The very best rooftop bars in London right now

Battersea Power Station is quickly becoming a hub of retail and hospitality, and one of the development’s newest additions is Joia on the 16th floor of the art’otel. Joai, which means jewel in Portuguese, serves up refreshing summery cocktails and wines alongside a selection of Iberian small plates created by two-Michelin-starred Lisbon chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, including an octopus salad and a classic prego sandwich. If you fancy really leaning into the holiday atmosphere, then pack your swimsuit and take a dip in the heated infinity pool…

Frank’s is a summer rite of passage for South Londoners. As soon as the sun comes out, the pink Instagram stories start popping up… I mean, did you even go if you don’t get a picture on the bubblegum pink staircase? The menu features an array of cocktails, both classic and house, as well as a tantalising food selection, including grilled prawns and barbecued ribs that taste like summer weekends. There isn’t just the uninterrupted city skyline at sunset to admire too, the renovated car park features contemporary artworks to ponder. Entry is free, but get down early on a weekend if you want to avoid a pretty lengthy queue.

Netil360 is as legendary to the East and Frank’s is to the South, and the vibes are pretty similar too. It’s free entry and there’s a decent amount of stairs to climb to get to the top, but once you’re there, the sunset skyline is really spectacular. The seating arrangement used to be pretty much non-existent, with people chilling out on the floor, however there’s been a bit of a revamp and the space now features more tables and booths as well as a very cool Japanese eatery. The drinks menu is reasonably priced for such a coveted spot, and they use local suppliers wherever possible.

Perched atop the striking Walkie-Talkie building, the Sky Pod Bar boasts panoramic views of the city’s skyline, looking out across the River Thames and The Shard. Within the lush, verdant wonderland, where you’ll find a vibrant array of exotic plants and flowers, the bar itself is a sophisticated spot that offers a carefully curated selection of botanical inspired cocktails and nibbles including small plates and cheeses. From Wednesdays until Sundays, visitors can also enjoy live music and late-night DJs — what an unforgettable location in which to dance the night away!

If you’re really looking to impress, ascend to the sleek and sultry Aqua rooftop bars — a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus. There are two spots to choose from, depending on whether you prefer elegant decor, rustic touches and vibrant greenery that will transport you straight to the sun-soaked terraces of Spain, or the cool and contemporary late-night ambience of Kyoto. The menus feature Spanish wines and showstopping seasonal cocktails, while you can devour jewel-like sushi or moreish tapas — including, allegedly, the best croquetas in the capital!

12th Knot, Sea Containers’ rooftop bar, has partnered with Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru for the ‘Summer of 54 Terrace’ takeover, which launched earlier this summer. Set against a backdrop of unrivalled views across the Thames to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London, 12^th Knot brings the essence of Studio 54 and bohemia to the heart of London. Offering a brand-new menu of bar snacks and a curated menu of twists on classic retro 70s inspired cocktails using Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, cocktails include Boogie Nights (Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Vetiver Oil, Lemongrass, White Grape & Apricot Soda) and the Studio 54 Sour (Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Muskmelon & Lychee Cordial, Lemon Juice, Egg White).