7 rooftop terraces for al fresco dining in London
By Shivani Dubey | 7 May 2026 | Food & Drink
With sunny days ahead, we take a look at some of our favourite rooftop terraces in London that are perfect for al fresco dining this summer
The arrival of spring and summer in London means longer, sunnier days that are ideal for a trip down to your favourite rooftop or outdoor terraces for a long al fresco meal and a few summery cocktails to match. Make the most of these sunny skies with a nice meal and a cold drink along with your friends – or even out on a fun date night. Here, we round up seven of the best rooftop terraces in London for al fresco dining.
Sabine, St Paul’s
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most striking buildings in the city, and Sabine in St Paul’s offers a direct view of this London landmark. Best visited at sunset, expect botanical interiors, signature cocktails and one of the most recognisable views in the city. With sharing plates like scallop ceviche, sticky pork belly bao buns and miso glazed salmon and speciality cocktails and spirits, this is the perfect place for sunset drinks and a great precursor to a night out with friends.
Mercer Minuty Terrace, St Paul’s
Another St Paul’s gem is the Vintry and Mercer hotel, which has partnered with Minuty and transformed the hotel’s rooftop terrace for the summer. Perched atop the hotel, the terrace is a standout spot for spring and summer dining in London, with sweeping views from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard and a relaxed al fresco setting. From 5 May, guests can enjoy Château Minuty cuvées paired with a modern British menu. Alongside the refreshed setting, the menu champions seasonal British ingredients, with highlights including roasted chalk stream trout with English asparagus and wild garlic, salt marsh spring lamb rump, and a selection of rhubarb-led desserts, that bring a lighter, seasonal feel to the offering.
Whispering Angel Terrace at Sky Garden, City of London
Perched 37 floors above the city, Sky Garden’s Whispering Angel terrace offers a Provence-inspired oasis – an idyllic floral sanctuary to gather with friends over rosé as the sun sets. Expect a thoughtfully created sharing menu by chef de cuisine Kerth Gumbs, designed to pair perfectly with a chilled bottle. Finish the evening with access to Sky Garden’s live music nights – the perfect excuse to sip and dance under the stars. Not to mention the beautiful views of London along the Thames will make for a great backdrop for the night.
Bōkan, Canary Wharf
In the heart of Canary Wharf, 39 floors up, you will find one of the most enviable 360° views of the London skyline at Bōkan’s open air, all-weather rooftop bar and terrace. Kick back with a carefully crafted cocktail in hand and enjoy moreish bar bites whilst admiring the city skyline sprawled out in front of you, including The Shard, The Gherkin, London Eye and the River Thames below. 
JOIA, Battersea
Set on the 16th floor of art’otel Battersea Power Station, JOIA is one of the more considered rooftops in London. With Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa’s take on Iberian cooking, a panoramic view across the city, and a cocktail list built for long evenings, you are guaranteed to have a good time. This summer sees the addition of new plates such as Iberian hot dogs with lobster salpiçón, the return of the popular slushies with new flavours as well as light spritz serves such as hibiscus & floradora with Monkey 47 and rose soda, and a honey pornstar martini made with Beesou honey aperitif and cava foam. There will also be a full programme of rooftop events to run through the season.
34 Mayfair, Mayfair
34 Mayfair‘s terrace on Grosvenor Square is one of the West End’s most coveted outdoor tables. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, the elegant setting is the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s modern grill menu, where dishes cooked over charcoal take centre stage. Some dishes include the signature 34 shrimp cocktail to sticky tiger prawns with bang bang peanut dressing, and Portland crab with lemon mayonnaise and mango salsa. For mains, there are premium steaks like the grass-fed heritage breeds and Australian wagyu and lighter options like pan-fried salmon, chargrilled seabass and seared scallops.
Le Pont de la Tour, Tower Bridge
Le Pont de la Tour is bringing the French Riviera to the Thames once again at the end of May, with the return of Pont Plage. Bigger and bolder than ever, this summer sees sand covering both sides of the terrace for a fully immersive 360-degree beachside atmosphere, with the Tower Bridge as the eternal backdrop. The St-Germain spritz bar takes centre stage, pouring curated menus of St-Germain and Hugo Spritzes alongside a seafood menu, inspired by the coastal markets of Marseille and Nice.
