Everyone wants rooftop bars to come with a great view (because surely that’s the whole point, right?!).
And where in London has better views than the Southbank?
This lively area of London enjoys spectacular views of the Thames, as well as being home to lots of great bars and eateries.
If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars on the Southbank then you’re in luck because I’ve rounded them all up in one place for you!
From heated rooftop bars with igloos to rooftop bars serving bottomless brunch, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So without further ado, here are the 7 best rooftop bars on the Southbank with amazing views!
1. OXO Tower Bar
Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Phone number: 020 7803 3888
OXO Tower is home to one of the most popular rooftop bars on the Southbank.
And it’s not hard to see why it’s gained such a cult following!
Their 200ft terrace is the perfect place to sip on a cocktail or enjoy an afternoon coffee while you admire the iconic city skyline.
(St Paul’s Cathedral, I’m looking at you!)
And if you fancy a bite to eat, they can provide that too with delightful small plates like their soy-glazed beef sliders with kimchi or their vegetable gyoza dumplings with citrus wasabi sauce.
Yum!
Cocktails are OXO Tower’s speciality so if you order any drink, let it be a cocktail.
Their 24-drink-strong cocktail menu features all the favourites you know and love, alongside creative concoctions like their iconic Dream Recall and Oranje is the New Black cocktails.
Push the boat out and order a new cocktail – you won’t regret it.
Just remember to come early at the weekend as they don’t take bookings on Friday or Saturday nights!
2. Paradiso
Address: Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP
Phone number: 020 3034 0791
Combining two of my favourite things in life to perfection (rooftop views and bottomless brunch), Paradiso is one of my favourite places to go for bottomless brunch on the Southbank.
It’s served every weekend and you get to enjoy 90 sweet minutes of beer, mimosa, and brunch cocktails as part of the deal!
However, if bottomless booze isn’t your idea of a good time don’t worry because there are countless reasons to visit Paradiso.
Here, there are multiple outdoor spaces for you to drink from across their two floors.
However, the crème de la crème is their top floor, a covered balcony with outdoor heaters that provides unrivalled 180-degree views over the Thames.
It’s a magical space decked in greenery and lit up by the twinkling glow of fairy lights!
Here, you can enjoy a bite to eat from their all-day menu or a tipple from their extensive drinks menu.
I’d recommend the vegan viking burger paired with the fiery margherita!
3. 12th Knot
Address: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Phone number: 020 3747 1063
Take just one look at 12th Knot and I’m sure you won’t need much convincing to head up here.
Situated on the 12th floor (shock!) of the prominent Sea Containers building, 12th Knot is an eclectic rooftop bar and terrace with views that are to die for!
Sure to add a touch of class to your night out in London, this stylish bar has striking decor and vistas to match.
As such, their dress code is smart casual.
(You’ll want to leave the flip-flops and sportswear at home for this one!)
Once you arrive, you can take your pick from their lengthy drinks menu which ranges from cocktails, spirits, and wine, to beer, cider, and champagne.
Their One Night in 12th Knot cocktail comes highly recommended.
It’s a refreshing mix of lychee, sage, eucalyptus oil, and vodka – order it and thank me later!
They also serve some tasty food, including smoked jackfruit sliders and a cookie dough and Guinness ice cream that you won’t be able to stop raving about.
The jewel on 12th Knot’s crown though is their weekly line-up of live music sessions.
Whether it’s a live band or a funk and soul DJ, their events bring nothing but good vibes to the terrace!
4. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Phone number: 020 3879 9555
A leafy oasis that comes into its own on a sunny day, Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of central London below.
This sanctuary sits atop the iconic Southbank Centre and is home to over 200 wild native plants, a luscious lawn, and of course, a cafe/bar where you can fuel up.
Add to this some amazing views across the capital, and you’ve got yourself one of the best rooftop bars on the Southbank!
At the cafe, you’ll be able to indulge in expertly made coffee and tasty homemade pastries.
But of course, this wouldn’t be a rooftop bar without some drinks too!
Their carefully crafted gin cocktails are inspired by the garden, so if bright, floral cocktails are your thing, then you’ll love this bar.
Sadly, the garden is only open during spring and summer and also has to close during bad weather.
But if you find yourself on the Southbank on a sunny day, you know where to head!
5. Bar Elba
Address: Mercury House, 111 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8SG
Phone number: 020 3892 8166
Bar Elba is one of the capital’s hottest venues.
So it should come as no surprise that they’ve made it onto this list of the best rooftop bars on the Southbank.
If you’re not already familiar with it, Bar Elba changes with the seasons, transforming from a vibrant rooftop bar in the summer to a cosy, heated wonderland come wintertime.
They’re known for hosting epic parties as well as serving fabulous cocktails, alongside some equally fabulous views.
Their signature cocktails are amazing but if you want to get particularly boozy, then check out their unique shots.
From birthday cake flavour liqueur to some questionably named shots (I’m looking at you BJ and Slippery Nipple), they’re sure to get you boozy in no time!
Like Marsha, Bar Elba also has a banging bottomless brunch in Waterloo that you’re going to want to book in for.
They’re always themed and always heaps of fun.
Think gameshow brunches and Las Vegas-themed brunches and you’re on the right lines!
Want to elevate your Bar Elba rooftop experience even more?
Then book one of their ‘rooftop party pods’ (read: igloos) where you can party into the early hours in style.
6. Seabird
Address: 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY
Phone number: 020 7903 3050
Prettily perched on the rooftop of The Hoxton, Seabird is the most spectacular rooftop restaurant in the area.
From the exotic palm trees to the gorgeous decor to the show-stopping views, Seabird will make your jaw drop – literally!
Their menu is Spanish and Portuguese-influenced, with a heavy focus on fish dishes.
So if that sounds up your street, then you need to grab a bite to eat here!
Alongside their famous oyster happy hour, they also serve a great Sunday brunch, lovely small plates, and mouth-watering desserts.
However, if you just want to head up for a drink with a view, then you can do that too!
Be warned though: this spot is wildly popular (for good reason!) and you, unfortunately, can’t book ahead for drinks.
But if you do make it up there and you fancy splashing the cash, you have to order their £200 fish bowl to share.
It’s a strong mix of Hendrick’s, Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask, peche, tea blend, and Absinthe.
Yep, that’s right: Absinthe!
7. The Cut Bar & Restaurant
Address: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ
Phone number: 020 7928 4400
The Cut Bar & Restaurant is a buzzy bar situated in the Young Vic Theatre that sports a charming terrace.
Whether you’re a theatre-goer or you just fancy trying out a new terrace, The Cut Bar is sure to impress.
They’ve been around since 2006 so they know a thing or two about serving creative craft beers, fantastic wines, and show-stopping cocktails.
My favourite cocktail of theirs is the OKLAHOMA!
This aptly-named cocktail blends together Southern comfort, Amaretto, Peach Liqueur, pineapple, and lime.
And if you fancy a bite to eat, they do that too!
Their menu focuses on fresh, seasonal food from organic and sustainable sources so you can rest assured that you’re doing your bit for the planet by eating here.
Have your pick from sharing boards, small plates, mains, and desserts.
The roast butternut arancini with siracha mayonnaise is especially yummy!
It’s best enjoyed on their sunny terrace but of course, I’d say that, wouldn’t I?!
So that concludes the 7 best rooftop bars on the Southbank!
The Southbank is the best place to head for those iconic skyline views and there’s no better way to enjoy them than with a drink in hand.
Pick out your favourite rooftop bars on the Southbank and plan out your dream rooftop bar crawl.
Now that‘s a great way to spend an evening!