Best outdoor bars in London: 13 drinking spots you can book now
As we move into stage two of the government’s roadmap to ease the restrictions across England, we can start looking forward to booking seats at our favourite outdoor bars in London. Not sure where to visit? Here’s our guide to the best 13 outdoor bars in London that you can book right now.
1. Bussey Rooftop Bar
Type: Cocktail bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
A lively rooftop terrace in the vibrant district of Peckham, the Bussey Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of the London skyline. Whether you’re popping in for a stonebaked pizza or maybe a couple of cocktails with your friends, be sure to book ahead as this hotspot can get pretty busy!
The rooftop has currently been transformed into a tropical paradise. So if you’re missing the sounds and sights of a beachside holiday this year, then this might just be the place for you.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: Roof B Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST
Nearest station: Peckham Rye
Find out more about Bussey Rooftop Bar here >
2. Lost in Brixton
Type: Bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Tucked away in Brixton Market, Lost in Brixton is a rooftop bar serving Latin American inspired cocktails, locally-produced craft beers, as well as delicious food and snacks from Brixton Village. Although hidden out of plain sight, this buzzing hotspot is renowned for its live DJ events.
Before heading up, be sure to take a look through the market – this unassuming arcade is home to a variety of boutique shops and cafes.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8PS
Nearest station: Loughborough Junction
Find out more about Lost in Brixton here >
3. Lost Society
Type: Bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Yet another bar to get ‘lost’ in! Lost Society in Battersea is a chic, art-deco inspired venue with plenty of outdoor space in the Garden Bar to enjoy a cocktail or two. If you get peckish, there’s a mouthwatering menu of gourmet dishes for you to browse, including the ever-popular messy burgers with triple-cooked chips.
If you happen to be stopping by on a Sunday, be sure to try one of their classic Sunday Lunches – absolutely lovely stuff!
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 339 Battersea Park Road, Battersea, London SW11 4LS
Nearest station: Battersea Park
Find out more about Lost Society here >
4. Golden Bee
Type: Cocktail bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Golden Bee is a chic bar and nightclub in Shoreditch, renowned for its classy rooftop terrace. With its retractable roof, you can drink, dance, and enjoy the views whatever the weather might bring. Every weekend, Golden Bee transforms from a typical cocktail bar to a full-on nightclub experience with its resident DJ’s and live acts.
If you manage to book a seat on a Sunday or a Thursday evening, you can enjoy Happy Hour drinks between 5pm to 6pm.
Opens: Thursday 15th April
Address: Singer Street, Old Street, London EC1V 9DD
Nearest station: Old Street
Find out more about Golden Bee here >
5. Owl and Hitchhiker
Type: Pub
Is it heated outside?: Yes
The quirky Owl and Hitchhiker on Holloway Road offers great beers, tasty pub grub, classic arcade machines and a fantastic atmosphere to top it all off. What was once a traditional Irish pub has since been transformed into a vibrant hub for all to enjoy. You’ll find a good choice of outdoor seating here, but be sure to book beforehand.
Opens: Thursday 3rd May
Address: 471 Holloway Road, Archway, London N7 6LE
Nearest station: Upper Holloway
Find out more about Owl and Hitchhiker here >
6. The Albion
Type: Pub
Is it heated outside?: Yes
While you’re guaranteed to find hundreds of pubs with the same names across the country, we’ll bet not one of them matches the atmosphere of The Albion in Islington. While this popular pub won’t be opening its doors until the summer months, you can still book your table, ready for when the sun is shining.
Opens: Monday 6th July
Address: 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, London N1 1HW
Nearest station: Angel
Find out more about The Albion here >
7. The Nest
Type: Cocktail bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
The Nest is a rustic rooftop bar and terrace in West London, overlooking the dramatic city skyline. The outdoor terrace has a host of cosy loungers and tables for guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening of drinks and nibbles. With an expertly curated selection of wines and beers, you know you’re in good hands here.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 14-15 Langham Place, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS
Nearest station: Oxford Circus
Find out more about The Nest here >
8. Roof East
Type: Bar
Is it heated outside?: No
East London has its fair share of hotspots and Roof East is definitely up there with the most unique. This former multi-storey car park has been transformed into a hip cocktail bar, serving up tasty cocktails, craft beers and some of the tastiest burgers you’ll ever try. P.S. Check out those vintage car planters!
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, London E15 1BB
Nearest station: Stratford
Find out more about Roof East here >
9. Sager + Wilde Paradise Row
Type: Wine bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Sager + Wilde have a couple of bars dotted across the city, with the Paradise Row bar having one of the best al fresco seating areas. Set in an old railway arch, this chic restaurant has an extensive wine menu, as well as a great choice of cocktails and small plates for lunchtime visits.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Nearest station: Bethnal Green
Find out more about Sager + Wilde here >
10. Bar Elba
Type: Cocktail bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Close to the Waterloo station in Central London, Bar Elba is a stylish rooftop bar that specialises in delicious cocktails and wines. They’re best-known for their Bottomless Rooftop Brunch that allows guests to enjoy an afternoon of free-flowing drinks – but be quick, as these can often sell out pretty quickly!
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road, South Bank, London SE1 8UL
Nearest station: Waterloo
Find out more about Bar Elba here >
11. The Railway
Type: Pub
Is it heated outside?: Yes
Looking for a new hotspot in South London? The Railway in Streatham offers up small-batch spirits, old-world wines and local craft beers. There’s lots of outdoor seating, and you can even order your drinks and food through an app, so you can keep socially distanced, if you prefer. This friendly pub also hosts weekly live music events, so be sure to check what’s on before you head over.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 2 Greyhound Lane, Streatham, London SW16 5SD
Nearest station: Streatham Common
Find out more about The Railway here >
12. Vinegar Yard
Type: Bar
Is it heated outside?: Yes
A buzzing outdoor venue popular with both locals and tourists alike, Vinegar Yard in Bermondsey has a large rooftop terrace with loads of benches. Try out fruity cocktails or local draught beers, before tucking into one of their tasty Bhangra burgers from Baba G’s.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 72-82 St Thomas Street, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QX
Nearest station: London Bridge
Find out more about Vinegar Yard here >
13. Three Sheets
Type: Bar
Is it heated outside?: No
Last, but certainly not least on our list is Three Sheets. This Dalston bar and cafe has a welcoming, yet intimate atmosphere. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you’ll be treated to some of the best cocktails in the city. Expertly created by Noel and Max Venning, there’s a new creation on the menu every week.
Opens: Monday 12th April
Address: 510b Kingsland Road, Dalston, London E8 4AB
Nearest station: Dalston Junction
Find out more about Three Sheets here >
