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The top 10 rooftop bars in London

The hottest spots for a sunny outing.

3 min read

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Rooftop bar bookings suddenly soar when the sun shines, and Coutts clients can get in ahead of the crowd.

Let’s talk about the weather. It is a truly wondrous thing when the sun comes out to play in Britain. People feel brighter, better and bolder, and rush to make the most of it as beaches, parks and pub gardens sizzle with activity.

Rooftop bars also become highly sought-after hot spots – a warm sun and wondrous view combining to create something magical. Whether you want a bright breakfast, hot lunch or sun-kissed supper – you’re almost guaranteed a good time.

No surprise then that Ten Lifestyle Group, the company behind our Coutts Concierge service available to Silk cardholders, saw a sharp spike in demand for rooftop bar bookings during Easter’s burst of sunshine. Fortunately, our clients have a much better chance of securing a high-altitude booking however strong the demand, thanks to our connections.

But where exactly are they catching their rooftop rays in London? Here are the ten most in-demand rooftop bars in the capital booked through Coutts Concierge (click on the place name to visit the website).

 

1) Lido at the Curtain, Shoreditch

Perched atop Michael Achenbaum’s luxury hotel and private members’ club, this exclusive marvel replete with heated rooftop pool is undoubtedly one of London’s best alfresco hang-outs. Sultry days see the glass roof retract to make way for an exotic escape, and the poolside tables are hot property in good weather.

 

2) Century Club, Soho

Thousands of people walk past an unmarked door in London’s theatreland each day, unaware that one of the capital’s liveliest private members’ clubs lies behind it. It boasts “the largest roof terrace in Soho” with stunning views over Shaftesbury Avenue and London’s iconic skyline. 

“Fortunately, our clients have a much higher chance of securing a high-altitude booking however strong the demand, thanks to our connections.”

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3) Jin Bo Law, Aldgate

This small L-shaped bar with a sun-drenched balcony on the 14th-floor of Aldgate’s Dorsett City Hotel opened quietly last summer – but it’s going to be a big hit in the coming months. It catches the evening sun making it ideal for post-work drinks.

 

4) 12th Knot, South Bank

Found on the 12th floor of the Sea Containers London hotel, the view from this riverside terrace stretches north across the Thames to the dome of St Paul’s and beyond. It’s particularly impressive 15 minutes either side of sunset, when the windows of the City skyscrapers to the east glow orange and purple.

5) The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James, Trafalgar Square

As views go, this really is iconic. Up on the roof of The Trafalgar St James Hotel, the terrace is at eye level with Nelson on top of his column in Trafalgar Square. The drinks menu is inspired by the views, making this a buzzing spot on summer weekends.

 

6) Coq D’Argent, The City

A favourite among our City-based clients, this lush rooftop garden has views across London which can be enjoyed late into the night thanks to heaters and canopies. The lawn is a rare patch of green in this built-up area and the light French cuisine is perfectly suited to summer lunches.

 

7) Aqua Spirit, Regent Street

Aqua deals an ace card when it comes to central London outdoor drinking by offering two terraces. One has views over Regent Street and specialises in Asian-inspired beverages, while the larger terrace has a Spanish vibe with a good selection of drinks and bar snacks.

 

8) Bokan, Canary Wharf

Given the number of skyscrapers in the area, it’s surprising that this is the only open-air rooftop space in Canary Wharf. Because it’s still relatively new, few people know about it yet, meaning it’s currently not too busy for post-work drinks on warm evenings.

 

9) Radio Rooftop, Strand, London

Just up the road from our very own London HQ, this bar looks out over the top of Somerset House, providing unique views that other bars on the list can’t match. It’s now coming into its sixth summer and is as popular as ever.

 

10) SUSHISAMBA, City

Sushisamba’s private glass elevator whisks guests to the reception on the 38th floor in under 10 seconds, so there’s no delay in seeing the incredible views accompanying drinks on the open-air terrace. The top of the Gherkin seems so close you could touch it.

If you are a Silk cardholder and would like to make a reservation at one of the venues mentioned in this article, or any other bar/restaurant around the world, visit Coutts Concierge Online, contact Coutts Concierge on 0207 479 3468, or email couttsconcierge@tengroup.com.

For more information on becoming a Silk cardholder, please speak to your private banker.

 


SILK CARD

SILK CHARGE CARD REPRESENTATIVE 0% APR VARIABLE
SILK CREDIT CARD REPRESENTATIVE 19.99% APR VARIABLE
OVER-18S ONLY

BOTH CARDS AVAILABLE TO COUTTS CLIENTS ONLY. YOUR CREDIT LIMIT WILL DEPEND ON OUR CREDIT ASSESSMENT OF YOU. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS AIM TO PAY YOUR CREDIT CARD BALANCE EVERY MONTH TO MAKE SURE THE BENEFIT OF CROWNS OUTWEIGHS ANY INTEREST COSTS.
THE ACTUAL APR YOU WILL RECEIVE WILL DEPEND ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. COUTTS CONCIERGE IS AVAILABLE TO COUTTS SILK CARDHOLDERS

 

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Key Takeaways

Demand for a seat at a rooftop bar ramps up rapidly when the sun shines. But Coutts Silk cardholders are more likely to secure a place because of the well-connected Coutts Concierge service, which helps with everything from booking a holiday to buying theatre tickets.

The most popular London rooftop bars among our clients include the Century Club in Soho, 12th Knot on South Bank and SUSHISAMBA in the City.

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