
Looking for the best rooftop bars in Oxford city centre? A stunning venue that's filled with wisteria, Victors is a dreamy escape from the busy streets below. There are floral displays throughout the bar and its outdoor terrace, as well as views of Christ Church Cathedral and cosy private dining pods during the winter months.
Expect live music and roast dinners on Sundays, alongside bottomless brunches and a truly spectacular afternoon tea. The a la carte menu features everything from sushi platters to lobster mac and cheese or rib eye steaks, and the cocktails are to-die-for.
Surround yourself with wisteria and stunning views at Victors Oxford.
7. Dirty Bones
- Address: 304 The Westgate, Queen Street, OX1 1PG
- Best For: American-style food
Though it's primarily a restaurant rather than a bar, Dirty Bones is still a great shout for rooftop drinking. This popular chain originated in London, specialising in New York-inspired food. this particular location offers an oasis of greenery right in the heart of the city, which you can look out over from their elevated terrace.
Get stuck into the likes of double-stacked wagyu burgers coated in raclette cheese, spicy chicken wings or mac and cheese balls dipped in yuzu mayo. And for drinks? It has to be a Brooklyn Buck, made with spiced rum and gingerbread syrup.
Devour hearty American meals while watching the sunset.
For more places to drink in the city, check out our roundup of the very best pubs in Oxford.
