From bars to pubs, taverns, and clubs, social drinking has always been a dominant fixture in London society. The quintessential “London pub” traces its roots to Roman times – sometime between 43 and 410 AD, the construction of roads sparked the establishment of “tabernae” (a place we now call a tavern) and “popinae” (a wine bar with nicknacks like olives and bread).
Drinking has steadfastly remained the main socialising vehicle in Britain. Classic watering holes have slowly evolved into elegant bars, truly exemplifying the sophistication London is known for. Indeed, unwinding with a strong spirit or delicious cocktail while revelling in the city’s beauty is one of life’s finest pleasures.
Read on to discover the best bars in London with a view.
Clap, Knightsbridge
Clap is a Japanese fine-dining restaurant located in the illustrious Knightsbridge district. Spanning two floors, the seventh-floor rooftop offers a panoramic view of London’s gilded colony while aglow in soft fairy lights.
The establishment is decked out in dark wood panels, lush canopies, and lattice screen dividers. An elaborately designed bar and Asian-inspired light pendants elevate the restaurant’s milieu with authentic character.
Clap’s uniquely immersive dining experience is inspired by the Japanese concept of “Omakase,” which means “I’ll leave it to you” in the Japanese language. At an Omakase dinner, the chef can decide what the guests will consume, including the libations. There are also live sushi and robata bars, guaranteeing an engaging and zestful atmosphere.
Clap’s happy hour offers quality oysters, bar nibbles, and delicious cocktails, truly living up to the locale’s distinguished repute.
Yasmin, Soho
Yasmin is an intimate Middle-Eastern bar and restaurant located in the heart of Soho, London’s hip district. Perched on Warwick Street, the cosy rooftop bar shines a spotlight on Soho’s upbeat glamour.
Chevron-tiled floors, pink velvet bar stools, a marble-topped bar, and beautifully-patterned banquettes evoke a stately ambience. Central London’s all-embracing skyline, however, is Yasmin’s crown jewel.
Flavoursome sharing plates and exotic cocktails are on Yasmin’s menu. Zingy flavour profiles from Yasmin’s star cuisine have been incorporated in the drinks – take, for instance, the “Casbah,” which features Alunah coconut rum, discarded banana, pineapple, and star anise. Premium bottles of bubbly are also on offer.
Alto at Selfridges, Marylebone
Festooned in lush creepers and decorated with a summery palette, Alto at Marylebone’s Selfridges is famous for presenting unrivalled views of London’s skyline, bustling high streets, and verdant neighbourhoods.
Cane chairs, crisp linen-clad tables, and rich canopies of flowering creepers make Alto’s a refreshing escape on London’s gloomy days. With authentic Italian fare and cocktails to boot, there’s little left to be missed at this charming trattoria.
Rich appetisers like oysters and beef burrata pair brilliantly with Alto’s exclusive range of Italian wines. Their wine menu is extensive, as it covers every region of Italy – north, south, central, and the islands. Indeed, Alto’s is every oenophile’s haven.
Madison, St. Paul’s
Madison is one of central London’s most vogueish restobars, owing to its high-end ambience, inventive European gastronomy, and views of the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The establishment’s understated aesthetic is defined by minimalist furniture, soaring windows, and stunning dark woodwork. Tasteful metal light pendants and ornaments elevate the ambience with a contemporary flair.
Whole lobster, red shrimp rigatoni, buttermilk Caesar salad, and grilled aubergine parmigiana are some of Madison’s enticing food offerings. Signature European-inspired cocktails are the showstoppers at Madison – the “Gentleman” is one of their most decadent drinks, made with 24-carat gold leaf, Remy Martin Cognac VSOP, and Tonka bean. Thrice a week, Madison hosts a live DJ rooftop party, featuring vibrant music, finger foods, and, the iconic cocktails.
Circe's, Waterloo
Playing on the intrigue of Greek mythology, Circe’s takes pride in its “food from the Gods,” glamorous rooftop parties, heady libations, and views of London’s breathtaking skyline.
