The Berkeley

From May, The Berkeley’s snazzy rooftop opens its doors to non-residents. Views are extra special: to the left, there are the red bricks and turrets of Knightsbridge, and below, leafy Hyde Park stretches all the way to the horizon. While you can’t swim in the pool, its presence does up the summer anti – grab a table on the terrace for park views or laze on a deck chair poolside to watch the water sparkle. The Hyde Park Spritz is rather fitting – a zesty blend of Cointreau, benedictine and lemon. We also loved the fruity Pool Party, which mixed Campari with Chambord, rhubarb and strawberry. There is a whole bunch of bar snacks on offer, which come larger than you’d expect (as opposed to a few measly nuts or olives served in a teeny bowl). Order the juicy watermelon salad with tomato, feta and mint, or try the seared beef topped with punchy truffle artichoke pesto. Sophie Knight

Forza Wine, Peckham

The team behind Peckham staple Forza Win has applied its aperitivo expertise to pop-up sister space Forza Wine, where a rotation of seasonal ingredients such as oily tomatoes and garlicky pesto are scooped up with fat fingers of flatbread, and crunchy, aioli-drizzled cauliflower fritti give the underrated vegetable a good name. Skip the soft serve and order a sgroppino (lemon sorbet, vodka, and prosecco) if it’s available, and don’t be surprised if otherwise elegant cocktails are served in tumblers – up here, the wind has a habit of knocking over flutes, but it’s worth the gamble with the British weather to bag a table on the terrace with views across neighbouring Frank’s of the cityscape beyond. Anna Prendergast

Circe’s Rooftop Waterloo

Named after the God of Sun’s daughter, Greek-inspired Circe’s has taken over the space of the former Bar Elba in Waterloo – bringing you the same, stunning views of the area but with an even sunnier twist. Think a gorgeous pink, yellow and rattan look with the Mediterranean small plates to match, alongside Olympians-themed cocktails, frozen pina coladas and more for drinks.

Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

For sleek interiors, a spacious roof terrace, incredible cocktails and brilliant views, look no further than Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in Finsbury Square (just shy of Moorgate and Liverpool Street). Located on the tenth floor of the luxe Montcalm hotel, stunning scenery can be seen from its igloos and summer terrace; there’s also an inside seating area where you can tuck into some delicious seasonal fare.

Clap, Knightsbridge

Public rooftops in Knightsbridge are hard to come by. Clap, a modern Japanese restaurant spread over two floors, has its own little outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy Asian-inspired cocktails and light bites such as salted edamame, wagyu beef gyozas and sushi rolls. Sip on creative cocktails to views of the sinking sun reflecting off Harrods twinkling dome roof, and busy Brompton Road lined by historic buildings with pristine facades. We particularly loved the sweet and sour gin-based cocktail ‘Legend of Wakou’ and the ‘Akai Gaiko’ for a fruity play on a margarita mixing fresh beetroot juice and tequila. Sophie Knight

Pergola on The Wharf

If you’re in need of rooftop bars in East London, then Pergola on The Wharf is a great shout. Make your way through the idyllic gardens above Crossrail Place to find the gorgeous spot, which is fronting live DJs, bottomless brunch parties and Sunday roasts.

Upstairs At The Department Store, Brixton

Downstairs, hurried commuters spill from the station, stressed shoppers navigate London’s most cramped Sainsbury’s and locals collect on pavements to chat and play music. Upstairs is different, a little bit like a member’s club, without the hushed tones or intimidating staff (you can either get a guest pass for the evening or pay a membership fee to go whenever you want). Not only is it one of the best, but one of the most in-the-know rooftop bars in London. You’re greeted by name and then left well alone to enjoy your evening, whether that involves a game of ping pong or table football, cocktails at the bar or supper in the sun. Inside, the design is more Brooklyn than Brixton, with industrial wooden beams and low lighting, and the atmosphere is more New York than London too – people welcome conversation with strangers. The food menu is sourced from the rooftop garden where possible, so salads are fantastically fresh. Skip pudding and get cocktails; they’re herby and refreshing, ideal for golden hour toasts. Anna Prendergast

Smiths of Smithfield

Smiths of Smithfield is giving you everything you need if you’re looking for an evening with friends or a fun date night in the heart of Farringdon. Alongside gorgeous views of the city, you’ll also get to toast with an impressive cocktail or glass of wine in hand.

