Which rooftop bar should I start my Saturday morning at?

Kick off the weekend at Radio Rooftop in Shoreditch. I arrived at 10:30 am, just as the first coffee carts opened, and managed to snag a seat on the west‑facing terrace. The view stretches over the City’s skyscrapers and the iconic Gherkin, but the real draw is the 30‑minute “early‑bird” brunch menu: avocado toast for £8.50, a poached‑egg flatbread for £9, and a mimosa for £5. I spent exactly 45 minutes there, enough time to soak in the sunrise without the crowd that floods in after noon.

What’s the best hidden spot for a midday cocktail?

After brunch, I ducked into The Aviary above the Whitechapel Gallery. It’s tucked behind a discreet metal door, so you can’t spot it from the street. The bar serves a signature “London Fog Martini” – gin, Earl Grey‑infused vermouth, and a dash of lavender syrup – priced at £12. I ordered two and watched the Thames glitter from the 12th floor. The service was swift; the drinks arrived in 4 minutes, and the bar’s capacity is limited to 40 people, which keeps the noise level low enough for a quick catch‑up.

Where can I find a rooftop with a view of the river?

Mid‑afternoon, I headed to Coq d’Argent on the Strand. Its terrace sits 15 metres above the river, offering an unobstructed line of sight to Tower Bridge. I ordered a single glass of the house rosé (£7) and a plate of smoked salmon blinis (£11). The bar’s policy caps the group size at 25, so you can actually hear the water lapping against the embankment. I lingered for about an hour, just enough to watch the sunset turn the water gold.

How do rooftop bars blend with online entertainment?

When the sky darkened, I thought about winding down with a bit of digital fun. A friend recommended checking out velobet for a quick gaming session that doesn’t interfere with the night’s vibe. It’s a handy way to keep the buzz going while you’re still perched above the city lights.

Which rooftop is ideal for a late‑night bite?

For the final stop, I chose Rooftop at The Shard. The 34th‑floor bar opens at 7 pm and stays lively until midnight. I tried the “Shard Sliders” – mini beef patties with truffle mayo – priced at £14 for a sharing plate. The bar’s kitchen serves food until 11:30 pm, so you can still grab a bite after a few drinks. The view at night is spectacular; you can see the entire cityscape, from the London Eye to the illuminated skyline of Canary Wharf.

What should I avoid when planning a rooftop bar crawl?

Don’t assume every rooftop is open year‑round. Many venues, like the one at the Sky Garden, close their terraces during heavy rain or strong winds – the last time I tried to get in, the wind gusts were over 30 mph and the staff turned us away. Also, watch out for hidden charges: several bars add a £3 “terrace fee” to every drink after 9 pm. I learned this the hard way at a bar in Camden, where my £12 cocktail ended up costing £15.

With a little planning – checking opening times, booking a table where possible, and budgeting for the occasional surcharge – you can stitch together a rooftop itinerary that feels like a secret tour of London’s sky‑high hospitality. Each stop offers a distinct flavour, a different perspective, and a chance to sip something unique while the city sprawls beneath you. Enjoy the heights, but keep an eye on the weather and the clock, and you’ll have a weekend worth remembering.