The Queen of Hoxton is always a solid summertime bet. They have a special bar on the rooftop (no trekking downstairs to get a drink) and a BBQ to boot. This summer, the rooftop is Cuban-themed.
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street
2. Frank's Café
3. The Boundary
An East London institution, this dreamy roof terrace is super-popular. That means you might have to wait for a table, but once you have your table, you're not under any kind of time limit. So, you can settle in for evening.
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street
A big, friendly local pub, the Fullback's real draw is its massive beer garden. Multi-layered, with terraces and nooks and crannies, you'll always find a seat. And they do really good Thai food.
Nearest station: Finsbury Park
6. Mr Fogg's
The Hendrick’s Botanical Garden at Mr Fogg's is a more gentle way to get some fresh air. This dainty, elevated garden is inspired by Victorian travellers, so you can expect ceiling fans, lush fronds, and devilishly strong cocktails.
Nearest station: Green Park
Plan a Peckham rooftop excursion, and visit the Bussey after Frank's. The Bussey is busy and vibrant, with loads of events happening on the floors below. Meanwhile, why not catch a movie on the Rooftop?
Nearest station: Peckham
Big, and, well, chilled, this is a nifty King's Cross option. There's loads of space up on the roof (pictured is only half of the area), and there's a BBQ hut too.
Nearest station: King's Cross St Pancras
If you're searching for an airy space for central London drinks, then head to the Prince of Wales Feathers. Their roof terrace has had a recent refurb, and they also do a nice range of craft beers.
Nearest station: Warren Street
This Brixton pub has a super-late license, which means that as long as the sun stays out, so can you. The music is always good, and they also serve wood-fired pizzas. What more could you want?
Nearest station: Brixton
Lounge in a deckchair in the sun, sip on some custom craft beer, and perhaps nibble on some Middle Eastern Barbeque food.
If you sign up for a £5 membership, not only do you get free access to film screenings, you're also making a charity donation.
Nearest station: Dalston Kingsland
12. Sky Lounge
This 12th floor terrace offers incredible views of the shard along with summertime fun activities like ten pin bowling.
The downside? It's a little pricy (alcoholic drinks start at £6). On the plus side, you can reserve an area for 10 people or more.
Nearest station: Fenchurch Street
13. Netil House
During the day, Netil house is a vibrant co-working space, and as the sun goes down their giant rooftop turns into a bar. There's plenty of seating – from deckchairs to beanbags – and they serve a mean Espresso Martini.
Nearest station: London Fields
The Kensington Roof Gardens are undeniably stunning, and free for the public to visit. You can book ahead for a wander around, or be smarter still and book a cocktail on the Babylon Terrace.
Cocktails start at £11, and you have a view out across the the English Woodland garden, complete with four real flamingos.
Nearest station: High Street Kensington
15. The Fox
This top-notch craft beer pub also has a stealthy roof garden. Sun-dappled and spacious, what more could you want? Bonus! They have the best pub dog in London.
Nearest station: Haggerston