It may not be sunny in the city all year round, but when the summer sun does come back, you’ll want to try out these rooftop bars in South London.
There’s something about having a rooftop view over the vast rooftops of your favourite spots. Whether you want to enjoy the sunset or spend lazy summer days outside as much as possible, these bars are perfect.
Discover eight of the best rooftop bars in South London, from Greenwich to Peckham and everywhere in between.
The Duke
Perfectly located on the cusp of Deptford and Greenwich (and just a two-minute walk from our Union Wharf apartments). The Duke is an all-round good spot for a drink. Inside, you’ll find a traditional pub with cosy sofas. Then head upstairs to visit one of the most chilled rooftop bars in South London.
Decked with fairylights, plants and heaters, this all-weather rooftop space offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Visit in the summer months to soak up the British sunshine with a local craft beer in hand. Why not stay until evening to order a delicious wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from Wandercrust?
Address: 125 Creek Road, Greenwich, London SE8 3BU
Phone: 020 8469 8260
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @thedukedeptford
12TH KNOT
An eclectic rooftop bar and terrace. The 12th Knot is a contemporary bar offering stunning views of the Thames and St Paul’s. This is a place where decadence and personality meet in spades.
If you’re looking for a place for a special celebration or evening get together, this is the place to be. With a dress code of smart/casual you’ll want to look your best for your visit. This is a South London rooftop bar with true class.
Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD
Phone: (0)203 747 1063
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @seacontainersldn
Frank’s Cafe
Created by Bold Tendencies, Frank’s Cafe is a relaxed summer pop-up. This rooftop bar in South London transforms the rooftop space of a multi-storey car park into a lively neighbourhood hangout.
When you live in and around the Peckham area, Frank’s Cafe will become your local for a pint with friends. You can expect beers from London breweries, alongside classic cocktails and wines. If you’re feeling peckish, the venue also serves a simple menu of brunch dishes and sharing nibbles. On certain days, you can look forward to live music and performances by local artists.
Address: Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @frankspeckham
Eighteen Sky Bar
Situated on the eighteenth floor of the Intercontinental Hotel by the O2 Arena is Eighteen Sky Bar. The iconic bar offers stunning views over Canary Wharf, the arena and the Thames River. Toast to a special occasion with a bottle of bubbly or choose this South London rooftop bar for a romantic date night.
The cocktail menu is inspired by London, with cutting-edge takes on classic drinks. ‘Sky High’ is a sweet-sour combination of gin, cherry liqueur and cranberry juice. ‘Pink Carnaby’ is a refreshing mix of lemongrass-infused vodka with cucumber, elderflower syrup and tonic water. Order some light bites and nibbles to complement your drinks as you watch the sunset.
Address: 1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0TW
Phone: 020 8463 6868
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @eighteenskybar
Forza Wines
For drinks, snacks and views, visit Forza Wine. This Peckham rooftop venue is the younger sibling of Peckham’s Italian restaurant, Forza Win. You can expect the same relaxed vibe as the restaurant with the added bonus of rooftop views over the area.
There’s a pared back drinks menu and rustic Italian-inspired light bites to nibble on. Whether you’re a cocktail drinker, a beer enthusiast or a wine lover, you’ll find a refreshing beverage to quench your thirst.
Address: The Rooftop, 133A Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4BQ
Phone: 020 7732 7500
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @forzawine
Seabird
With its luscious palms, marble-top tables, and wicker chairs, you’ll enjoy a touch of Mediterranean allure at Seabird. This light and airy rooftop bar doubles up as a seafood restaurant. Oyster fans can take their pick at the longest oyster menu in the whole of London. As well as the oyster menu, there’s an array of other sea-to-table dishes, influenced by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.
Pair your seafood dish with a drink from the expansive cocktail, wine and Champagne menu. Then sit back and relax, basking in the views over the River Thames and iconic South London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.
Address: The Rooftop, The Hoxton, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8PB
Phone: 020 7903 3050
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @seabirdlondon
Bussey Rooftop Bar
With its sprawling outdoor terrace area, Bussey Rooftop Bar is home to one of the largest rooftop bars in South London. You’ll be transported into a tropical oasis of foliage, flowers and wooden decking – a far cry from the bustle of the surrounding Peckham high street.
Visit on a warm summer evening to make the most of the frozen cocktails on the menu. Thanks to its neighbourhood atmosphere, this is a popular haunt where everyone’s welcome (including your furry friend). While you’re sipping on your cocktail in the sun, you can enjoy spotting all the cute dogs.
Address: Roof B Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4SL
Phone: 077 6113 4946
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @busseyrooftopbar
Lost in Brixton
The bright and cheerful Lost in Brixton will instantly uplift your mood. It’s one of the liveliest rooftop bars in South London – a hidden gem and leafy paradise tucked away in Brixton Market. This huge rooftop bar is the ideal place to hangout with a group of friends for a cocktail and a dance to live music.
You can enjoy Latin-American-inspired cocktails and local craft beers amid the tropical setting, feeling as though you’ve left the city behind. If you want something to nibble on, the bar works in partnership with street food vendors at Brixton Village. You can order food to be delivered straight to your table.
Address: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PS
Phone: 020 8187 1038
Email: [email protected]
Follow: @lostbrixton
The Best Rooftop Bars in South London
This part of London is home to stunning views over the River Thames that are best enjoyed with a drink at a rooftop bar. When you live in South London, you’ll have a vibrant social scene on your doorstep, scenic surrounds and some of the best cycle routes in London.
If you’re considering moving to South London, read our complete guide to the best places in the area, from Greenwich to Peckham.
