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London’s Rooftop Retreats: Where to Stay, Dine, and Drink with a View

Are you looking for a hotel with a rooftop restaurant in London? Then you’ve come to the right place! London’s hotels are no longer just a place to rest your head; they’re becoming culinary and cocktail destinations. Many of these hotels boast breathtaking rooftop views, sparkling swimming pools, and tiny green oases that take you far beyond the hustle and bustle of the city below. Get ready to explore some of the most stylish and exciting rooftop restaurants and bars London has to offer.

Radio Rooftop: ME Hotel London | DesignMyNight

A Touch of Luxury: Rooftop Restaurants and Bars

From the grand Trafalgar St James to the modern Novotel Canary Wharf, these hotels offer a touch of luxury combined with stunning rooftop experiences.

The Trafalgar St James, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, exudes the grandeur you’d expect from a central London hotel. While the rooms are named after historical figures, their interiors have a surprisingly modern feel. Head to The Rooftop for alfresco dining and drinks, enjoying views of the iconic Trafalgar Square.

The Gantry’s Union Social is a rooftop gem in Stratford. The stunning interiors are decked out in foliage and floor-to-ceiling windows, leading out onto a sun-drenched outdoor space. This is the perfect spot for a drink or a bite to eat. The all-day menu features international dishes like miso noodle bowls and homemade arancini, accompanied by an impressive drinks list and late-night DJ sets.

Novotel Canary Wharf adds a touch of luxury to your city escape. This hotel has a gym, pool, and a sleek, sky-high restaurant with views of the financial district. The rooms are simple yet stylish, featuring a calming color palette. Feeling peckish? Head to Bōkan, where you can indulge in award-winning British cuisine and a dedicated gin menu.

Trafalgar Hotel Rooftop St James London | DesignMyNight

Chic and Stylish: Rooftop Delights

From the trendy Shoreditch to the elegant Southbank, these hotels offer stylish rooms and rooftop spaces that are sure to impress.

Located in Shoreditch, the Ace Hotel is a chic space with a laid-back vibe. While the rooms themselves are minimalist and cool, it’s the restaurants and bars that truly steal the show. VQ serves elevated British cuisine, while Shikumen Luxe offers aromatic Chinese dishes. For drinks, head to Jin Bo Law on the 14th floor, where you can gaze at the city skyline.

The Montcalm Royal London House in Finsbury Square offers a tranquil escape. The rooms are decorated in a mid-century style with splashes of color and monochromatic bathrooms. Choose from two incredible bars: Burdock, a relaxed space with shuffleboard tables, and the stunning Aviary, with sky-high igloos in the winter and sunny alfresco dining in the warmer months.

Sea Containers, inspired by 1920s transatlantic sea travel, sits on the Southbank. Head to the 12th Knot, the rooftop bar, for panoramic views of St Paul’s and the Gherkin. Inside, plush velvet sofas invite you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The hotel’s rooms, reminiscent of cabins, feature grey shades, golden-edged mirrors, and pops of pink.

Treehouse Hotel London: The Nest Restaurant | DesignMyNight

Bohemian and Beautiful: Rooftop Relaxation

These hotels offer a bohemian vibe and rooftop spaces that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the city views.

The Hoxton has cemented its place as one of London’s best hotels with a rooftop restaurant. The bedrooms are decorated in calming olive greens and framed prints, while the Seabird rooftop space has a New York City feel. Exposed brick walls, rattan chairs, and painted floorboards create a boho atmosphere. The raw bar, with its extensive oyster list, is a must-try.

Boundary in Shoreditch adds to the area’s stylish reputation. The boutique hotel has 17 crisp, white rooms, each with unique touches. Head to the Rooftop Bar & Grill for fondue and breathtaking views.

Treehouse Hotel London, part of the SH Group, is all about cozy spaces made from repurposed materials. The stunning city view adds to the treehouse feel. Madera, the restaurant, serves Mexican-inspired dishes and margaritas in a buzzing LA-style atmosphere.

Union Social: The Gantry Hotel Rooftop Bar Stratford | DesignMyNight

Exclusive and Exciting: Rooftop Pools and More

These hotels offer exclusive experiences, including rooftop pools and dining.

Shoreditch House is a must-visit for those seeking a hotel with a rooftop pool. It’s members-only, but worth the effort to enjoy a swim and relax next to stunning city views. Pen Yen, the Japanese restaurant, serves sushi, robata, and yuzu-laced desserts.

Montcalm Hotel: Aviary Rooftop Bar London | DesignMyNight

Charming and Cozy: Rooftop Gardens and Pubs

These unique hotels offer a charming, cozy atmosphere with rooftop gardens and pubs.

The Culpeper is more of a pub with rooms than a hotel, but it’s a charming and cute option. With hanging plants, wall-to-wall sash windows, and a restaurant specializing in seasonal set menus, it’s a delight from top to bottom. The five simple bedrooms on the second floor each have fireplaces and oak headboards. The rooftop garden, complete with a firepit, is the perfect place to unwind.

ME London’s Radio Rooftop is on the 10th floor and one of the capital’s most popular sky-high spots. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, it’s a sleek and stylish place to relax after a busy day. The rooms feature contemporary design, state-of-the-art technology, and private balconies with views of the city.

The Standard: Kings Cross Hotel Rooftop Bar | DesignMyNight

Vibrant and Unique: Rooftop Cocktails and Bites

These hotels offer vibrant rooftop spaces perfect for enjoying cocktails and light bites.

The Standard, with its 1974 brutalist architecture, is known for its unique spaces. The Rooftop on the 11th floor is a brightly colored suntrap serving punchy cocktails and wine on tap. Enjoy a menu of light bites and American-style hot dogs when hunger strikes.

Ham Yard Hotel’s rooftop, despite its Soho location, has the charm of a country retreat. The quintessentially British space features huge patterned headboards, green striped wallpaper, and a rooftop terrace with beehives and a herb garden. Look out for outdoor yoga, gin tastings, and cocktail sessions open to the public.

For more panoramic views and rooftop inspiration, check out our list of London’s best rooftops. Sign up for our newsletter here to get the latest updates in your inbox.

Seabird: The Hoxton Southwark Hotel Bar | DesignMyNight

Reference photo

Boundary: Rooftop Bar & Grill Shoreditch Hotel | DesignMyNight
Shoreditch House: Rooftop Pool And Restaurant London | DesignMyNight
Bokan: London Novotel Rooftop Bar | DesignMyNight
12th Knot: Sea Containers Rooftop London Bar | DesignMyNight
The Culpeper: Shoreditch Pub With Rooms And Rooftop | DesignMyNight
Ham Yard Hotel: Roof Bar In Soho London | DesignMyNight
London's Rooftop Retreats: Where to Stay, Dine, and Drink with a View
Henry Bennett
Henry Bennetthttps://londongreens.org/
Henry Bennett is a well-respected travel journalist with a particular interest in London’s culinary scene, nightlife, and cultural events. With years of experience covering travel and lifestyle topics, Henry’s writing captures the essence of London’s dynamic atmosphere. His guides offer readers an insider’s view of the best places to eat, drink, and be entertained in the city.

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