Tucked between the banks of the River Thames and the boroughs of Lambeth and Bermondsey, Southwark may not be the first place that comes to mind for rooftop drinks, but the area offers a wide range of views from which to take in different elements of London’s skyline. Where once warehouses, breweries and dockyards dominated the neighbourhood, regeneration and gentrification have ushered in a new era for cocktail sipping with views from south of the river.
From the lofty perch of London’s tallest building to the post-industrial warehouses that lie deep in the heart of the area, the following recommendations are amongst the most popular and picturesque places to perch on a warm summer’s evening in Southwark, with a glass of something delicious.
12th Knot
Perched on the 12th floor of Sea Containers London, the aptly named 12th Knot delivers a bold, glass-encased rooftop experience with impressive views across the Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral. The setting is dramatic, matched by the choice of interiors with deep velvet seating complemented by shades of teal and mustard, brushed brass tables and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the room in light. Stepping outside onto the wraparound terrace leads to the aforementioned views, which are particularly enchanting around dusk as the city skyline begins to ignite into life.
Such a setting demands suitable accompaniments, which the bar is happy to indulge in the form of mezcal margaritas with burnt citrus, clarified milk punches and sparkling rosés from some of England’s most reputable new vineyards. There’s a short but satisfying bar snack menu featuring tasty morsels such as duck croquettes, grilled prawns in shiso butter, and burrata with heirloom tomatoes. DJ sets and live music events give the space a rotating energy, but it's primarily a great location for casual drinks after work or on weekends, at any time of day and early evening.
OXO Tower Bar
Occupying the eighth floor of this towering riverside landmark, Oxo Tower has long been home to impressive design studios and galleries, and its bar is a great reflection of the building’s reputation for modernist design. The outdoor terrace is a generously sized space, dotted with small tables ideal for quiet dates and after-work drinks, and of course, boasting a stunning panorama of the Thames skyline.
The cocktail menu is seasonal, with an emphasis on home-grown British ingredients, be it Kentish strawberry negronis or hand-picked elderflower-infused gin fizzes. For the slower burners and patrons that have a more savoury palate, the wine list includes a strong selection of old-world reds and sparkling wines from Sussex, to Champagne. While many visitors head next door for the more formal OXO Tower Restaurant, regulars know the bar has an equally rewarding food menu, with crab cakes with aioli, lamb koftas with pomegranate and mushroom arancini that arrive piping hot on the plate.
Seabird
Seabird is among the most beautiful rooftop venues in the capital. From its lofty perch on the 14th floor of the Hoxton, Iberian influences easily identifiable, from parquet flooring and rattan chairs to hanging palms and marble tables, all evoking the breezy elegance of summer time in Lisbon or Malaga. A retractable roof amplifies this feel, offering both al fresco terraces and cosy spots under the canopy, depending on the weather and the season.
Whilst we could continue to pore over the beautiful interiors, it’s the raw bar and seafood platters that truly define Seabird. Oysters are served by the dozen, dressed with yuzu or seaweed mignonette, while octopus rolls, charred courgette salad, and whole grilled seabass cater to heartier appetites. Cocktails skew Mediterranean – garnacha spritzes, white port and tonic, fig-infused Old Fashioneds – while the wine list is seafood-savvy and globally informed. It’s an elegant, date-worthy destination that still manages to avoid pretension.
GŎNG (Shangri-La Hotel)
Located on the 52nd floor of The Shard, London’s iconic tallest building, GŎNG is quite literally an elevated escape with one of the most impressive views in London. The venue is divided between a cocktail and champagne bar, as well as a small poolside terrace that boasts sweeping views of the city skyline. Drawing on traditional Chinese interior design, featuring dark wood finishes, intricate panelling, and soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling glass frames offer superb panoramas across the city’s many landmarks, making this an ideal setting for both early evening cocktails and nightcaps against the glittering skyline.
The cocktail menu is elegant and inventive, with signature creations that make use of Asian botanicals, rare spirits and luxurious garnishes. A favourite among visitors is the "Szechuan Rose," which brings together gin, floral liqueurs and a subtle peppery note for a bit of a kick at the end of every sip. Visitors have a range of small plates to nibble on, from truffle fries and sashimi platters to delicately prepared gyoza. GŎNG enforces a smart-casual dress code, which is popular among hotel guests and city professionals alike. Booking in advance is essential to secure a coveted window seat at this shimmering high-life spot.
H10 Waterloo Sky Bar
H10 Waterloo Sky Bar offers a more relaxed and accessible rooftop experience compared to the towering heights of the previous entry. Set on the eighth floor of the H10 London Waterloo Hotel, the stylish interiors offer uninterrupted views of South Bank’s greatest attractions, namely, the London Eye, with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben just visible in the background. During the summer months, the outdoor terrace becomes a stronghold for after-work drinks and lazy weekend evenings, sipping drinks whilst overlooking the wandering crowds below.
This is a venue where classic cocktails dominate, from Aperol and Hugo Spritz to Mai Thais and Manhattans. What the menu may not offer in complexity, it makes up for with a crowd-pleasing selection of favourites, including lighter bar snacks, which are ideal for a pre-dinner stop before exploring the dining options of South Bank or Waterloo. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a rooftop experience where walk-ins are more easily welcome, though it’s advisable to book ahead when the forecast is favourable, as the terrace fills up quickly.