Netil 360, Hackney

Netil360 is a sprawling space in East London that’s ideally positioned for soaking up every bit of light the day has to offer. By sunset, the impressive 360 (the hint is in the name) degree views take the limelight as orange skies melt into a web of twinkling city lights. The bar is casual (definitely no suits or stilettos) – at least until that seminal sundown moment when the atmosphere shifts and the party starts. On the menu is made-to-order pizza and local craft beer, plus spirits at reasonable prices. Although slightly rough around the edges, this rooftop bar has charm – perhaps best illustrated by a pleasingly out-of-place disco ball that bounces speckles of sunlight around the place.

TT Liquor

Take your cocktail drinking up a level by heading over to TT Liquor. This scenic spot offers panoramic views of the city, making it a pretty plot to enjoy alfresco imbibing in the summertime. Plus, they host all kinds of exciting events, from masterclasses to tasting experiences.

Bussey Rooftop Bar

A lively rooftop in Peckham, Bussey is our shout if you’re looking for a watering hole that scales the city. Among pops of greenery and tropical summer vibes, you can chow down on pizza from London trader Share A Slice with a cocktail in hand as you overlook the skyline.\

Searcys at the Gherkin

Promising stunning panoramas of the city from this iconic skyscraper, Searcys at the Gherkin can be found on the 39th and 40th floors. The modern interiors are simple and elegant, letting the 360-degree views really shine.

You can enjoy a wide range of premium wines and Champagnes here, as well as a menu full of British treats – think pulled lamb shoulder, pan-seared seabass and pumpkin ravioli. Plus, they offer a boozy afternoon tea starting from £55.

Aqua Spirit, Soho

Overlooking Regent Street, escape Oxford Circus for a sunset on one of the three terraces at Aqua London, one of the best bars in Soho. Wine ranges from affordable to extravagant – think house whites alongside bottles of Dom Pérignon Rosé – and there is a tidy range of fruity cocktails, including non-alcoholic options that make sober socialites feel like part of the party. Best of all, the bar snacks menu reads like a lip-smacking canapé selection; think wild mushroom croquettes, Iberian charcuterie selections, and pistachio churros dipped in dark chocolate sauce.

Madison

If it’s stunning views of St Paul’s, a tasty tapas menu and creative cocktails that you’re after, Madison is an absolute must. With a terrace that is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to views on offer, this icon welcomes you for sunset snacks or a weekend bottomless brunch overlooking the city. The rooftop has been transformed into a beautiful oasis this summer, featuring pampas grass, olive branches and gypsophila woven together to create a gorgeous cloudscape. Kick back in a wicker ‘egg’ nest and enjoy light bites such as ceviche and lobster tacos, or enjoy three courses alongside an Aperol spritz.

The Windmill Mayfair

Okay so it’s more a rooftop terrace than a rooftop bar, but we still felt The Windmill was worthy of a slot on the list. You’ll find this hidden oasis of calm above the cosy vibes of the pub downstairs, where mouthwatering pies and an exceptional selection of cask ales are on offer.

Coq D’argent, The City

Coq d’Argent was designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who has won numerous awards and gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. The concept for the design of the striking apex garden emanated from images of ploughed fields. Look over the famous Square Mile and landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion House, Monument and the Bank of England. Look out for live music performances during the summer months – they’ll be sure to banish the Sunday scaries in no time.

Radio At Me London, The Strand

The rooftop bar of the ME London hotel is set on top of the former BBC building on Aldwych and the Strand – hence the name. The vibe is something between City swagger and Euro strut. It’s high in the absolute heart of London so the views are fantastic, with enough landmarks in sight to keep you entertained even on the most boring of dates. Look out past the Savoy and Waterloo Bridge to the South Bank and the Gherkin, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye; and across the rooftops of Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

Boundary, Shoreditch

Atop Boundary Hotel in Shoreditch sits one of East London’s swankiest bars-with-a-view. The Rooftop Bar and Grill has a large outdoor terrace and a sheltered Orangery restaurant with panoramic views. Italian Roberto Branca oversees things in the kitchen, and any visit proves that Londoners can’t get enough of the chef’s Mediterranean flavours. The new summer menu includes grilled chermoula prawns with sesame mayonnaise, lamb köftes with fregola salad, and T-bone steaks cooked however you like, drizzled in indulgent sauces. Or go for charcuterie washed down with crisp wines and an indulgent pudding.