IF you’re wanting to stretch out the end of summer, there is no better place to go then a rooftop bar.
Whether you live on the coast or in the centre of the city, rooftop bars and gardens are the ideal spots to soak up the British sun.
Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar has views of Liverpool’s iconic ‘Three Graces’[/caption]
The Berkeley’s rooftop bar is opening up to the public for the summer season[/caption]
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Here are some of the top rooftop bars and gardens across the UK.
Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool
Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House.
With views of the city’s iconic ‘Three Graces’ – The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a “real sun trap”.
The venue also offers Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Sky for £33.50 per person.
The Berkeley, London
For this summer season, people can head the a breathtaking rooftop bar, next to a pool in central London.
The Belgravia-based hotel’s private rooftop bar will be open from 7.30pm to 11pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays, from July 11.
Guests will experience sweeping views of the city, a range of different cocktails, and be able to grab some tacos – including smoked salt marsh lamb, barbecue jackfruit, or crispy Dover sole.
Visitors unfortunately will not be able to swim in the pool, as this is reserved for hotel guests.
One recent visitor said: “Nestled gently above the serene landscape, blending ease and elegance, you’ll find this perfect little rooftop and pool.
“Attentive staff and a selection of freshly made pizza – how could one not stop by to catch the beautiful sunset.
Sabine, London
As far as rooftop bars go, there isn’t much better than one overlooking one of the most iconic buildings in the UK.
Located next to St Paul’s cathedral, Sabine Rooftop Bar allows visitors to see the landmark from a new angle.
The bar offers a laidback vibe with a variety of cocktails and live music from Thursday to Saturday.
The rather boujee bar does also have a happy hour, on Mondays to Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm.
Sabine in London boasts breathtaking views of St Paul’s cathedral[/caption]
Drinks prices range drastically, with normal cocktails costing around £12 each and special cocktails upwards of £15.
If you are feeling extremely indulgent, you could always get a bottle of Armand de Brignac Brut Rose, France for £900.
One visitor commented: “The design and atmosphere were next level, with stunning views and a great vibe.”
20 Stories, Manchester
Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar.
And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu.
The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Visitors can also have bottomless brunch at the site if they want to see the morning sunshine.
20 Stories in Manchester features a restaurant, cocktail bar and roof terrace[/caption]
One visitor said: “A great top-floor rooftop bar and restaurant, serving a wide range of high quality food and drinks.
“The cocktails are amazing and very highly recommended.
“The staff are very friendly and professional.”
Guesthouse No.42, Margate
Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar.
The bar features amazing 360-degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine.
However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate – so could be busy in the summer months.
Guesthouse No.42 in Margate only opened in 2023[/caption]
Rockwater, Hove
Located in Hove near Brighton, Rockwater hotel is home to a stunning roof terrace with beach views.
On hot sunny days, the roof can open up to let the sunshine in and expose views of the Sussex Downs.
Guests can enjoy a tipple at a table, shaded by pink and red fringed parasols.
Cocktails include a Sexy Martini with vodka, St Germain elderflower liquor and lychee or a Sunshine Margarita with Aperol, Mezcal, per and lime – both £12.
The Rockwater in Hove has views across the beach and sea[/caption]
The Hut, Isle of Wight
Over on the Isle of Wight, The Hut has the vibe of giant beach hut right at the water’s edge.
According to the Michelin Guide, the restaurant is “superbly set amongst colourful beach huts and looks out over the sea to Hurst Castle.
“Sit on one of the terraces or under retractable roofs and enjoy anything from fish tacos to a fruits de mer platter.”
Most diners arrive by boat and The Hut will even collect you.
Cocktails are priced at £15 and include The Hut Painkiller with crème de coconut, orange juice, pineapple juice or you could Pomelle Spritz with grapefruit, elderflower, champagne and soda.
The Hut on the Isle of Wight has even been mentioned in the Michelin Guide[/caption]
The Store, Oxford
Away from beach spots, The Store in Oxford boasts amazing views across the city.
Guests can see Oxford’s iconic skyline, which features ornate and beautiful architecture.
From Friday to Sunday, the rooftop bar and terrace also features a ‘Ribs ‘n Rum’ menu with slow-smoked dishes.
Signature cocktails cost between £14 and £15 each and include options like Trial & Error which features port, whisky, vermouth, cherry, orange and chocolate and Dreaming Spires with vanilla butter-infused vodka, lemon sorbet, yuzu sherbet and egg white.
The Store in Oxford has breathtaking views of the city’s historic skyline[/caption]
HarBAR on 6th, Southampton
HarBAR on 6th in Southampton is the place to go for floor to ceiling views of the sea, with its terraces becoming “like the deck of a yacht”.
Year-round the venue also features fire pits, in case the evening gets a little chilly.
And at weekends, guests can enjoy live DJ performances.
The bar’s signature cocktails include Ain’t My Peach with Mermaid Salt vodka, Aperol, peach and lemon for £14 and Corn Hub, which includes whiskey and honey syrup for £13.
HarBar in Southampton often hosts live DJ sets for guests to enjoy[/caption]
1820 at Jonnie Walker, Edinburgh
In the Scottish capital, 1820 at Jonnie Walker has amazing views of the towering Edinburgh Castle and the city’s old town.
One visitor said: “The view is better than any other terrace in the city.”
Cocktails include Salt + Pepper with a salt and pepper liqueur and house soda for £12 or you could grab an Olive Oil + Saffron with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve for £15.
Other rooftop bars across the UK to check out
- Floraticca, London
- The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James, London
- Sky Garden, London
- 14 Hills, London
- The Standard Rooftop, London
- The Bar at Wagtail, London
- Pocketsquare Rooftop Bar, London
- Roof East, London
- The Boundary Rooftop Bar and Grill, London
- Flute, London
- Joia, Battersea
- Yasmin, London
- Clap, London
- Cloud 23, Manchester
- The Dome, Manchester
- El Gato Negro, Manchester
- Chaophraya, Edinburgh
- W Deck, Edinburgh
- Red Sky Bar, Glasgow
- The Salon At Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow
- Becketts, Exeter
- Bambalan, Bristol
- Under the Stars, Bristol
- SkyLounge, Leeds
- Patterns, Brighton
- Oculist, Brighton
- Brighton Beach House, Brighton
- Canal Turn, Nottingham
- Jacobs Market Rooftop, Cardiff
- The Botanist, Cardiff
The Sun’s Kara Godfrey checked out Europe’s highest rooftop bar is in the UK and it is like ‘stepping into another world’.
Plus, a huge rooftop ‘playground for grown ups’ has reopened for the summer in the UK’s capital.
There is plenty of choice for rooftop bars across the UK – check out our full list for more[/caption]