Decked out in baroque Mediterranean splendour, vividly patterned tapestries, flower-shaped light pendants, bright yellow screen partitions, and gilded sun motifs adorn Circe’s. The interior is crowned by a translucent roof bearing bright pink floral motifs, and bohemian salmon-coloured cushions litter the bar.
With mezze, wines, cocktails, and live music on offer, Circe’s is one of London’s most eventful bars. The cocktails are inventive fusions, inspired by the mythological figure Circe’s love of magic and potions. Perse’s Picante is one of Circe’s latest signature drinks, featuring premium tequila, chilly liqueur, lime, and fresh chillies.
The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Nestled in Knightsbridge among multimillion-worth mansions, royal residences, and the Buckingham Palace, the Berkeley is an icon of London luxury.
Berkeley is a former coffee shop dating to the 18th century. Most of its regal interiors, from the Lutyens’s panneling to the ornate pillars, have been restored to celebrate its illustrious legacy.
The rooftop bar and restaurant, however, are the epitome of modern luxury. It mainly features Fulbeck walnut interiors, from the walls to the floors, furniture, and fixtures. Bejewelled sconces, coral tones, and sumptuous leather banquettes conjure an incredibly elegant setting. At the terrace, lush plants and understated furniture allow the London skyline to steal the spotlight.
Exclusive French vintages and aged whiskies accompany peerless visions of Knightsbridge's opulent beauty.
Netil 360, Hackney
Netil 360 is east London’s most iconic rooftop bar, renowned for its legendary summer parties and gorgeous views of London’s bohemian alcoves.
The establishment is a welcoming rooftop garden with a grass-covered floor, canopies of fairy lights, and laid-back industrial chic furniture. The interiors are reminiscent of a New York loft, with exposed brick, compact seating arenas, and soaring windows.
At Netil 360, guests are in for locally brewed lagers, humble spirits, and mighty servings of classic cocktails. Additionally, there’s live music courtesy of Netil 360’s in-house DJ – as such, the night is always young at this bar.
Scoff & Banter, Canary Wharf
Residing in the heart of London’s minted financial district, Scoff & Banter has gained renown for its upscale offerings, elevated atmosphere, and grand views of the Thames in all its glory.
Scoff & Banter’s style is modern, understated, and plush, with sparkling white interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sleek bar. Chequered bistro chairs, a turquoise accent wall, and a few pieces of modern artwork weave in pops of colour to the space.
Guests can expect premium-grade steaks, authentic British fish and chips, and juicy burgers. One is spoilt for choice with elevated versions of classic cocktails and an exclusive roster of luxury wines on the menu.
Aqua Spirit, Soho
Aqua Spirit is a glitzy cocktail and champagne bar located on Argyll Street, one of Soho’s busiest enclaves. Here, guests are treated to all-encompassing views of London’s skyline, Japanese culinary marvels, floral canopies, and snazzy cocktails.
While the interiors are decked out in vintage extravagance – from ostentatious ornaments, rich velvet furniture, and ornate, archaic wall panels – the terrace embodies Instagrammable summertime ease. Simple bistro furniture is crowned by overhanging beds of cherry blossoms and vintage strings of lightbulbs, while London's towering skyscrapers loom in the background.
Wagyu beef skewers, scallops, Aqua Spirit-special sushi, and yuzu and shiso-marinated lamb cutlets are some of the restobar’s signature dishes. Classic cocktails and quintessential Japanese drinks are on the menu – the Japanese “Meron Cha” is one of the bar’s trademark drinks, made with sencha spirit, Midori liqueur, miso honey, lime, and umami bitters.
London’s drinking culture is indeed eclectic, from revamped warehouses to listed buildings, from glamorous cocktail bars to elegant wine cafes. Whether it’s the leisurely ambience of Netil 360 or the upscale quarters of Clap, it will be hard to beat whiling away an evening at one of these charming bars in London.
