Five of the UK's best rooftop bars for summer drinks in 2024

Although it might not feel like it, with the remnants of Storm Kathleen lashing UK shores, summer is on the way.

These rooftop bars across the UK are the perfect places to soak up the sun and a few drinks at the same time.

The Rooftop at The Standard

If spicy margaritas are your favourite tipple then it's time to "head 11 storeys up" to The Standard hotel's "funky" rooftop bar, where it's "all Astroturf and bright colours" said BarChick. Cocktails and wine are served on tap "for a relaxed vibe", and once the sun goes down "you might as well pop into the hotel's disco den, Sweeties, for a cocktail or three". Located in the heart of King's Cross, The Rooftop is the "crown jewel" of the hotel, said general manager Elli Jafari at its opening in 2021, adding that the bar is a "welcome new addition to London’s nightlife scene". 

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10 Argyle Street, London WC1

Red Sky Bar

Radisson Red Glasgow is a "fun place to eat, drink and be merry", said The Telegraph. The "big attraction" at the hotel, and a "great addition" to the city, is the Red Sky Bar on the roof, with "panoramic views" of the River Clyde and Finnieston Crane from a lounge and open terrace. It serves "snacks with cocktails", bottles of bubbly, a "good range" of craft beers and a "well stocked whisky gantry".

25 Tunnel Street, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow G3 

redskybar.com

cloudM Tower of London

For those looking for "epic views" of London this rooftop bar, located on the seventh floor directly above Tower Hill station, is one of London's "best kept secrets", said The Capturist.  Those visitors in the know can enjoy cocktails overlooking "a sensational view of the Tower of London". With "floor-to-ceiling glass windows" the view is "undeniably stunning", and the bar also boasts views of other iconic London landmarks such as The Shard and Trinity Square.

40 Trinity Square, London EC3

Roof Thirty Nine

The 120 square metres of roof space on top of the historic Fenwick department store in Newcastle wasn't accessible to the public until the opening of this "chic" rooftop cocktail bar in 2021, said Newcastle World. Named after Fenwick's door number in Northumberland Street, the terrace "overlooks the hustle and bustle of Newcastle's busiest shopping thoroughfare" but four floors up from ground level, "it's a haven away from the crowds". 

Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne 

SKYbar Edinburgh

Scotland's stunning capital is "filled with incredible landmarks", said Anna Bryan in the Edinburgh Evening News, so "take in the views" while sipping on a drink at one of the many rooftop bars. At the DoubleTree by Hilton's SKYbar, cocktails are served up alongside "gorgeous views" of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline.

34 Bread Street, Edinburgh