The best UK rooftop bars and outdoor terraces to book this spring

The best UK rooftop bars and outdoor terraces to book this spring

When the weather gets warm and the sun comes out – or even, if conditions dictate, wrapped up in blankets in the snow – there are few things better than enjoying a drink on a rooftop bar or outdoor terrace. 

Of course, in 2021, these spaces take on a special relevance as, along with pub gardens, they are among the first hospitality venues allowed to reopen from today, ahead of a broader indoor reopening on May 17. 

Boris Johnson gave the green light to phase two of his roadmap on April 5, meaning pubs and bars will be allowed to reopen their outdoor spaces from April 12, but everyone who visits will have to check in on the NHS Test and Trace app.

According to data from Google Trends, plenty of us have already planned our triumphant return to the drinking and dining scene, with search interest in ‘rooftop bars’ up 250 per cent over the past few months.

Research from hospitality industry job board Caterer.com found that 4.7m people reserved outdoor tables in the first two weeks after April 12, and estimate that the rush for outdoor dining and drinking will contribute £2.4bn into the economy within the first month.  

To help narrow down your search, here are 18 of the best spots around the country to enjoy an al fresco drink.

Best rooftop and outdoor bars reopening in London for 2021

1. Bar Elba, London

Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8UL

With a capacity of 400, this rooftop bar near Waterloo is a great place for chilled out drinks in the evening. The menu has both alcoholic and alcohol-free cocktails plus burgers, fries, and nachos. To mark its reopening, Bar Elba is running bottomless brunch with prosecco or beer on Saturdays and Sundays from April 17, and bottomless burgers and drinks on Fridays and Saturdays. Booking in advance is essential. 

2. Rotunda, London

90 York Way, London N1 9AG

Credit: Rotunda

Not a rooftop, but a gorgeous outdoor terrace just behind King’s Cross in the capital, Rotunda sits on the bank of Regent’s Canal so you can watch the boats and ducks go by while you enjoy the bar’s expansive wine collection or one of their collection of signature cocktails.

3. Skylight Rooftop, London

Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF

Credit: Skylight Rooftop

Featuring a huge outdoor roof garden with private covered and heated booths (bookable for £60 per hour), or just standard tables (£10 per hour) Skylight Rooftop offers great views of the City of London and the Shard as well as signature and classic cocktails, and a revolving cast of street food vendors. There are even DJs planned on Saturdays.

4. Mercato Metropolitano, London

42 Newington Causeway, London SE16DR, United Kingdom

Despite being London's biggest outdoor beer garden, this Elephant and Castle spot is something of a secret. As you walk off the quiet street, you enter the 15,000 square foot, 500 seater garden, full of full of plants, bamboo and trees. As well as a variety of food vendors there's an on-site micro brewery from German Kraft,  rooted in German tradition which specialises in fresh, authentic beers, and a distillery from sustainable urban gin, Jim and Tonic.

5. Golden Gai, London

16A D'Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EA

Having opened just days before December's Tier 4 lockdown was announced, the miniature 50-seater terrace at Golden Gai promises to be something of a hidden gem when it reopens in April. The bar is run by the team behind acclaimed Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant Angelina in Dalston and promises the same cross-cultural twist in its cocktails, and bar snacks such as its a signature formaggio bento cheese 'board' which combines Italian cheeses with Japanese accompaniments, from moromi miso to aged tofu. 

Best bars outside London

6. Headrow House, Leeds

19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU

Housed in a former textile mill in the centre of the city, Headrow House’s rooftop garden offers panoramic views of the Leeds skyline. It’s famed for its artisan cocktails, huge spirits selection, and a huge neon sign which is often changed to pay homage to whatever is going on in the city at the moment. 

7. Amity Brew Co., Leeds

Weaver's Yard, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ

Having launched its brewpub in July last year, Amity Brew Co. has never served a pint to its customers on-site and will be opening up its 40-seater courtyard for the first time in April. Set in the historic Sunny Bank Mills just outside Leeds, it's the ideal spot for a pint in the sun after some shopping or visiting the local art gallery. 

8. Bambalan, Bristol

Podium Level, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE

With a big outdoor terrace in the heart of Bristol, Bambalan is a perfect sun trap. Alongside a long list of classic cocktails, Bambalan is currently collaborating with Bristol pizza favourite Flour & Ash to serve wood-fired sourdough pizza along with homemade ice cream. Just the thing as the weather heats up. 

9. Terrace NQ, Manchester

43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA

Given the size of the city, the dearth of rooftop bars in Manchester is somewhat surprising. Still, this hidden gem more than makes up for it. Nestled in the heart of the fashionable Northern Quarter, this bar features not one but three outdoor roof gardens where you’ll be able to enjoy cask ales, cocktails, and Neapolitan pizza, but its little-known nature means it’s usually ideal for a quiet drink. 

