Soak up the summer vibes with these great roof gardens
By Steph Dye (follow Steph on Twitter: @HelloIAmSteph)
It’s finally June. The smell of London’s street food bounty wafts through the air, swathes of inappropriately, under-dressed people roam the streets and the sun can be seen for a full five minutes at a time: it must finally be summer. The first (and possibly most important) step of London’s sun worshipping ritual – in order to take the most advantage possible of it’s lukewarm rays – is get as close to it as possible. The best way to do this? Find a local rooftop that serves refreshment and while away weekday evenings and lazy weekends, lording it over the masses from your lofty view point. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite ten, budget rooftop bars so that capturing those fleeting moments of sunlight will be easier than ever.
As stated above, the rooftop bars have been chosen for their affordability. However, some of them are more expensive than others so check out the ‘£’ for further details. £ = Serious bargain, enjoy the views and get an alcoholic drink for under a fiver | ££ = mid-range, most drinks are between £5-£10 | £££ = pretty much spot on or just under £10.
#1 | Frank’s Cafe | Peckham | £
Frank’s Cafe
What is it?: A South-East London pilgrimage site situated on the tenth floor of a multi-story car park. Whilst the hype is high regarding this budget bar, it is important to remember that it is basic – yes, you will probably have to sit on the floor and yes, it will probably be very busy – due to it’s cult status among students.
How much is it?: Drinks are incredibly reasonable, with cocktails ranging between £6-£7.50, wine for £4.50-£5 and beers for £3.80-£4.80. Food is less economical, ranging from snack for £3 to informal dinner options for up to a tenner.
Where is it?: 10th Floor, Peckham Multi-Story Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
When is it?: Now – Late September: Tuesday-Friday, 5pm-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-11pm.
Try the: A constantly busy bar means rushed bar staff — go for easily mixed cocktails, such as the Moscow Mule or a Tom Collins.
#2 | Golden Bee | Shoreditch | ££
Golden Bee via TimeOut
What is it?: It’s what’s going on in the inside that’s counts at the Golden Bee as you certainly can’t go for the view. However, with regular goings on including live DJs and film screenings, plus the late weekend opening hours, the last thing on your mind will be the scenery…
How much is it?: Considering it’s central location, drinks are incredibly reasonable, with cocktails for £8.50, wine for around a fiver and beer for £4-£4.50. Plus, on Monday from 5pm-9pm and Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm-7pm, the happy hour will keep you thoroughly quenched, with deals including half-price cocktails! Be warned however, there are entry charges at the weekend, so check the website for details.
Where is it?: Singer Street, EC1V 9DD.
When is it?: Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-late.
Try the: Deliciously subtle lavender martini.
#3 | Rooftop Kitchen | Marylebone | £
The Rooftop Kitchen ©rooftopkitchen1 via Instagram
What is it?: A small but perfectly formed venue that has a quaint charm akin to chilling at a mates house. Don’t expect polish but do expect friendly, smiley service and relaxed dining, looking out over the rooftops of Marylebone. Think ‘afternoon with the family’; ‘not night on the tiles’.
How much is it?: Food is incredibly good value, with an all day brunch (including favourites such as eggs Benedict and a full English) averaging out at about £6.50. Dinner comes in at about £7.50. Drinks are limited, however a glass of wine is just £4, whilst a bottle is £19.50.
Where is it?: Rooftop Kitchen, The Top Floor, Alfie’s Antique Market, 13-25 Church Street, NW8 8DT.
When is it?: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Try the: Afternoon tea, for a great selection of handmade sandwiches, cakes and, of course, tea for just £10.50.
#4 | Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden | Southbank | ££
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden ©Queen Elizabeth Hall
What is it?: Now in it’s fifth year and with stunning views out over the River Thames, this rooftop haven is home to wild flowers, fruit trees and woodland areas. Originally an Eden Project experiment, the garden continued to thrive under the maintenance of volunteers who have experienced mental health issues or homelessness. It is free for the public to enjoy throughout the summer.
How much is it?: Basic but tasty salads and sandwiches feel highly priced at around £5.50 and drinks are not cheap either — a glass of wine is £5.80 for a small glass. Beers and spirits are more affordable, at £4.25 and £6.25 (for 50ml of spirit) respectively.
Where is it?: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm.
Try the: Probably the best value item on the drinks menu: a healthily sized pitcher of Pimm’s for £26.50.
#5 | Queen of Hoxton | Shoreditch | £
Queen of Hoxton Rooftop ©queenofhoxtonldn via Instagram
What is it?: A fun, funky rooftop bar and outside space between Shoreditch and Liverpool Street. With a new, multi-coloured look for the summer — a tribute to Dr Strange — this area is so much more than just a glorified smoking area, featuring live music, film events and much, much more.
