Summer is finally here, and with it, the perfect excuse for a sundowner on one of London's finest rooftops. Some of the capital's most iconic landmarks can be spied from these chic bars, perched atop luxury hotels, alongside restaurants and in hidden corners of the city. What better place to spend a lazy afternoon with friends, or to watch the sun go down on a romantic date when the weather is balmy?

Below, we've collected a list of London's best rooftop bars for the ultimate social spot when the mercury rises.

Yasmin at 1 Warwick

A rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace in the middle of Soho, Yasmin really is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Panoramic views (naturally) are the warm-up act for a menu full of killer cocktails, thoughtfully chosen wines and Middle Eastern dishes, inspired by executive chef Tom Cenci’s time in Istanbul. We'd recommend a 'Golden Sands' (a heavenly concoction, made with vodka, tarragon, peach and jasmine) alongside the duck fatteh with chickpeas and lemon falafel with red pepper muhammara.

Yasmin, 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR

Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch

For a hit of California dreamin' sunshine in the heart of east London, look to the rooftop bar of hip hotel One Hundred Shoreditch. The terrace has some of the best views in the neighbourhood, with vistas of the City on one side and of Dickensian London (all church spires and towers) on the other, while the food and drink is second to none: think crisp, buttermilk-fried chicken and ice-cold margaritas. Look inside as well as out for the best Instagrammable moments; the bar, with its powder-pink tiles, vivid terrazzo tabletops and blush-hued stools is a Palm Springs-inspired delight.

One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ

The Nest at Treehouse London

Treehouse London opened its doors in November 2019, and its rooftop bar has been a favourite with central Londoners since. The restaurant below, Madera, is decked in riotous foliage that hangs from the ceiling, and its wide open windows overlook the city's skyline. The menu has a contemporary Mexican theme, with dishes including seafood tacos (and, of course, the obligatory margaritas). Once you've finished dinner, head up to The Nest, where guests sit on comfortable sofas on a wrap-around terrace.

Treehouse London, 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS

Sabine

This absorbing garden oasis positioned atop the Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul's offers unparalleled views, indulgent light bites and unique cocktails. Highlights include the Spiced Date – where whisky meets Velvet Falernum liqueur, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and Liquore Galliano – and the entire menu dedicated to that Great British summer tipple: the G&T. Should the weather turn (this is England, after all) the bar feels just as vibrant inside, with its leafy interiors and glass domed roof helping to maintain a secret garden aesthetic.

Sabine, 7-10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ

Forza Wine

The team behind Peckham institution Forza Win has applied its expertise to the seriously cool pop-up sister space, Forza Wine. The views from the terrace are spectacular, so bring your aperitivo outside: order the smoked margarita (it's made with lapsang souchong tea) and the aioli-drizzled cauliflower fritti to snack on. And make sure you don't miss the heavenly soft-serve ice cream, always available in flavours that are a grown-up take on the nostalgic classics.

Forza Wine, The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ

Netil360

A sprawling site in Hackney that really does soak up all the sunshine London has to offer, Netil360 lives up to its name, offering a panoramic view of the city. The bar is casual (don't wear your suit here) and the party really gets going after sundown, when made-to-order pizzas and local craft beer are the most popular items on the menu. This isn't the spot for a luxury night out, but if you're looking for a fun, relaxed spot to head to with friends, you can't do better.

Netil360, 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, London E8

Upstairs at the Department Store

Boasting all the vibes of a members' club but with a much more relaxed attitude, Upstairs is one of the most in-the-know rooftop bars in London. Buy an evening guest pass (or pay the very reasonable membership fee to go whenever you want) and you'll find you're greeted by name, then left to enjoy an evening of ping pong or table football, cocktails at the bar and supper in the sunshine. Even the food menu is sourced from the rooftop garden wherever possible, so the salads are as fresh as you can get.

Upstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8FR

Roof Garden at Pantechnicon

Nestled in the heart of south-west London, a stone's throw from Hyde Park, is the quietly luxurious Pantechnicon. On its roof is the gorgeous garden, a botanical-filled retreat where you can drink and dine while being lulled into the sense that you are miles away from a bustling metropolis. It has a relaxed – yet effortlessly stylish – vibe, and serves up classic dishes with a summery twist: think zingy salads and inventive cocktails, blended by the supremely talented in-house mixologist. There's also a curated selection of beers on tap, and a carefully sourced international wine list.

Roof Garden, Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB

Seabird

Seabird opened in late 2019 as part The Hoxton's Southwark hotel, with expansive views that are truly breathtaking, and fully capitalise on its Thames-side location. There are both indoor and outdoor areas, all of which are open to non-guests as well as hotel residents, but the huge windows and abundance of greenery offer an alfresco appeal regardless of where you sit. Unsurprisingly, given its name, the menu is seafood-based, boasting London's longest oyster list.

Seabird, 14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, SE1 8NY

Alto by San Carlo

After a long day shopping for holiday essentials, why not kick-start vacation mode by losing yourself in the Italian paradise atop Selfridges that is Alto by San Carlo? Open all year round, this iconic fine dining institution comes into its own in the warmer months, with a retractable roof and a view across the city's rooftops. The food is a gorgeous blend of new takes on Italian classics and signature dishes made to perfection (think a melt-in-your-mouth burrata and tomato salad). The ideal spot for an Aperol Spritz on a balmy evening, it's just the place for an alfresco meet-up in central London.

Alto by San Carlo, Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB

Allegra

Originally construed as a continuation of Stratford's rejuvenation following the Olympics, luxury hotel The Stratford continues to maintain its status as one of East London's coolest spots. Part of its appeal remains Allegra, the roof garden bar and restaurant. Here, you can tuck into an extraordinary menu from head chef Patrick Powell using local, seasonal ingredients, and sip a refreshing glass of rosé, while watching the sunset from Allegra's beautifully designed garden terrace.

Allegra, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD

The Standard Rooftop

Almost certainly one of London's hippest hotels, The Standard's flagship UK outpost has a rooftop to match. Stretching over the 11th floor, this hotspot has a buzzy, party vibe and sublime views across North London to match. Get there early in the evening to bag one of the squashy, pink-and-red sofas that look as if they've been plucked straight from a Wes Anderson film. And don't miss Buns, the local bright-red food truck, which serves up fluffy bao buns and east Asian snacks alongside Tommy's spicy margaritas.

The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG