The best rooftop bars in Shoreditch

Late lunches. Sunsets and spritz. Rooftop dates. Sitting at the top of Boundary Shoreditch, the warehouse turned boutique hotel is The Rooftop Bar & Grill. With wooded interiors, blankets (or parasols depending on the weather), logs and the occasional fairylight and fireplace, it’s always cool and cosy affair, come day or night.

Offering views of the city and a space for practically every occasion, this Shoreditch rooftop bar is an ideal spot whether you’re due a drink date with friends or have a party on the cards. Feast on fondue or celebrate with charcuterie and cocktails in their glass orangery, or hire out the entire space for an event with up to 100 guests.

The idyllic looking bar rests fittingly above the Courthouse Hotel and exudes all the glitz and glamour that you'd associated with a metropolitan hotel bar. Accompanying the stunning views, the detailed furniture, large umbrellas and candlelit tables drape a serene blanket of calm over the entire venue.

This al fresco East London party spot is a local classic. Never resting on their laurels, the Queen of Hoxton refresh their rooftop bar twice yearly with a seasonal theme: it's currently inspired by a cherry blossom garden, but expect a cosier theme when they put up their tipi in the winter months. It's a first-come-first-served bar space, with burgers for the hungry, Moet slushies for the sipping, and DJs on the decks.

The roof terrace closes at 9.30pm though, so don't leave your arrival too late – though you can carry on dancing 'til 2am indoors on the weekends.

Inspired by the mid-century modern vibes of Coachella Valley's Palm Springs, this stylish hotel bar offers sweeping views, West Coast bar snacks like crispy fried chicken and BBQ tacos, fine cocktails, and a dozen different tequilas too delicious to simply slam. Enjoy an evening visit, or swing by at the weekend for brunch.

The entire space is available for hire if you're hosting a get-together with a 'wow' factor. Smaller groups can book a table but can't be guaranteed an outdoor table, which are strictly first-come, first-served.

Assemble your crew – anywhere from 15 to 50 guests will do – and take over the VIP roof terrace at the Golden Bee, a bee-loved staple of the Shoreditch rooftop bar scene. Just a moment's walk from Old Street, you'll get private bar access for drinks, and sushi or pizza if you're in need of a nibble.

This roof terrace catches oodles of sun by day, but at night, the terrace glows with neon lighting, for a little extra visual drama. Too popular for just the roof? The whole venue can be booked for 350 guests. Meanwhile, smaller groups can of course drop by anytime.

Head up to the fourth floor of this fuss-free Hoxton pub to find, in their words, 'the best rooftop pub in Hoxton'. At the Red Lion, that means benches with room for 50 punters, astroturf underfoot and a bit of bamboo fencing: but when the sun is shining, what more do you need? The unassuming location means you might even manage to get a seat.

If the forecast is favourable, you can book a table in advance (though you'll need to put down a deposit - no bailing if the skies darken!) but the Red Lion like to keep back plenty of room for walk-ins, so you can't snap up the entire space.

The Mondrian's rooftop bar, aptly named “Laurel’s on the Roof” is themed on LA of the 1970s. Paying homage to the legendary Hollywood Hill pool parties of the time, the poolside bar serves an intoxicating dose of nostalgia with its design, food and vibe.

The interiors are bright, spacious and open with wooden floors, large indoor plants and hanging coir lanterns. Frozen Spicy Margaritas and Wet Gibsons are served in 70’s inspired glassware while Californian classics such as the Malibu Shrimp Cocktail and Cobb Salad are signature dishes on the menu.

The Mondrian offers tables for up to 6 people, with larger numbers requiring private hire through enquiry.

Situated atop the Montcalm Royal London House is Aviary Rooftop Restaurant and Bar. Escape the bustling nearby streets and make your way to the 10th floor to find sleek interiors, masterful menus and city views.

Having cemented its status as an all-rounder, Aviary welcomes guests year-round with carefully curated dishes and delightful drinks.

Till March, heated rooftop igloos make a brief appearance (much to the delight of every winter enthusiast), offering a seasonal fondue and cocktail experience that makes up for their limited run.

Switch between classic and signature cocktails, like their jammy Cardillo or Passion Fruit Martini and enjoy the view.

Aviary is available for exclusive hire.

As far as this Shoreditch bar is concerned, there’s more than meets the eye. Luckily, their rooftop terrace doesn’t scrimp on those all-important views.

Shoreditch staple TT Liquor is home to a cinema, liquor store and an underground cellar, but above it all stands their L-shaped Roof Terrace.

For those who prefer a bit of shade, back-to-back semi-covered booths line the terrace, as well as tables that offer the exact opposite. Come winter, the Kingsland Road bar turns up the heat with wind covers and heaters.

Choose from a selection of terrace tipples, seasonal drinks and the rotating monthly cocktail.

For private hire, the Roof Terrace hosts 80 seated guests and 120 standing.

In what might be one of the city’s most secluded rooftops, The Gate Hotel’s Outdoor Terrace offers some necessary quiet from the daily hustle and bustle.

The self-described “luxury aparthotel” delivers tasteful and minimalist interiors. Think yellow velvet chairs, hanging wicker chairs and rows of plant beds.

Host to classes, workshops and seasonal events, day-to-day the Outdoor Terrace is a space to relax, drink and take in the views. Adjacent to the fifth-floor Members’ Lounge, the terrace is only available for guests and private hire for up to 35 guests. So, if you’re in need of terrace views and a London hotel, you know where to look.

Nestled atop a pub, restaurant and bedrooms is The Culpeper’s Rooftop Garden. The cosy space is home to a garden boasting vegetables grown year-round.

From garden to garnish, produce makes its way onto the plates and into the cups of almost every customer. That Whisky Smash 11 on the menu? Garnished with mint grown on the rooftop.

Take in the expansive city views, fresh food and botanical drinks. More than just a place to chat, chill and catch golden hour, the Rooftop Garden also offers rooftop gardening workshops. Community and cocktails all come together at The Culpeper.

In true Shoreditch fashion, this Shoreditch rooftop is tucked away in a side street opposite BOXPARK. Head to the top floor of the popular members’ club for a spot by the rooftop pool. Open all year long, so whether it’s summer or winter, a swim is always encouraged.

For poolside drinks, the bar has you covered. Choose from a pick of fruity and floral cocktails, refreshing beers and quality spirits for an elevated experience. Poolside drinks and the setting sun – pure bliss.

Home to over 100 types of wine, Vagabond needs no introduction. You’ll no doubt have come across or been to the wine bar at some point, and it’s no wonder, it’s a favourite of wine enthusiasts and newbies alike.

Head over to their Shoreditch branch at Principle Place for a chill rooftop wine bar experience. With space for up to 70 guests, Vagabond’s leafy rooftop escape is an ideal choice for after-work drinks, quick lunches, dates, or a post-shopping bite to eat.

Offering wines of all kind – think red, white, sparkling, orange, and sweet wines, their self-serve bar works a treat when you want a bit of everything.