Four Secret Rooftops in the London City

The weather’s getting hotter and we all know what summer in London means – rooftop brunches/drinks/sunbathing/all of the above. We’ve rounded up four of our favourite lesser-known spots in the City, and we’re using the term ‘secret’ fast and loose here, given that these rooftops have huge (well deserved) followings. But next time a pal suggests a drink at one of the busiest rooftops in London, why not guide them to one of these City hidden gems instead?

Sabine

There’s more than one rooftop with a banging view of St Paul’s (and views don’t get much better). Sabine opened last year with a garden-like, highly Instagrammable decor and killer cocktail menu. Make your way to the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal Hotel and clink a frozen blood orange negroni in the sunset before it becomes the hottest venue in London.

📍 Find it: 10 Godliman St, EC4V 5AJ

The Garden at 120

We waited with bated breath for The Garden at 120 to open after Covid, and it’s worth the long wait – spring is the ultimate time to visit to see the wisteria in bloom. Step up to the tranquil garden, complete with water feature, to see the City skyline from the mid level – a vantage point unlike any other. It’s free to visit and you can bring up your own food and drink, or if that’s not enough, find 14 Hills restaurant and bar just one floor down.

📍 Find it: 120 Fenchurch St, EC3M 5BA

Cloud Nine Rooftop Bar

Over in Tower Hill, Cloud Nine is all about the Tower of London view – soon to be the summer Instagram spot once ‘Superbloom’ is in full view. Cloud Nine’s spring and summer residency is welcoming Cityworkers for brunch at the weekends or sunset club from 5pm, with DJs and VIP cabanas up for booking. Find it on top of Tower Suites hotel.

📍Find it: 100 Minories, EC3N 1JY

The Culpeper

A proper London pub with an urban jungle twist. The Culpeper prides itself on using the rooftop to grow its own produce, with a proclamation that when you visit the pub, you’ll consume something from the rooftop (be that a garnish in your drink, a part of your dish, or something in your pickle). Worth a visit just for that – but then of course there’s the incredible view of the entire Eastern Cluster in the distance.

📍Find it: 40 Commercial St, E1 6LP

See this also: Best places to visit in London

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