The ‘navvies’ of Chalk Farm: fist fights, rowdy pubs and raffling a dead body
August 29, 2024
Life was dangerous, drunken and relentlessly tough for the men who transformed the neighbourhood carving out the railways
With loads more glamourous new arrivals for summer 2024, plenty of classics frequented by in-the-know locals, and a teaser of what’s being promised in the future too, here’s our fully revised, comprehensive list of all the best rooftop bars – from the West End up to Hampstead.
We’ve divided them into sections, which you can jump to for convenience using this menu ⬇️. We bet you’ve not tried all of these bars-with-a-scenic-view… yet.
Central Camden / King’s Cross / Kentish Town & Belsize / West End
VIBE: This Margarita and Mezcal joint is a sister bar to the Mayfair original bearing the same name. Whereas that one is renowned for Asian flavours, this curvaceous alfresco terrace focuses on all things Mexican, including a food menu of tacos and tostadas.
VIEW: The Lucky Club Camden sits atop the iconic walls of Camden’s Grade II-listed horse hospital. It’s had a striking £2m refurb, including the installation of a retractable roof and Function One sound, and is a real late afternoon sun trap from which to enjoy views of the Roundhouse and bustling Camden Market below.
CAMDENIST TIP: Make sure you have a gander around the rest of North Yard as part of your visit. It has a rich Victorian industrial heritage, and a growing international foodie scene, and is now a hub of immersive games and theatre, too.
VIBE: This cocktail bar in a shipping container is part of the Buck Street site in Camden Market, and throngs with the bustle of numerous streetfood operators and vintage shops below, while also feeling like a VIP seat for Camden Town’s world class people watching.
VIEW: You are quite litterally looking down onto the mele outside Camden tube and up towards the Market, so expect things to be lively, no matter what time of the day.
CAMDENIST TIP: You might want to check out the fluro delights of the Cyberdog Rave Bar just across the terrace, where the view is more of the models gyrating in the brand’s signature clothing while silent psy-trance blasts out to the dancefloor – for wearers of the headphones provided, silent disco style.
VIBE: Brand new, so we’ve not been yet! But it looks like a right suntrap…
VIEW: It’s another full-throttle Camden Town vantage, looking out across the rainbow flag ‘zebra’ crossings at Jamestown Rd on the main drag up to the Market, a spot that’s always full of human traffic.
CAMDENIST TIP: There are DJs on downstairs until 2am when the terrace has to close.
VIBE: This long-standing party spot at the heart of Camden Market runs all kinds of music promotions, which often spill out onto its front terrace, which can be busier than the inside if the sun’s out.
VIEW: From its waterfront vantage on the Regent’s Canal, Lockside boasts some lovely views of Camden’s industrial heritage locations. These include the Lock, the thronging West Yard food market and it’s all in the shadow of the mighty red Interchange building behind the bar itself.
CAMDENIST TIP: Live music and DJs can start out on the rooftop as early as 2pm on big weekends, so get there early on if afternoon-into-evening party vibes are your thing.
VIBE: Elevating drinking and dining high above the main auditorium of Camden High Street’s world famous live music venue, where legends from Prince to Siouxsie Sioux, Noel Gallagher to Katy B have all performed. KOKO’s aim is no less than to be at the centre of the UK’s music universe, with tiered membership granting access to areas up top, including a penthouse and recording studio, a hidden speakeasy and private dining.
VIEW: Looking down onto Camden High Street probably isn’t the best vista in town, however the VIP treatment, pre-gig excitement and special live performances make it one of London’s hottest rooftop hangouts regardless. Move over Shoreditch house, (even with that swimming pool).
CAMDENIST TIP: KOKO’s rooftop also boasts a cocktail bar inside its iconic copper dome, which has been totally rebuilt after a fire ripped through it during the venue’s multi-million-pound restoration. If you can’t get up there, the smoking area above the main entrance is the venue’s other great outdoor spot.
VIBE: A Chalk Farm Rd classic, this pub boasts not only a large beer garden and welcoming all-day bar, but a snug upstairs where live bands and DJs often play, leading out onto a great little rooftop
VIEW: You’ve got a peachy view of the historic Great Wall of Camden, the former stables that’s now home to the Market, plus historic Harmood Street, that was saved fronm the wrecking ball and is now one of the area’s nicest residential roads.
CAMDENIST TIP: Grabbing a burger or wrap from the kitchen menu up here makews for a welcome respite from the more hectic streetfood offerings nearby.
