So, you’re starting to plan the happiest day of your life. From seating charts to the song you’ll be having your first dance to, there’s a lot to think about. There’s one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about though, and that’s sorting your engagement drinks! Here are London’s most impressive rooftop bars to celebrate your engagement this summer.
10 London Rooftop Bars And Restaurants To Celebrate Your Summer Engagement
[Words by Leighanne Bent]
We’ve teamed up with Design My Night who have revealed London’s most impressive spaces in the sky for celebratory drinking, dancing and dining to celebrate your engagement, no matter what kind of day or night you’re after.
Aqua Kyoto
They’ve popped the question, and you’ve only gone and said yes. The only thing left to pop now is a bottle of Champagne, and what better place to see fizz fly than Aqua Kyoto?
This sushi-centric restaurant on London’s Regent Street has an extensive sushi menu, a flower-filled secret terrace that changes with the seasons (summer 2022 is all about silk hydrangeas) and a drinks menu to suit all tastes, from flutes of Veuve Clicquot to mocktails with mint, watermelon and lychee juice. As for the view – it’s a panoramic number that will make your jaw drop.
Wagtail
If you have social media or just love staying up to date with London’s hottest openings, chances are, you’ve already laid eyes on Wagtail.
This new sky-high abode in the sky boasts a rooftop terrace and bar with 360 degree views of London (get ready to get up close and personal with the likes of the Shard and the Walkie Talkie building), but what makes this place so special isn’t just the view – it has two private terraces and private dining in the cupola that crowns the building. Engagement parties don’t get much more luxurious than this.
Midnight Apothecary
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for but you’re keen to save all the theatrics for the wedding day? If you’re looking for something low-key but memorable for your engagement drinks, Midnight Apothecary has you covered.
You’ll find this secret rooftop tucked away on top of Brunel Museum with lots of country charm; think campfires where you can toast s’mores alongside plenty of flora and fauna that are used as garnishes for the cocktails. There’s a reason this place has been named one of the world’s most sustainable bars.
The Rooftop at 100 Shoreditch
If ‘last minute’ is your middle name and you’re looking to have an impromptu celebration with your nearest and dearest (or perhaps just your bestie), The Rooftop at 100 Shoreditch is calling your name.
This haven in the clouds unfortunately doesn’t take bookings – it’s a first come, first served basis, but this rooftop could work well for small groups if you’re lucky on the day. Make your way to Shoreditch for striking views looking towards west London, jalapeno margaritas and interiors worthy of a magazine; think succulents, cacti and baby pink tones.
Bōkan
You only get engaged once (or you’d at least like to think so!), and if you’re hell bent on going all out from the engagement party to the honeymoon, Bōkan is a pretty swish place to start.
Make a booking and begin your evening in the bar for drinks, when your flutes are empty make your way down to the award-winning restaurant and then back up two floors to finish your evening on Bōkan’s open-air terrace on the 39th floor. With a beautiful backdrop to the city you’re guaranteed flawless pictures and a romantic setting.
Laurel’s on the Roof
Champagne lifestyle on a prosecco budget? We’ve all been there. Catching a flight to LA to celebrate your engagement might be a bit much (you do have the big day to save up for now) but we’ve got a great alternative, and it’s right here in London.
Laurel’s on the Roof is a Hollywood-inspired rooftop and it has its very own pool and although you need to be a guest to pop on your swimsuit and go for a dip, the food and drinks are just as much of a reason to pay a visit. Highlights include the yuzu palomas alongside their moreish lobster roll.
14 Hills
14 Hills has been nicknamed London’s ‘floating forest in the sky’ and when you visit, you’ll see why. Huge trees and tropical interiors will trick you into thinking you’ve stepped out of London and right into the Amazon.
As for when you should visit, whether it’s lunch, a la carte or their weekend brunch, you can count on flavoursome dishes to help celebrate your big news. The drinks are just as theatrical as the interiors, using the likes of banana leaf and homemade cardamom syrup, so make sure you get adventurous with your choice – you won’t regret it.
Sabine
Sabine opened its doors to the public last summer and people from all over the capital (and further afield) flocked to the skies to see what all the fuss was about. The rooftop bar and outdoor terrace has plenty going for it, from the postcard-worthy views of St Paul’s to the botanical interiors indoors.
The menu is propped up with signature Champagne cocktails and frozen negronis so you know you’ll have a good drink in hand when you spill the beans on how your other half proposed.
Aviary
You’re on top of the world while being on the actual top of the world? Aviary sure will make you feel that way. This rooftop draws a glamorous crowd all year round, so hosting an important celebration like your engagement drinks will be a walk in the park for them.
Their rooftop restaurant offers a fantastic group set dining menu and when you’ve polished off your dessert (we highly recommend the sticky toffee pudding) – you can make your way out onto the terrace for fairytale views of London’s skyline.
Bisushima
If you and your loved ones are suckers for sushi and skyline views, take note of Bisushima. This rooftop restaurant with not one but two terraces in Covent Garden plates up impressive 360° views of Trafalgar Square and an even more impressive menu of signature dishes.
