The best al fresco bars in London

Let’s Go Outside

Looking for somewhere cool to enjoy cocktails al fresco? Check out our list of London’s hottest open air spots…

Central

Best for escaping the crowds with an expertly mixed cocktail: Milk & Honey (rooftop), 61 Poland Street, W1F 7NU. T: 020 7065 6840.

Best for generous space and stunning views over London’s landmarks: Vista at The Trafalgar (rooftop) 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS. T: 020 7870 2900 (£5 entry charge).

Best for a touch of glamour near Oxford Street: Aqua Nueva (rooftop) 240 Regent Street, W1B 3RB. T: 020 7478 0540

Best for lounging in a hydro spa and living the rock and roll dream: Sanctum Hotel (rooftop), 20 Warwick Street, W1B 5NF. T: 020 7292 6100

Best for celebrating your designer purchases with an ice cold martini: The Terrace at Fifth Floor Harvey Nichols (rooftop) 109-125 Brompton Road, SW1X 7RJ. T: 020 7235 5000

Best for chilling out, lighting up and relaxing with a first-class cigar: Garden Room at The Lanesborough (garden), Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA. T: 020 7259 5599

Best for posh barbies, cocktails, shisha pipes and live music: 51 Buckingham Gate (courtyard) 51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF. T: 020 7769 7766

Best for living the lush life in an inner City sanctuary: The Courtyard Garden at The Sanderson (courtyard), 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG. T: 020 7300 1400

City and Docklands

Best for glamour and greenery in the heart of the City: Coq D’Argent (rooftop), 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ. T: 020 7395 5000

Best for capturing the mood of a Portuguese summer: A Grelha at The Gun (terrace) 27 Coldharbour, Docklands, E14 9NS.
T: 020 7515 5222

South

Best for urban cool cats: Frank’s Café & Campari Bar (rooftop) 10^th floor, Peckham Multi-storey carpark, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Best for incredible views over the river: Cocktail Bar Terrace (terrace), Oxo Tower, Barge House Street, South Bank, SE1 9PH. T: 020 7803 3888

Best for social drinking in a secluded garden: Lost Society (courtyard garden), 697 Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JF. T: 020 7652 6526

North

Best for three great bars in one courtyard: VOC/Camino/Bar Pepito (courtyard), Varnishers Yard, Regent’s Quarter, N1 9FD

Best for watching narrowboats and ducks on the canal: (terrace) Rotunda, Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG. T: 020 7014 2840

East

Best for heaps of colour, fish pond fountains and films on the roof: Queen of Hoxton (rootop), 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX. T: 020 7422 0958.

Best for East End cool meets West End style: Boundary Rooftop (rooftop), 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD. T: 020 7729 1051.

West

Best for gin lovers taking a stroll in the park: The Gin Bar at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen (van on the terrace) Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, W2 2NH. T 020 7706 8114

Best for the wow factor: Babylon at The Roof Gardens (1.5 acres of rooftop gardens) 6^th floor, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. T: 020 7368 3993

What’s your favourite al fresco drinking spot? Drop us a line and tell us about it.