VIBE: This renowned 90’s nightclub has been reborn a stone’s throw from its original King’s Cross railway arches location. The clientele have grown up, demanding comfy seats, cocktails and a top notch restaurant these days, but the rave certainly spirit lives on at this 6-floor pub conversion, with a dancefloor in the basement.
VIEW: Clamber up top the top floor and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful vantage on all sides, with Islington in front and the hills of Highgate off to your left. The members club vibe is exciting, particular as you don’t need to be a member to enjoy it.
CAMDENIST TIP: It’s worth stopping off on a couple of the other floors on your way up here, which range from restaurant Wild at The Cross to the Soho House-style Barn complete with DJs and the decadent velvet-clad Red Room.
VIBE: Miami-style high-rolling fabulousness. Camden Council’s brutalist former town hall annexe and library has been totally reinvented. Everything about this hotel screams fun and decadence, so the roof – which debuted last summer – is the natural apex of all that. It’s back for a second season (if you can snag a table in good time) including a taco truck run by the people behind the acclaimed Decimo downstairs.
VIEW: brilliant scenes of the intricate spires of St Pancras Station directly over the road, or around the other side for sunset across central London, all framed by the Standard’s colourful palate of parasols, astroturf and kitsch outdoor lounge furniture.
CAMDENIST TIP: While the outside terrace might be the rooftop proper, don’t overlook the new indoor cocktail bar, Sweeties, just one floor down on the 10th, either. It’s a late-night lounge with DJs and all manner of innovative alcohol-based ‘nootropic’ concoctions on the menu, with equally sweeping views of its own.
VIBE: A secret alfresco drinks rendezvous for those in the know. Not open yet this summer, but keep an ear to the ground or ask in The Hansom bar, situated in the old horse-drawn taxi rank below.
VIEW: It’s not the highest of rooftop spots, but you’ll still be blown away with unusual angles on a range of architectural landmarks, from the ultra-modern Crick opposite, to the hulking red brick British Library and, of course, the gothic splendour of St Pancras Station, upon which you are sitting.
CAMDENIST TIP: Before/after your drinks up on the roof, sashay down the hotel’s famous staircase (immortalised in a Spice Girls video) into the building’s depths. You’ll be rewarded with some serious pampering at the luxurious subterranean health spa.
VIBE: The Lighterman was purpose-built from scratch in an enviable spot on Granary Square in the heart of King’s Cross. It’s a lively post-work spot, but also great for lunches, and the roof terrace is sizzling when the sun comes out.
VIEW: Kids playing in the dancing fountains below, boats on the Regent’s Canal and sashaying fashion students heading to/from Central St Martins, it’s all go.
CAMDENIST TIP: If the roof is full, all is not lost. There’s also outdoor space on the Square below, plus a large waterfront terrace around on the canal side, so you can get your al fresco drinks fix one way or another. MENU MAP INFO
VIBE: This was one of the borough’s few remaining proper backstreet boozers, which just happened to have a brilliant beer garden by Regent’s Canal. After many years empty, it’s now been reborn as a sprawling high end pub, attracting more of the KX dining crowd – but still very good that it’s back.
VIEW: The terrace is a brand new addition, and as such comes with fancy all-weather sliding windows and roof, so even if the skys are heavy, you can still eat and drink with elevated vistas of the Victorian waterway.
CAMDENIST TIP: Despite being the best seats in the house, there’s no requirement to eat on the terrace – it’s first come first served, and you are equally welcome to sit and nurse a simple pint or complicated cocktail.
An honorable mention for this excellent well-preserved King’s Cross boozer, which has an almost ‘secret’ roof terrace with little in the way of a view, but good vibes guaranteed, tucked in amongst old buildings that have seen a thing or two over the years.
VIBE: This is the rooftop bar of a steakhouse run by another of those charismatic salt-wielding chefs, who has designed the whole concept around what makes for a good TikTok. It’s a riot of neon, gold and bold patterning, while the drinks menu goes as far as a 24 carat gold wrapped cocktail that’s sixty quid.
VIEW: Even if the Aberdeen Angus and champagne sparklers elements are not what you seek, this is the only rooftop anywhere around Hampstead, and while it doesn’t have rolling views across the Heath, its a good spot on warm night when you feel the need to get up above things.
CAMDENIST TIP: Could be a good start/finish on a mini pub crawl along Haverstock Hill, where the many boozers all have outdoor (if not up high) space.
VIBE: The swanky top floor of the Treehouse Hotel next door to the BBC, it’s a sizable lounge filled with foliage that almost seamlessly spills out into a comfy wraparound terrace, where DJs play tunes from their very own wooden treehouse.