How much is it?: A short but sweet collection of cocktails come in at a reasonable average of £8. However, wine and beers are a real steal: several varieties of wine come in at just over £3 a glass (125ml) and under £20 for a bottle. Draught beers can be bought in both pint (around £4) and half pint sizes (£2.20).
Where is it?: 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX.
When is it?: Monday-Thursday, 4pm-late; Friday, 3pm-late; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-late. All rooftop openings are dependent on weather.
Try the: Very Cherry Jerry: a delicious take on the Cuba Libre, with a shot of Disaronno for good measure (£7.90).
#6 | Lyric Theatre | Hammersmith | £££
Lyric Theatre Roof Garden
What is it?: Softening the harsh, concrete lines of the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith is this small green oasis that makes up part of the Peyton and Byrne bar and grill on the first floor. Starting out life as a seating area for a piece of outdoor theatre, the garden has blossomed with the help of local businesses and sustainability schemes in order to create an oasis of calm in a hugely built up part of London.
How much is it?: Perfect for either a pre-theatre snack or a light dinner, the summer offerings are fairly priced at around £10. Liquid refreshment is also affordable, with bottles of wine available for under £20 and cocktails for around £8. Beer drinkers are less lucky however, as most of the offerings are craft and therefore more expensive (about £5 for 330ml).
Where is it?: Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL.
When is it?: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-11pm. (Subject to weather conditions.)
Try the: Lyric Summer Cup — a different take on the traditional Pimm’s cup, made with a secret blend of ingredients (£7.50 for one|£22.50 for a jug to share).
#7 | The Magic Roundabout | Old Street |£££
The Magic Roundabout ©kerrielwyatt via Instagram
What is it?: Take a secret staircase in Old Street Station and rise above (literally) the hustle and bustle of the commuters below at this pop-up rooftop that features the best street food, DJs and drink that the city has to offer — just don’t expect great views to match.
How much is it?: Cocktails are all set at £8 each, whilst wine is initially expensive, getting cheaper as the quantities increase (so either bring friends or turn up thirsty!) Craft beers and street food are on rotation, so check the event you wish to attend for more details.
Where is it?: Old Street Roundabout, Old Street, EC1Y 1BE.
When is it?: The Magic Roundabout hosts events several days a week, however the opening times vary, so check the website for specific dates.
Try the: It has to be the ‘A Clockwork Orange’ inspired Upper Korova Milk Bar cocktail, featuring tequila, espresso, spiced milk and bee pollen.
#8 | Proud Camden | Camden | £££
via Proud Camden
What is it?: Revamped to celebrate the 150-year anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, the Proud Camden rooftop bar is open for the summer, celebrating the very best of English eccentricity just metres above Camden’s markets. With characters from the book wandering the terrace and themed décor, it should take moments to be transported to Lewis Carrol’s surreal world (and you can always indulge in a cocktail for liquid encouragement!)
How much is it?: Cocktails are expensive but no pricier than the rest of Camden, at around £10 each, however wine is a pricier option at this venue, with the cheapest bottles coming to just under £30.
Where is it?: The Horse Hospital, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH.
When is it?: Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-12am; Friday-Saturday, 12pm-2.30am.
#9 | Roof East | Stratford | ££
Roof East Terrace ©roofeast via Instagram
What is it?: With views out over the Olympic Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit (try saying that after a couple of cocktails) this rooftop terrace is on a similar vein to the aforementioned Frank’s in Peckham as it is similarly basic. On the upside however, this no-frills approach does come with a cheaper price tag, as well as a whole host of great events.
How much is it?: The small but inventive cocktail list averages out at about £8.
Where is it?: Floors 7 and 8, Stratford Multi-storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE.
When is it?: Tuesday-Friday, 5pm-11pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-11pm.
Try the: Rockadollar Dogs – a food pop up by the talented head chef of Hawksmoor Knightsbridge.
#10 | Prince of Wales | Brixton | ££
Prince of Wales Rooftop Terrace ©powbrixton via Instagram
What is it?: Arguably one Brixton’s best outside spaces, the large terrace area is the perfect to sun trap to soak up those summer vibes. Open til late most weekends, spinning house, disco and hip hop all night long.
How much is it?: Draught beers cost between £4-£6. Wine is more expensive, starting at £6 a glass (although it does come in 250ml servings). Stick to cocktails instead, which begin at £5.
Where is it?: 467-469 Brixton Road, SW9 8HH
When is it?: Check individual nights for specific opening times.
Try the: Stingray (£5.50) a Brixton-esque serving of Wray and Nephew and Grapefruit Ting.
Fancy eating not drinking? Check out these brilliant, budget pizza restaurants.
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