Admiring gorgeous cityscape views while you sip on a cheeky cocktail (or three). What’s not to love?
There are endless stunning skyline views across the UK to choose from. And with our guide to Britain’s best rooftop bars, your next night out with friends, family or a special someone, is sorted! We’ve picked 10 of Britain’s best rooftop bars, perfect for cloudless summer rooftop dining or a cosy autumnal nightcap.
1. Varsity Club – Oxford
If you want spectacular views from the University capital of Britain, look no further than Oxford’s The Varsity Club. With four floors of cocktail lounging, the roof terrace boasts stunning 360-degree views of the dreaming historic spires.
Nestled amongst Oxford’s buzzy city centre, The Varsity Club offers all-year-round rooftop dining, with heaters on standby for those chilly evenings. With resident DJs bringing the tunes every Friday and Saturday evening, this rooftop bar is perfect for intimate dates and big nights out alike.
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2. Hall and Woodhouse – Bath
If you’re looking for a great place to rest your legs after a long promenade in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, head to Hall and Woodhouse Bath, where delicious traditional food and drink meet on a relaxing outdoor rooftop terrace.
This cosy, heated rooftop bar has remained under the radar from tourists and prides itself in creating a friendly space for family pub dining and late-night celebrations. Best of all, Hall and Woodhouse Bath is dog-friendly! Feel free to bring your pup along for the evening.
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3. Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen – Leeds
This indie venue has a jam-packed event calendar planned for their 2023 10-year anniversary – you simply can’t miss it! Offering everything from live music and art to electric film and games nights spread across three floors and a trendy sun-bathed roof terrace.
Sip on locally brewed craft beer while chowing down on a yummy freshly made pizza from resident pizza-slingers Dough Boys. Or check out the mouthwatering meat and vegan burgers at the iconic in-house burger joint Patty’s Burgers.
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4. Sky Garden – London
Enjoy that long-awaited reunion with one of the best views in town at London’s Sky Garden. Whether it’s a daytime coffee catch-up or an unforgettable cocktail and dinner date, you’re guaranteed spectacular skyline views of Britain’s capital.
As well as views to wow, the Sky Pod Bar also boasts a beautiful atmospheric garden – totally free to enjoy and explore. Sky Garden takes dining in the sky to another level, but don’t forget to book your reservation early!
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5. Bussey Rooftop Bar – Peckham
Sitting high atop the Bussey Rooftop Bar is like stepping into a tropical oasis. This Peckham rooftop cocktail bar offers mouthwatering food and drinks with 360-degree views of London’s famous skyline.
But Bussey offers much more than just late-night drinking with incredible London views. Enjoy the latest movies with Rooftop Film Club at the Bussey Building, making this a must-visit spot if you find yourself in South London! Click here to explore upcoming showings or make your dining booking at this vibrant rooftop paradise.
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6. Goodness Gracious @ OH ME OH MY – Liverpool
The name says it all. Perched on top of the popular afternoon tea spot, OH ME, OH MY is a stunning rooftop terrace to really make you say, ‘Goodness Gracious!’
Open April through to September, this gorgeous Liverpool spot offers breathtaking skyline views, wonderfully unique cocktails and stylish Parisian-inspired interiors. With a walk-in-only policy, this rooftop cocktail bar is perfect for a spontaneous night out with friends.
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7. 20 Stories – Manchester
Right in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields, you’ll find the magnificent rooftop bar 20 Stories. With a lively rooftop cocktail bar and glamorous restaurant exclusively celebrating local produce, the cherry on top of the cake at 20 Stories is the cosy rooftop terrace.
Complete with unparalleled views of the Mancunian skyline, guests can enjoy the shelter from the intimate rooftop pergola on those colder winter evenings or unwind under the expansive rooftop canopy.
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8. Bambalan – Bristol
Central to the exciting, culturally rich city of Bristol is Bambalan – one of the city’s best-loved drinking, dining and music spots. Home to a bright rooftop bar with exquisite city views, tuck into a tasty Mediterranean-inspired and seasonal cocktail menu.
Enjoy the ambient tunes of Bristol’s up-and-coming DJs, catch the tense sporting events, or relax under the festively decorated rooftop terrace.
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9. Cask Smugglers – Edinburgh
Discover the story behind Edinburgh’s prohibition past with spectacular views at Cask Smugglers. Take a seat on the sun-drenched terrace, sip on a classic cocktail or whiskey and indulge yourself in a slice of homemade pizza. We’d recommend trying the ‘Braveheart’, a delicious pizza with a Scottish twist of Haggis, black pudding and salami!
With a splendid wine mezzanine and rooftop terrace to explore, see Edinburgh from a whole new perspective at Cask Smugglers. And if you’re planning an extra special occasion, check out Cask Smuggler’s Secret Domes! A unique dining experience perfect for bringing loved ones together.
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10. The Canal House – Birmingham
The rustically decorated Canal House in Birmingham is one of the best-loved spots for soaking up the Brummie summer sunshine or enjoying a cosy nightcap. With canal-side seating, the rooftop bar overlooks the beautiful city and delivers a warm, friendly atmosphere for all who dine.
Enjoy a refreshing spritz, tasty sharing boards, a classic British Sunday Roast or even the famous Canal House Hanging Kebab as you marvel at the expansive canal views of the city. Sounds like the perfect evening right?
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