Whether you’re after work boozing in London or getting a Brighton beachside fix, when the sun shines on the UK it’s basically criminal to drink indoors. Go and grab that extra Vitamin D while you can at one of these epic rooftop bars.
Frank’s – London - Boozing on a carpark roof
There’s only one south-side joint that Londoner’s will be catching some rays and that’s Frank’s. Up on top of a Peckham car park roof is this legendary summer combo of mega views, an achingly cool crowd, killer (cheap) cocktails and BBQ legend Mike Davies on the menu. BarChick will see you there.
10th Floor, Peckham Multi-Story Carpark, 95A Rye Lane, SE15
Rooftop at the RSC - Stratford upon Avon - culture with a side of al fresco cocktails
Soak up a bit of culture in the theatre before soaking up the cocktails in the third floor roof bar afterwards. There's a packed menu of faves but we always pluck for the 'As You Like It' RSC Cocktail which changes every month. It'll be a tragedy if you miss out on that one.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BB
The Varsity Hotel - Cambridge - Relax to the max
Known for their epic spa, it’s no surprise the roof terrace on top of this hotel feels like a garden oasis. The sofa tables are ace and perfect for melting into while chowing on some seriously good BBQ. With a view that stretches to forever and where you can sightsee the whole of the historic city, sack off the punting and kick back with a Pimm’s and watch as the world turns beneath you.
24 Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AQ
Tokyo - Newcastle - A legend for a reason
Candles, chandeliers, and plush sofas are what you can expect from this chic party bar tucked unassumingly on Westgate Road. After a decade of providing Geordies with tiki flavoured killer cocktails, Tokyo has the ability to impress even the most veteran drinker with booze masterminds behind the stick just waiting to blow you away. Secluded, with heat lamps and blankets just in case, their terrace is the place to be, so be sure to arrive early to claim your territory.
17 Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Goodness Gracious - Liverpool - a waterside gem
Waterfront views? Check. Ace summer cocktails? Check. Goodness Gracious is Liverpool's hidden gem with wicked views of the Royal Liver Building, and drinks that'll keep you from ever wanting to leave. Sink a few watermelon margaritas while chilling with your crew. Just don't forget your sunnies or your camera. Your selfie game will be strong up here.
Goodness Gracious, West Africa House, 25 Water Street L2 0RG
Bohemia Brighton - Brighton - Champers & sunglasses
Get past the maze of unexpected wonders downstairs and you will find this rooftop secret getaway. Complete with greenery and recliners, people gather from morning ‘til night to OD on sunshine, people watch and indulge. Astroturf and Champagne is the name of the game here, so sit back, relax and let the world bring you the finer things in life. Just don’t forget your sunnies. Oh and make them big.
54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
Sushi Samba - London - Sushi with a View.
Perched on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower, this glam number is all suits, stilettos, and a heavy dose of labels, but the masterful drinks from Rich Woods makes everyone get on just fine. With a sexy outdoor bar wrapped around an orange lit tree, plus some serious firepits, this is the perfect spot to soak in that ridiculous (and we’re talking best in London ridiculous) view, hit the cocktail list and toast to the good life.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
The Bureau - Birmingham - Historical drinking
This hidden gem, located in a Grade II Historical building in the financial district, has a jewel in its already awesome crown: a sky high gin-centric bar complete with cigars, craft beers and all classic cocktails you could dream of. Having returned for its second season, it’s still Birmingham’s best kept secret, so be sure to get in on the action.
110 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG
Hotel Gotham Club Brass - Manchester - money money money
If Hotel Gotham is the King of King Street then Brass is the jewel in the crown. With a nod to the building’s history as a bank and an acknowledgement of what makes the world go round, Club Brass is open to members and Gotham guests only, so either get cosy with someone who has a membership or book yourself a stay if you wanna check out this epic VIP roof bar on the 7th floor. You’ll pass through two vault-like doors on your way into a Prohibition-style speakeasy that will make you feel like a million bucks, and the view is golden.
100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU
Ubiquitous Chip - Glasgow -The surreal watering hole
Expect the unexpected on your way up at this multilevel sensory overload where you will find everything from an inside lake to a tropical paradise. Surrounded by views of the Glaswegian architecture, keep warm by the fire-pit and up your whisky game with their Whiskey Club or grab some food from their blindingly good kitchen. Either way, this is where you need to be this summer.
8-12 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ
Black Dog Ballroom - Manchester - An all-day affair
Imagine one part speakeasy, one part epic BBQ, with super charming staff and karaoke battles chucked in and you might start to get the idea of the Black Dog Ballroom. Head straight up to the terrace where exposed brick work and glass birdcages await you, along with a tiki styled bar pumping out great tropical drinks and breakfast served up ‘til 4pm (this place has hair of the dog written all over it). Get bored of the view? It’s down to the main bar for classics and debauchery till 4am.
Tib Street/ Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1PW
The Forth - Newcastle - Artsy oasis
Hidden down on Pink Lane, this former Victorian boxing gym packs a punch with some very welcome surprises. While the main bar may still look like an old school boozer, kids in the know hit up their secret rooftop garden where they sip pretty under local artwork and hang out on picnic benches well in to the night.
Pink Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5DW
Aqua Kyoto – London - Double trouble
Sneak high above the shops of Regent Street, where the young, beautiful and absolutely loaded come to sun. Divided into two areas (Spanish and Japanese, since those are a totally logical pairing), skip it all together and head straight to two epic terraces, where you can soak up the view and the booze with Asian influenced classics like their green tea Pina Colada.
5th Floor, 240 Regent Street (entrance on 30 Argyll Street), London, W1B 3BR