10. Seven Bro7hers Middlewood Locks, Manchester

Lockside Ln, Salford M5 4YP

Credit: Seven Bro7hers

Set just outside the hustle and bustle of central Manchester, with a beautiful canalside location, the newest drinks spot from famed Manchester craft brewers, Seven Bro7hers is ideal for summer. You can enjoy their experimental pints (made with honey, Rice Krispies and even Coco Pops!) and classic pub grub. Frankly, any of Seven Bro7hers locations could have made this list; the Ancoats Square terrace is also highly recommended. 

11. Rockwater, Hove

Western Esplanade, Hove BN3 4FA

A beach bar with a rooftop terrace, what more could you possibly ask for? With sea views and a serene beach, Rockwater offers something for everyone. There’s a huge wine collection, along with cocktails and spritzes, plus luxurious seafood dishes, brunch, and handmade pizza. There’s even extra food shacks on the beachfront serving beers and ice cream. 

12. The Canal House, Birmingham

12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR

This rustically decorated bar and restaurant on the Birmingham Canal Old Line confirmed its April 12 reopening within hours of the government’s announcement and fans are already competing for a table. With both a rooftop garden and canalside terraces, there should be plenty of space to enjoy Canal House’s comprehensive cocktail menu and classic British cuisine. 

13. Marco Pierre White Restaurant and Bar, Birmingham

The Cube, 200 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1PR

Those looking for something a bit more elevated in Birmingham might also try Marco Pierre White’s bar on the top floor of The Cube in the city’s Mailbox district. It offers stunning views of the city’s modern skyline and the canals. The restaurant specialises in luxurious steak, but the bar menu offers a huge selection of wines and cocktails to enjoy too. 

14. Cold Town House, Edinburgh

4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU

While Scotland’s big reopening is set for a bit later than England’s, with outdoor hospitality venues potentially able to reopen from April 26, it’ll be worth the wait to visit this rooftop garden. Offering stunning views of the city’s iconic castle, and drinks from the venue’s on-site microbrewery as well as selection of cocktails and alcohol-free options, there’ll be plenty to enjoy when Cold Town House reopens. 

15. Goodness Gracious Roof Garden, Liverpool

West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RG

On the top floor of Liverpool’s beloved Oh Me Oh My restaurant is the Goodness Gracious Roof Garden. As soon as it is allowed, the garden will be open for pizza and drinks from Thursdays-Sundays from 2pm until 9pm. Offering panoramic views of the city and a huge capacity, it looks like the ideal place for some summer sipping. 

16. Sky Bar at Radisson RED, Glasgow

25 Tunnel St, Glasgow G3 8HL

Set in the heart of the old Glasgow shipyards, the Sky Bar at Radisson RED has swiftly become a favourite spot for Glasweigians, noted for its incredible views of the city and the River Clyde as well as luxury cocktails, small plates, and even DJs at the weekends. This is the face of modern Glasgow. 

17. The Fox’s Revenge, Newquay

Carvynick Farm, A3058, Newquay TR8 5AF

Credit: Fox's Revenge

While other pubs are wondering whether they can open in pre-existing gardens, The Fox’s Revenge has simply moved the whole bar outdoors. In a huge teepee lit up with fairy lights, guests will be able to enjoy a pint with classic pub grub in a really rustic setting.

18. Potters Pub, Newport

22-24 Upper Dock St, Newport NP20 1DL

Like in Scotland, the reopening of the Welsh hospitality sector may look a bit different to England’s, with more information to follow. However, once Wales does reopen its venues, Potters Pub in Newport will be a place to visit. It offers a quirky, Caribbean-styled outdoor terrace with skyline views of Newport, and a huge beer and wine selection. 

19. The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge

Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ

Offering panoramic views of historic Cambridge, the Varsity Hotel's roof terrace is the ideal place to relax for a springtime drink. Food and drink includes luxurious barbecued delights as well as over thirty different cocktails consisting of both classics like the Bellini and homemade fruit infused gin drinks.

20. Tipis in The Gardens, Kent

The Gardens, Benover Road, Yalding, Kent, ME18 6EX

Credit: Fleur Challis Food & Commercial 

Tipis was launched in October 2020 at wedding venue The Gardens as a way to keep staff in work. It proved so popular that it will be reopening from 12th April, with the sides of the tipis open to allow for full air ventilation and views of the gardens. Luxury bespoke cocktails and locally made beer and cider are available alongside food inspired by British gardens.

Do you have a favourite rooftop bar or outdoor terrace we haven’t mentioned here? Share your recommendations in the comments below

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