Six of the Best: Rooftop venues in London

THE TRAFALGAR ST JAMES

The go-to central London rooftop, the Trafalgar St James hotel’s smart-yet-relaxed bar looks out over Trafalgar Square. It’s a great place for cocktails and there are even cashmere blankets to keep guests warm on chilly nights.

The glass-enclosed ‘Room’ is available for private events.

THE BILTMORE, MAYFAIR

Set to become another sky-high central London staple, the new Biltmore hotel’s rooftop bar will open in well-heeled Mayfair this spring. The sheltered alfresco terrace lets visitors take in the sights whatever the weather.

12TH KNOT, SEA CONTAINERS, SOUTHBANK

Part of the nautical-themed Sea Containers hotel, this recently revamped rooftop bar has a playful design with space to host receptions and cocktail parties for up to 300 people.

VINTRY & MERCER’S ROOF TERRACE, CITY

Named after two historic guilds and nestled above the city’s atmospheric old trade halls, the roof terrace of the City’s newest boutique hotel is full of charm with a conservatory-style dining space and a pretty bar leading to a patio with views of St Paul's.

THE STANDARD LONDON, KING’S CROSS

Hip US brand Standard Hotels is opening its London outpost this spring. Three new storeys have been added to its revamped Brutalist home in King's Cross, topped by a precipitous bar accessed by an exterior lift.

THE STRATFORD AT MANHATTAN LOFT GARDENS, STRATFORD

The Stratford opens soon, and with it a terraced restaurant and garden, Allegra, on the 7th floor. Higher up, there will be a sheltered alfresco enclave on the 25th floor complete with fire pits, barbecues and bar.

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