Last Thursday, I slipped past a nondescript glass door in the heart of Soho and found a balcony that overlooked the city skyline like a secret garden. The bar was called Sky & Sigh, and it served a single cocktail that tasted of smoked citrus and a whisper of sea salt. That night, I realised London’s rooftops still hold a few well‑guarded gems, and I set out to map them.
1. The Glass House – 12th Floor, Tower 42
Located on the 12th floor of Tower 42, The Glass House is a former office space turned lounge. The floor‑to‑ceiling windows give you an uninterrupted view of the Thames, and the bar’s signature drink, the London Fog, is a gin‑based concoction with a hint of Earl Grey. A 45‑minute wait for a table is normal on Friday nights, but the 10‑minute walk from the nearest tube station makes it worth the effort.
2. The Green Room – Rooftop of The O2
Hidden behind a plain door in the O2’s basement, The Green Room is a botanical oasis. The menu lists only five cocktails, each named after a different herb. The most popular is the Mint Mirage, served in a glass that glows faintly under black light. The bar’s open‑air layout means you can feel the summer breeze even in July, and the 15‑minute walk from the O2 entrance is a quick stroll through the park.
3. The Loft – 5th Floor, The Shard
The Loft is a minimalist space that sits on the 5th floor of The Shard. Its interior is dominated by a single, sleek bar counter and a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers, but the highlight is the Shard Sour, a bourbon‑based drink with a citrus twist. A 20‑minute wait for a table on weekends is typical, but the 30‑minute walk from the nearest tube stop is a pleasant detour.
4. The Rooftop – 3rd Floor, The Curtain Theatre
Inside The Curtain Theatre, a 3‑floor‑high space hosts a rooftop bar that feels like a hidden speakeasy. The bar’s menu is limited to three cocktails and a selection of fine wines. The Red Velvet, a rum‑based drink with a splash of pomegranate, is a favourite. The bar is only 10 minutes from the nearest tube station, and the 15‑minute walk to the theatre is a scenic route through the city’s historic streets.
5. The View – 8th Floor, The Gherkin
The View is a small, intimate bar that sits on the 8th floor of The Gherkin. The bar’s menu is limited to two cocktails and a selection of craft beers. The Gherkin Grape, a gin‑based drink with a hint of elderflower, is a must‑try. The bar’s 10‑minute walk from the nearest tube station is a quick stroll through the city’s historic streets.
Bridge to Online Entertainment
After a night of sipping cocktails and taking in the city’s skyline, I found myself craving a different kind of thrill. I discovered that the same sense of adventure can be found online, where a platform called Wild Robin offers a selection of games that let you test your luck and strategy from the comfort of your own home.
Why These Bars Stand Out
Each of the five bars I visited shares a common trait: they are all tucked away in places that most tourists overlook. The Glass House and The Loft offer breathtaking views, while The Green Room and The Rooftop provide a more intimate, botanical atmosphere. The View, with its limited menu, focuses on quality over quantity. The common denominator is that they all require a bit of effort to find, but the payoff is a memorable evening.
Final Thoughts
London’s rooftops still hold a few hidden treasures that are worth the extra walk. Whether you’re looking for a panoramic view, a botanical escape, or a minimalist vibe, these five bars offer something for every taste. The next time you’re planning a weekend escape, consider stepping off the beaten path and into one of these secret rooftops. The city’s skyline will thank you.