Five Of The Best Roof Terraces To Visit In London

As the capital of England, there is no question that London is a bustlingly popular city full of plenty of things to see and do. From checking out Big Ben, Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral  to hitting up Oxford Street, Piccadilly, Covent Garden and other prime locations for shopping, people watching and general sightseeing. London is full of landmarks and boasts a fantastic nightlife as well as a broad selection of bars, pubs and restaurants to cater to all tastes.

One particularly popular asset for any bar, pub or restaurant to help draw in the crowds is that of a roof terrace. Offering patrons the opportunity for al fresco wining, dining and relaxation, they are the perfect situ for a chilled out drink or bite to eat on a sunny day or blissful evening.

So when you’re next in the city, why not consider checking out a scenic roof terrace to really appreciate the cityscape views? Whether you’re a full on international tourist, live outside of London or live and work in the city, consider paying one a visit.

To help you on your way and in no particular order, we’ve picked out five of the best rooftop gardens and terraces from across the city…

Kensington Roof Gardens (http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com/)

Owned by Virgin since 1981, Kensington Roof Gardens are a well-known London attraction and at 75 years old, they have played host to countless weddings, parties and events over the years.

At 1.5 acres in size, Kensington Roof Gardens held the accolade of being the largest European roof garden up until 2012, when it was trumped by Emporia shopping mall in Sweden.

Located atop Derry and Toms department store on prestigious Kensington High Street, the gardens are a Grade II listed site and consist of three main themed areas:

1) English woodland garden – featuring 100+ species of tree, a garden pond, ducks and flamingos, the English woodland garden is a fine example of the nature that England has to offer.

2) Tudor style garden – a quaint secret Tudor style garden, consisting of archways, secluded corners and beautiful flowers such as roses, lilies and lavender to awaken the senses.

3) Spanish garden – vine covered with fountains and palm trees –escape the hustle and bustle of London life and enjoy a drink or two within this scenic Spanish themed retreat.

Highlights include the roof gardens themselves, the Babylon Restaurant and for night time weekend enjoyment, The Club, a must visit for all.

Coq d’Argent (http://www.coqdargent.co.uk/terraces-garden)

Situated on the rooftop of the No 1 Poultry building, a stone’s throw from historic St Paul’s Cathedral, Coq d’Argent is a French restaurant and brasserie offering guests scenic views across the city.

Available for private parties, general dining and entertaining alike, the roof terraces and garden can be enjoyed all year round; outdoor heating and partial covering make this so.

Key attractions include the fine brasserie, restaurant and bar & grill and for those partial to a smoke, their vast selection of fine Cuban cigars proves to be a popular draw.

Vista at The Trafalgar (http://www.thetrafalgar.com)

The clue is in the name and this rooftop sky bar is well placed to overlook the key London landmark of Trafalgar Square.

Part of The Trafalgar hotel and truly exposed to the elements, Vista is open on a weather permitting basis. Offering guests a varied choice of wines, spirits, champagnes and cocktails alongside plates, salads and mezze fare. You are invited to indulge whilst fully appreciating the dizzy heights of London.

Considered to be modern and sleek, the well-designed roof terrace is a hit with a whole manner of guests. From city workers and those entertaining clients to locals and tourists alike, it is an inviting al fresco space open to all.

Queen of Hoxton (http://www.queenofhoxton.com/)

The Queen of Hoxton is a popular Shoreditch destination, tempting guests with a well-stocked bar, club and cultural art gallery – not to mention the scenic rooftop.

Proving to be extremely popular with a crowd of young professionals who like to work hard and play hard, the Queen of Hoxton features games rooms (table football, vintage pinball and more) and plays host to many a talented musician or DJ.

The rooftop garden itself is complete with nicely themed garden shed style bathrooms, AstroTurf, plant life, a BBQ kitchen and of course, a bar. As a unique and exciting London venue with an urban edge, it’s the perfect place to spend a chilled out afternoon or evening soaking up the sun and winding away the hours.

Roof Top Film Club (http://www.rooftopfilmclub.com/)

Ok so this doesn’t strictly fall into the bar, pub or restaurant category, but what is there not to love about a rooftop cinema?

Taking advantage of various rooftop venues across London, including the aforementioned Queen of Hoxton and Kensington Roof Gardens, you’re promised a cinema experience like no other.

Roll up for an evening of movie watching under the stars as they show a wide spectrum of flicks on the big screen – from pure classics to recent releases. You’re guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes. Combine this with snacks, cold drinks and a lovely summer’s evening and you’re undoubtedly onto a winning combination.

Appetite sufficiently whet for all things rooftop related?

If you’re heading to any of these top roof terrace spots in the near future, feel free to tweet us and let us know how you get on – @classicbonduk.

Feel inspired?

Visiting a roof terrace or roof garden anywhere in the world is undoubtedly an enjoyable, potentially breath-taking experience, but what if you could take just a little part of that enjoyment and as a homeowner, create your very own outdoor rooftop space?

Well, you can! If you’re feeling inspired to investigate the options for your own roof terrace or roof garden please find out more about our innovative green and residential roofing solutions by getting in touch to discuss your options…

Call: 0800 037 8080
Email: sales@classicbond.co.uk