London nightlife is in a class of its own. Never boring, always inventive, there are incredible spaces throughout the city that offer refreshment, fun, and, in some instances, incredible views. Hidden above street level, here are five rooftop bars that you should make time to explore
Frank's Cafe in Peckham, southeast London
Located at the top of a multi-storey carpark, eight floors above the bustle of Stratford, you’ll find a colourful playground.
Just one Tube stop from our Mile End Campus (or a walk via the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) is Roof East; a vibrant space that provides drinks, delicious street food and so much more. From film nights to yoga classes, crazy golf to private hire, Roof East has something for everyone.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 4pm - 11pm, Saturday to Sunday 12pm - 11pm (note that Roof East is closed during the winter months. See their site and social media accounts for more information).
Another East London gem, Netil360 has been a London Fields’ institution for a while.
Not just a food and drink venue, this rooftop bar has expanded its offering over the years to become East London’s first hot and cold sauna. Netil360 offers iconic views, delicious home-made pizzas, cocktails, wine, and locally-sourced beers all year round thanks to its heated indoor area.
Opening hours, October-March: Friday 5pm – 12.30am, Saturday midday-12.30am. Check nearer the time for its summer opening hours.
Now to Central London, where you’ll find Bar Elba. Located in Waterloo, Bar Elba provides an informal pub atmosphere with reasonably priced food and drink.
The party pods for hire offer awe-inspiring 360-degree vistas and there’s a popular brunch menu available at the weekend. Not only that, but the bar also plans to open during the winter months, so you can enjoy the South Bank skyline twelve months a year.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 3pm-12am, Thursday to Friday, 3pm-1am, Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 12pm-12am.
The second car park entry on our list, Skylight Rooftop Bar offers both indoor and outdoor space from a corner of London steeped in history.
Situated across three floors of fake grass, Skylight takes fun very seriously. If you love events, you’ll love it here. Skylight is known for regularly throwing sell-out evenings for a variety of occasions.
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 12pm-11pm.
Perched atop another multi-storey car park, this Peckham institution is a true budget venue that still offers gorgeous panoramas and a great night out.
Particularly popular with students, drinks are very reasonably priced and food options range from light snacks to full meals. Frank's Cafe is open throughout the summer months until late September. It’s known to get very busy, so a good tip is to go easy on the complicated cocktails orders.
Opening hours: Frank’s Cafe will be reopening for summer on May 14.