Where Skyline Views Meet Exceptional Cuisine
There’s nothing quite like sipping champagne while London’s iconic skyline stretches beneath you. The city’s hotel rooftops have evolved from simple bars to full-fledged culinary destinations offering some of London’s most memorable dining experiences.
This year I’ve personally visited these exceptional hotel spots that offer not just breathtaking views, but truly memorable culinary journeys. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience London from new heights, this guide covers everything you need to know.
For those who demand both sky-high luxury and unforgettable dining, these three stand above the rest:
Perched on Level 52, this is Western Europe’s highest hotel bar. Expect Asian-inspired tasting menus (£150+), a legendary “Cloud 52” cocktail with liquid nitrogen theatrics, and sunset views that redefine London.
Book 8+ weeks ahead | Dress code: Smart elegant
Art Deco splendor meets champagne trolley service at this Piccadilly Circus stunner. Their caviar-topped blinis and curated wine flights attract Mayfair’s elite.
Try: The “Royal 75” cocktail with rare Louis XIII cognac
Where London’s media and finance crowds mingle over lobster rolls and live DJs. The Thames-and-London-Eye vista is almost as dazzling as the people-watching.
Pro tip: Book the “Golden Hour” package for priority sunset seating
Use this table to quickly compare all eight exceptional rooftop venues:
| Restaurant | Hotel | Price* | View | Signature Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gong | Shangri-La at The Shard | ££££ | 360° from Level 52 | “Cloud 52” cocktail with liquid nitrogen |
| Sabine | Hotel Café Royal | £££ | Piccadilly Circus lights | Champagne trolley service |
| Radio Rooftop | ME London | £££ | Thames & London Eye | Live DJ weekends |
| Aviary | Montcalm Royal London House | £££ | St. Paul’s & City skyline | “Golden Hour” cocktail menu |
| Dalloway Terrace | The Bloomsbury Hotel | £££ | Literary Bloomsbury | Floral afternoon tea |
| The Rooftop | Trafalgar St. James | £££ | Nelson’s Column | Negroni flights |
| Savage Garden | DoubleTree Tower of London | ££ | Tower Bridge | Botanical cocktails |
| The Rooftop at The Standard | The Standard London | ££ | King’s Cross evolution | Disco Bloody Mary |
*Price Guide: £ = Budget-friendly, ££ = Moderate, £££ = Expensive, ££££ = Fine dining luxury
Year-round options: Gong, Radio Rooftop, Aviary (retractable roofs/heating)
Heated terraces: Most venues October-March
Rain plans: All have indoor alternatives; cancellation policies vary
Best months: May-September for open-air dining
Prime time slots: Book 6-8 weeks ahead for sunset
Last-minute tips: Call directly mid-week
Best value: Lunch/early evening (4-6PM)
Group bookings: Minimum spend often required
Cancellation: 24-48 hours typical
Cocktails: £14-28 each
Dinner per person: £80-200+
Service charge: 12.5-15% usually added
Minimum spends: £50-100pp evenings
Budget tip: Visit for drinks only pre-6PM
Gong enforces “elegant attire” (blazers preferred for men after 6PM)
Sabine discreetly turns away visible logos/streetwear
Exception: The Standard allows designer sneakers if paired with intentional style
Best photo light: 1.5 hours before sunset at Radio Rooftop (request table 14A)
Quiet luxury moments: Gong’s 3-4PM high tea with skyline views
Last-minute bookings: Call Aviary directly at +44 20 3873 4060
Sabine: “The Royal Treatment” champagne trolley (£150 supplement)
Gong: The hidden “Sky Nest” booth (8-week notice required)
The Standard: Off-menu “Disco Martini” with edible gold leaf
Pro Tip: Most 5-star concierges can secure last-minute rooftop reservations – always inquire with your hotel.
Western Europe’s highest cocktail bar (Level 52)
360° views from London’s tallest building, with cocktails featuring liquid nitrogen theatrics and gold-leaf garnishes. The glass-floor viewing platform makes you feel suspended above the city.
Hours: Daily 12PM-1AM
Dress Code: Smart elegant
Prices: Cocktails £18-28
Booking: 8+ weeks ahead
Location: Level 52, The Shard
Pro Tip: Request tables 52A/B for best sunset views. The “Sky Nest” private experience (£150 supplement) includes a dedicated mixologist.
Mayfair’s most elegant champagne terrace
An Art Deco jewel box overlooking Piccadilly Circus, where champagne is served from a rolling trolley and gilt mirrors reflect the glow of London’s neon lights.
Hours: Daily 3PM-11PM
Dress Code: Mayfair elegant
Prices: Champagne from £18/glass
Booking: 3 weeks ahead
Location: 68 Regent Street
Pro Tip: Request the “Royal Treatment” (£50 supplement) for vintage champagne pours. Table S1 has best people-watching.
London’s most vibrant riverside terrace
A glamorous open-air terrace with 180° views of the Thames, where live DJs soundtrack sunset cocktails against a backdrop of the London Eye.
Hours: Mon-Wed 12PM-12AM
Dress Code: Smart chic
Prices: Cocktails £16-22
Booking: 3-4 weeks ahead
Location: ME London Hotel
Pro Tip: The “Golden Hour” package (£25pp) guarantees front-row sunset seating. Table RT8 near DJ booth.
These five additional venues offer unique atmospheres and stunning views across London:
Montcalm Royal London House
Whimsical rooftop with birdcage glassware and St. Paul’s views. Heated terrace for year-round visits.
Signature: Golden Hour cocktails
Best for: City skyline views
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Literary-inspired floral oasis transforming with seasons. Virginia Woolf-themed elegance.
Signature: Floral afternoon tea
Best for: Romantic occasions
Trafalgar St. James
Front-row Nelson’s Column views with inventive British cocktails. Retractable glass roof.
Signature: Negroni flights
Best for: Pre-theatre drinks
DoubleTree Tower of London
Jungle-like terrace with Tower Bridge views. Herb-infused cocktails and fire pits.
Signature: Botanical cocktails
Best for: Value & bridge views
The Standard London
Retro-futuristic 1970s spaceship vibe with King’s Cross skyline views. Disco ball atmosphere.
Signature: Disco Bloody Mary
Best for: Party atmosphere
Yes. Many of London’s rooftop hotel restaurants, such as Gong at The Shard, are booked out weeks in advance—especially for sunset dining. For weekends or special events, plan at least 6–8 weeks ahead.
Most luxury rooftop venues in hotels require smart elegant attire. Jackets for men and cocktail dresses for women are common, and trainers are often not permitted after 6 pm.
Some venues welcome children during the day but may restrict access in the evenings when alcohol service and live DJ performances are the focus. Always check the venue’s policy before booking.
Most venues have retractable roofs, heated terraces, or indoor alternatives. Cancellation policies vary—some offer rescheduling, while others may charge. Always check the weather policy when booking.
Yes—most rooftop hotel bars allow guests to enjoy cocktails or champagne without dining. However, during peak hours there may be a minimum spend or time limit on your table.
If you enjoyed discovering London’s most spectacular rooftop hotel restaurants, you might also like my complete guide to London’s Best 5‑Star Hotels for Food Lovers.
Have you dined above the clouds in London? I’d love to hear about your favourite rooftop restaurant experiences. Share your stories in the comments below or tag me on Instagram using #DineWithJP
Last updated: March 2025 | All information subject to change | Always confirm details directly with venues
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