Priced from £60 to £75 and £120, the set menus have something for everyone and if you want to switch things up further – there’s always the a la carte. Peaceful and away from the crowds, this is the perfect destination to show off your new bling with your bride tribe.
For more information on rooftop bars in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
10 of the Best Rooftops and Terraces For Family Get Togethers
Your cousin is two hours late; your father-in-law is quizzing your other half on the Crystal Palace game; and when the bill arrives you’re wondering who the hell ordered 10 Jägerbombs. Family get-togethers are far from boring and although you’re still probably waiting on your cousin David to arrive at the last gathering, there’s no time like the present to start planning your next shindig.
These are the best rooftops and terraces in London for those all-important family gatherings to celebrate with your nearest and dearest at these outdoor London hotspots.
Pergola Olympia
Let’s cut to the chase. Pergola Olympia is not somewhere you want to bring your nan but it is a bloody brilliant spot to book for those knees-up occasions with the fun side of the family.
Catch the sunset at this botanical beauty in the sky as you make your way around the various self-serve restaurants and bars. If you happen to find yourself here on a Wednesday evening, make sure you make the most of their bottomless G&Ts for £25 a pop.
Seabird
Your last family portrait was taken in 2012 and you had bangs that – to this day – still haunt you? Cue Seabird. Sitting pretty atop The Hoxton Hotel in Southwark, it’s sure to provide you all with the backdrop to your next family snap together (minus the uneven fringe).
This open-air alfresco space is less like London and more like New York with leafy palm trees and sweeping city vistas. As for the food at this tropical paradise? It’s all about fresh seafood.
Dalloway Terrace
If a catch-up with all your female relatives is on the agenda, there’s only one place for it, and that’s Dalloway Terrace. This alfresco terrace changes its look with the seasons, from autumn right through to the summer, and the setting is perfect for intimate gatherings.
We recommend adding their afternoon tea to your agenda but if that’s not tickling your tastebuds, the all-day menu is sure to grab your attention.
The Lighterman
The recurring issue when having a family get-together? The location. Avoid the moans from your loved ones by booking a table at The Lighterman. This gem is only a few minutes’ stroll from King’s Cross station and with connecting trains from just about everywhere (including Hogwarts), there’s no room for ‘that’s too far away’ comments.
The canal-side bar and restaurant has a spectacular Sunday roast menu, jugs of seasonal cocktails for as little as £30 and an alfresco terrace with calming views of the water.
Barge East
A dining spot that’s worth stepping off dry land for? Barge East is a floating restaurant in Hackney and is hands-down one of the coolest places to eat in East London. Jump aboard the 114-year-old barge with the famalam and make the most of their unique spaces by booking ahead.
The Captain’s Cabin seats up to 10 people and if you’re a big old bunch, the top deck – which has stunning waterside views – seats groups of up to 26. As for the menu? They have everything from boozy and bottomless brunch to homely Sunday roasts.
601 Queen’s Road
A big night out with the family not your kinda jam? 601 Queen’s Road is a fantastic daytime restaurant in Wimbledon with a fairy light-lit wrap around terrace that’s ideal for small gatherings outdoors.
They have a weekend menu boasting brunch favourites with the option to add on bottomless prosecco, mojitos, mimosas and soft drinks too. Dining with some vegans? They have a full menu for plant-based dishes and a drinks menu for all things G&T.
Skylight
Your family’s a wild bunch? Not to worry. If there’s anywhere to keep them watered and occupied, it’s Skylight.
This rooftop in Wapping used to be an old car park but it’s had a major facelift over the years, bringing a series of lawn games to the skies during summer and pop-up igloos and ice skating come winter. The views of London are something else too, laying out the city’s most iconic buildings right in front of your very eyes.
Skylark
Rounding up the family for a sophisticated day or night out might only happen once in a blue moon for some, so why not make the next one count. Skylark is a rooftop restaurant in Paddington with plenty of NYC personality and is sure to please the fussiest of relatives.
Cocktails are their specialty and they have a dedicated pizza menu if you order one too many Pornstars Martinis when inevitably discussing those embarrassing childhood stories.
Flight Club Victoria
If your family has a competitive streak, they’re sure to love Flight Club. The kings of interactive social darts, this activity bar will see you and your family taking selfies, splitting into teams and battling it out for eternal glory.
There’s lots of games to choose from and they have huge sharing trophy cocktails if you’d like to rub it in that you’re the champions after the final dart has been thrown. On the losing team? You can drown your sorrows in peace in their alfresco fairground-themed garden.
The Driver
When we say The Driver has it all, we mean it has it all. Boasting a penthouse, saloon bar, gastro pub and roof terrace, it’s a dream when it comes to family gatherings.
Better again, you can hire out their outdoor space for those bigger celebrations where it’s worth having the place all to yourselves. Once again, this hidden gem isn’t far from King’s Cross meaning it’s easy peasy to get to once you tap out of the tube.
Read More:
- The Best Restaurants in London Right Now
- 11 Amazing Bottomless Brunch Hotspots
- 15 Creative Ideas for Your Engagement Announcement
For more info on rooftop bars in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