VIEW: You really are at the heart of the West End with epic views of The Langham Hotel, down Regent’s St, up to the BT Tower, the Beeb next door and iconic spire of All Souls Church which is virtually downstairs.
CAMDENIST TIP: The rooftop aims to be the most doggie-friendly in London, including running a specially crafted canine-friendly menu, on offer every Sunday afternoon (12-3pm)
VIBE: Still a bit of a hidden gem this one, as most people don’t know you can head up to the top of the Royal Opera House these days, even if you’re not a ticket holder. It’s heated and covered, too, but delightfully airy on summer nights.
VIEW: Beautiful views of Covent Garden and theatre land make this a hit. You can also get a feel for the Opera crowd when there’s a show on, which is always fun.
CAMDENIST TIP: Try coming up here during the day when it’s very quiet. It’s like a dreamy little oasis in the hubbub of the West End.
VIBE: The swanky top floor of the Treehouse Hotel next door to the BBC, it’s a sizable lounge filled with foliage that almost seamlessly spills out into a comfy wraparound terrace, where DJs play tunes from their very own wooden treehouse.
VIEW: You really are at the heart of the West End with erch which is virtually downstairs.
CAMDENIST TIP: The rooftop aims to be the most dog
VIBE: The downstairs gastro boozer is one of London’s hottest tickets right now, with crazy long waiting lists for tables, so this brand new al fresco extension – comprising of 40 more covers – will really help.
VIEW: Not the highest rooftop in the area, but atmospherically set just off Piccadilly Circus, for a real Soho buzz.
CAMDENIST TIP: The roof terrace is only for walk-ins, meaning it’s the ideal way to cut the wait list, so the minute the sun shines, now you know where to go…
VIBE: This first London outpost of Instagram-tastic Chinese empire Tattu is perched atop the Outernet Now Building, and it’s dazzling in every respect. Step through a corridor of 8k video walls (and ceiling) before being whisked into an oriental wonderland, with easy-on-the-eye food and drinks to match.
VIEW: From historic St Giles in the Fields to the twinkling lights of Soho and the City beyond, plus the colourful Renzo Piano Google offices and 60’s icon Centrepoint which are both neighbours.
CAMDENIST TIP: After dinner and drinks, head into the 2,000 capacity live music venue HERE that’s located in the basement below, (the biggest to open in central London since the 1940s). For the dream package, book a room at the exclusive Chateau Denmark right next door.
VIBE: Escape the Oxford Street frenzy with a trip up to the 6th floor rooftop of department store survivor John Lewis, where it’s all cocktails on the astroturf lawn, or sag a cabana for even more privacy while you plot where to roll onto next.
VIEW: Oxford Street, but from much higher than the top deck of the bus – with added landmarks across the rooftops, too.
CAMDENIST TIP: The Benugo-run roof is open from midday, 7 days a week, making it one of the most reliable spots to find a place whenever the mood takes you on this list.
VIBE: The international Aqua Restaurant Group have swish restaurants and bars in the world’s top locations, and alongside one up The Shard, there are no less than three in one glam building on Regent’s Street. Aqua Spirit is the destination cocktail bar up top, for those looking to impress.
VIEW: You’re slap bang in the middle of the West End here, perched above the curvaceous splendour of Regent’s Street, so this one is an effortless stunner in all directions.
CAMDENIST TIP: To really push the boat out, your al fresco cocktails can become either before or after a meal delicate Japanese cuisine at Aqua Kyoto, or contemporary Spanish tapas plates at Aqua Nueva, which also has a section of rooftop for dining.
VIBE: 125ft up in the air, with an all-weather retractable roof so it is possibly to make the most of every conceivable combination of the elements. The bar itself is filled with bold and colourful art including neon pieces and a playful cocktail menu matches the decor, with vibrant twists on the classics.
VIEW: Excellent skyline eye-candy, Holborn is a great location for checking out the likes of the Barbican and the new financial towers across the City and out East.
CAMDENIST TIP: Although the rooftop can fit a fair few people, there are only 46 actual seats, so a trip here – especially on a balmy summer’s eve – needs to be cleverly planned in advance.
VIBE: This handsome Young’s pub in Covent Garden has converted the big upstairs room with the addition of some very swish retractable windows and roof, turning it into an al fresco West End oasis on warm days.
VIEW: The stunning streets of Covent Garden, its piazza and the Royal Opera House and theatreland all around.
CAMDENIST TIP: The middle floor dining room is also very bright and airy with its vast windows if there’s no room up top.
Find out more about them all in the map below
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