7 of the best rooftop bars in the UK this summer

Travel

As the weather warms up and days get longer, it’s time to go al fresco — check out our pick of outdoor terraces with fantastic views.

ByDelle Chan

Published July 1, 2023

• 5 min read

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

There’s no better place to spend long, sultry summer days than at a rooftop bar, where you can soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand. As the mercury rises, make the most of the balmy weather at these open-air bars across the UK.

1. Wagtail, London

There’s no shortage of rooftop bars with impressive views in London, but this fancy hotspot in the city’s Square Mile offers what must be some of the best in town. From here, you can gawp at the capital’s headline attractions — including the Shard, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin — while sipping on cocktails such as the Ruby (cherry liqueur, lemon, pineapple gin and prosecco). 

2. Goodness Gracious, Liverpool

For unbeatable views of Liverpool’s Three Graces — the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building — head to Goodness Gracious. This special spot is situated atop a former bank that was built in the 1920s, and is a great place to relax with a drink or two while looking out over the city. It’s open daily between April and September, weather permitting.

3. The White Lion, Bristol

The scenery surrounding the White Lion is nothing short of spectacular, with views taking in the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge and rolling hills of Somerset. It’s quite the crowd-puller, so visit early if you want to grab a coveted seat on the vast terrace — the bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Order a pint and something from the menu of pub classics and drink in the panorama, which is especially mesmerising on a clear day. 

4. Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow

One of the few rooftop bars in Glasgow’s West End, Ubiquitous Chip’s outdoor terrace is a lovely little suntrap that’s the perfect place for a drink — be it a classic cocktail, freshly pulled pint or a dram of whisky. There’s a sizable food menu, too, with options ranging from a charcuterie board to seafood risotto. This cosy space is equally enticing in the evening, especially during sunset. 

5. Kori Bar, Leeds

Head to this rooftop restaurant and bar for sushi and chicken yakitori, which you can pair with Japanese-inflected cocktails such as the Supamario (Roku gin, Akashi-Tai umeshu, Caleño Dark and Spicy, peach and plum bitters, and prosecco). There’s a wide selection of Japanese whiskies, beers and sakes on offer, too. But the main attraction is arguably the outdoor terrace, where you can enjoy excellent views over Leeds city centre. 

6. 20 Stories, Manchester

Sprawled across the top floor of a gleaming skyscraper in the Spinningfields district, 20 Stories is beloved for its skyline views — it is, after all, Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar, complete with an open-air rooftop terrace. Its creative cocktail list is equally noteworthy: try the floral, fruity Sloe Love or the bright, citrussy Champagne Supernova — a nod to the rock band Oasis, arguably Manchester’s most famous sons. 

7. Nor’ Loft, Edinburgh

Raise a glass (or three) at Nor’ Loft, a stylish champagne lounge on the seventh floor of Market Street Hotel. Unsurprisingly, fizz takes centre stage here — there are more than 20 varieties from both independent growers and prestigious champagne houses — but expect cocktails, gins and whiskies, too. Visit in the evening when you can admire the fiery sunset hues from the outdoor terrace.

Published in Issue 20 (summer 2023) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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