Five of the UK's best rooftop bars for summer drinks in 2024
The best places to enjoy sunshine and cocktails this summer
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".
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.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.
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.
-
Is Europe finally taking the war to Russia?Today's Big Question As Moscow’s drone buzzes and cyberattacks increase, European leaders are taking a more openly aggressive stance
-
How coupling up became cringeTalking Point For some younger women, going out with a man – or worse, marrying one – is distinctly uncool
-
The rapid-fire brilliance of Tom StoppardIn the Spotlight The 88-year-old was a playwright of dazzling wit and complex ideas
-
Jane Austen lives on at these timeless hotelsThe Week Recommends Here’s where to celebrate the writing legend’s 250th birthday
-
May your loved ones eat, drink and be merry with these 9 edible Christmas giftsThe Week Recommends Let them eat babka (and cheese and licorice)
-
10 concert tours to see this winterThe Week Recommends Keep cozy this winter with a series of concerts from big-name artists
-
6 gripping museum exhibitions to view this winterThe Week Recommends Discover the real Grandma Moses and Frida Kahlo
-
Pull over for these one-of-a-kind gas stationsThe Week Recommends Fill ’er up next to highland cows and a giant soda bottle
-
The 8 best sci-fi series of all timethe week recommends Imagining — and fearing — the future continues to give us compelling and thoughtful television
-
The 8 best action movies of the 21st centurythe week recommends Thrills come in many forms, from assassins and spies to regular people fighting for justice
-
6 optimal digital nomad destinations: Pack your laptop, your visa and a sense of adventureThe Week Recommends See the world — but do it in a conscientious manner