There's something about swigging a drink as you survey what lies beneath which makes you feel like quite the big-wig. "Look at those little poor people down there scampering around with their lives as I sup Cinzano from this, my lofty drinking station."
No? Just us, then.
Whatever feelings it may arouse, there's no denying that there's something a little bit different about a night on a roof terrace.
So grab your glad-rags and make plans for a night in the clouds. (Well, at least one story up, anyway.)
Check out our list of London's best rooftop bars.
Enjoy a drink on London's best rooftops
Having undergone yet another refurbishment (will this new Fox last?) the new residents at the Fox have wisely smartened up the terrace at the top of this Kingsland Road pile. Escape the urban environment below and sip craft beer as you peer down on the mean streets.
At the corner of Hoxton Square, The Red Lion has long been an attractive option for the curious and the carefree. Rough around the edges, yet packed with charm, the rooftop terrace is the place to find a touch of serenity in crazy old Shoreditch.
When this week’s latest indie-pop outfit gets a bit too much, escape upstairs to the terrace up top. The Macbeth may be more synonymous with the sweaty swagger of bands but on the roof there’s a way out – of you can handle the smoke.
Vista is your classic dial-a-hotel-rooftop-bar with its swanky tables, ‘chill out’ soundtrack and pricey punch, however, the views are ace. Like the website says, on top of the Trafalgar Hotel the views are ‘indulgent’ – and with Nelson’s Column next door, you’d have to agree.
Film screenings, BBQs, games, cocktails, club nights - The Queen of Hoxton has it all, and that’s just the roof! Any trip to Shoreditch is brightened up immeasurably with a trip to the peak of this multifaceted venue. There’s even Astroturf in a sweet attempt at a grassy illusion. Aahh.
Well, well, well… isn’t the rooftop terrace at Proud rather swish?! The wicker chairs, the cushions, the pot plants; it’s all just so attractive. If you’re looking for down to earth style at odds with hotel bar aesthetic then this is the rooftop for you.
The thing with the Big Chill venues is that they’re both a world away from the eponymous festival. However, despite the rowdy nature of the club nights at this Kings Cross emporium of fun, there’s always the rooftop escape. The terrace gets BUSY in summer but what’s a little shoulder rubbing between friends?
Luxury hotel and rooftop terraces mix and nowhere are the results more attractive than on the Boundary Rooftop. A chic layout is more South of France than East of London and a classy cocktail bar provides the refreshments to match the views.
Voted one of London’s best rooftop bars, Midnight Apothecary takes over the rooftop of the Brunel Museum each summer. Visit the secret riverside garden and drink artisan cocktails in the moonlight while keeping warm by the fire pit. The ingredients for the cocktails come from the garden itself or from foraging in the local area.