There’s no denying that cocktails and pints taste better when you can enjoy them outdoors. Just like East, North London is home to some of the best gastropubs in the capital and many rooftop bar spaces too. From Islington to Camden, discover eight of the best rooftop bars in North London.
You can expect to find local craft beers, classic cocktails galore, delicious dining, a lively atmosphere and, of course, a large rooftop terrace at all of these eight venues.
The Castle
The Castle will become your local for a drink when you live in the Islington area. There’s ample room both inside and out, making this pub a good meeting spot for friends. There’s even a rooftop bar in this North London pub, which is a haven in the sunny weather. You’ll also find a pop-up barbecue on the terrace during the summer months.
Sit back and relax with a classic cocktail or chilled beer, and tuck into the seasonal feast of pub grub. Sports fans can visit around the clock to watch live screenings of the biggest matches and games.
Address: 54 Pentonville Road, Islington, London N1 9HF
Phone: 020 7713 1858
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thecastleN1
The Faltering Fullback
Tucked away on a side street in Finsbury Park (and a short walk from our Vantage Point apartments), The Faltering Fullback is a hidden gem in the North London area. This Irish pub always has a buzzing crowd. The large rooftop bar is the real highlight of the pub. The leafy surrounds and colourful foliage will make it feel as though you’ve entered a countryside retreat. Enjoy a refreshing pint and take in the views overlooking Finsbury Park.
Inside, you can sit back and watch a live sports game, challenge your friends to snooker, or dance to a live music gig on certain nights. Despite its reputation as an Irish pub, you’ll find a dining menu of authentic Thai cuisine, complete with curries, noodle bowls and vegetarian dishes.
Address: 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HB
Phone: 020 7272 5834
Follow: @thefalteringfullback
The Abbey Tavern
Located in the middle of Kentish Town Road, The Abbey Tavern offers one of the liveliest rooftop bars in North London. Step through the classic pub interiors and upstairs to find a seat on the huge rooftop terrace area. Make the most of the sun’s rays and meet up with friends on the outdoor picnic benches. In less sunny weather, the outdoor space transforms into an all-weather drinking spot with heaters and coverings.
There’s a fully-stocked bar outside to order a local craft beer from. You’ll find a pop-up food shack too, serving burgers and mezze sharing platters from Aviv’s Kitchen. The pub also screens live sports matches and hosts music events throughout the year.
Address: 124 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 9QB
Phone: 020 7267 9449
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @abbeytavern
Near & Far
Just around the corner from Camden Market, Near & Far is a glamorous haunt for cocktails and brunch. There’s a laidback so-cal vibe here thanks to the bright interiors, disco balls, neon signs and palms. Set over four stylish floors, Near & Far is home to one of the trendiest rooftop bars in North London. The heated and covered roof terrace will be your number-one meeting spot for cocktails with friends. The tropical list of drinks will transport you away from London’s streets to the sunny climes of California.
Pop by on the weekend to enjoy the brunch menu of smashed avocado on toast, eggs florentine or a full English breakfast. Pair with bottomless margaritas, Aperol Spritzes or Bloody Marys.
Address: 48 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AJ
Phone: 02072672700
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @nearandfarcamden
The Fellow
Situated just outside King’s Cross and St Pancras stations, The Fellow is a convenient place to pop by for a drink in North London. Set over three floors, you’ll always find a snug corner of this pub-bar to unwind in. There’s even a secret heated rooftop terrace to soak up the British summertime, cocktail in hand.
The drinks menu is extensive, whether you’re a beer drinker, wine lover or looking for a classic cocktail. Pair your drink with a hearty pub meal from the all-day dining menu – think generously laden burgers, fish and chips, and even vegan/vegetarian dishes.
Address: 24 York Way, Kings Cross, London N1 9AA
Phone: 020 7833 4395
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thefellowpub
Brouhaha Bar
With its relaxed neighbourhood vibe, Brouhaha Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in North London. Located in the heart of Harringay, the bar will become your go-to for cocktails, a local craft beer or a glass of bubbly. The rooftop terrace and wine garden is a chilled retreat away from the bustle of the high street – the ideal drinking spot for the summer months.
Inside, the candle lit interiors and cosy armchairs offer a welcoming atmosphere come rain or shine. As well as a vast selection of drinks, you’ll find handcrafted fresh sushi and Japanese food on the menu, courtesy of Kata Kitchens.
Address: 501 Green Lanes, London N4 1AL
Phone: 020 8348 8553
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @brouhaha_bar
The Lock Tavern
A great place to drink all year round, The Lock Tavern is at the centre of Camden’s social scene. You can visit for a leisurely lunch, hearty Sunday roast or evening drinks with live entertainment. There’s a cocktail bar and stage upstairs, as well as a heated and covered rooftop bar overlooking Camden Market. The outdoor spaces are perfect for the changing seasons – a sun trap in the summer, and cosy with blankets in the winter.
If you’d prefer to retreat indoors, the Lock Lodge features a roaring fire pit. In the main pub area downstairs, you can choose from eighteen different taps of beer, including best-loved names and local London breweries.
Address: 35 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ
Phone: 020 7482 7163
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @locktavern
Big Chill
The all-round social space, Big Chill, is the ideal venue for a nighttime drink, bite to eat or chilled hot-desk work space during the day. The King’s Cross bar is a relaxed burger shack by day, courtesy of foodie resident Chuck Burger. By night, you can look forward to live DJ events, cocktails and dancing.
There are two floors of seating to choose from, with a stylish backdrop of fairylights, disco balls and foliage. Or head upstairs to the large rooftop terrace, which features a bar and all-weather retractable roof. As well as the King’s Cross location, you’ll find Big Chill on Brick Lane too.
Address: 257-259 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL
Phone: 020 7427 2540
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @bigchillbar
The Best Rooftop Bars in North London
North London has a neighbourhood charm thanks to its choice of cosy pubs, stylish venues and lively rooftop bars. You’ll benefit from a vibrant social scene and never struggle to find a trendy hangout for a drink. There's also plenty of dog-friendly pubs if you're looking for a grand day out with your pooch.
If you’re thinking of moving to North London, read our complete guide on the best places to live in the area.
