It may not be sunny in London all year round, but when the summer sun returns, there’s no better place to soak it up than at a rooftop bar. From panoramic skyline views to delicious cocktails and local brews, South London is brimming with rooftop gems perfect for 2025.
Whether you're catching up with friends, planning a summer date night, or looking for a vibrant space to unwind, these rooftop bars in South London offer something for everyone. From Greenwich to Brixton and everywhere in between, here are the best rooftop bars to visit this year.
The Duke
Perfectly located on the cusp of Deptford and Greenwich – just a two-minute walk from our Union Wharf apartments – The Duke is a laid-back local gem.
The all-weather rooftop is decked out with heaters, plants and fairylights, making it ideal year-round. In summer, it becomes a suntrap ideal for sipping local craft beers and enjoying a wood-fired pizza from Wandercrust.
Inside, you’ll find a traditional pub with cosy sofas. Then head upstairs to visit one of the most chilled rooftop bars in South London. Decked with fairylights, plants and heaters, this all-weather rooftop space offers a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 125 Creek Road, SE8 3BU
Phone: 020 8469 8260
Email: [email protected]
Website: thedukedeptford.com
Instagram: @thedukedeptford
12TH KNOT
Perched above Sea Containers London, 12th Knot delivers spectacular views of the Thames and St Paul’s. With plush interiors and a stylish terrace, it’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks or a special occasion.
The smart-casual dress code makes it one of the most sophisticated rooftop bars in South London – ideal for date nights or evening cocktails.
Address: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Phone: 020 3747 1063
Email: [email protected]
Website: seacontainerslondon.com
Instagram: @seacontainersldn
Frank’s Cafe
Created by Bold Tendencies, Frank’s Cafe is a relaxed summer pop-up. This rooftop bar in South London transforms the rooftop space of a multi-storey car park into a lively neighbourhood hangout.
When you live in and around the Peckham area, Frank’s Cafe will become your local for a pint with friends. You can expect beers from London breweries, alongside classic cocktails and wines. If you’re feeling peckish, the venue also serves a simple menu of brunch dishes and sharing nibbles. On certain days, you can look forward to live music and performances by local artists.
Address: Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST
Email: [email protected]
Website: frankscafe.org.uk
Instagram: @frankspeckham
Eighteen Sky Bar
Situated on the eighteenth floor of the Intercontinental Hotel by the O2 Arena is Eighteen Sky Bar. The iconic bar offers stunning views over Canary Wharf, the arena and the Thames River. Toast to a special occasion with a bottle of bubbly or choose this South London rooftop bar for a romantic date night.
The cocktail menu is inspired by London, with cutting-edge takes on classic drinks. ‘Sky High’ is a sweet-sour combination of gin, cherry liqueur and cranberry juice. ‘Pink Carnaby’ is a refreshing mix of lemongrass-infused vodka with cucumber, elderflower syrup and tonic water. Order some light bites and nibbles to complement your drinks as you watch the sunset.
Address: 1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich Penisula, SE10 0TW
Phone: 020 8463 6868
Email: [email protected]
Website: iclondon-theo2.com
Instagram: @eighteenskybar
Forza Wines
For drinks, snacks and views, visit Forza Wine. This Peckham rooftop venue is the younger sibling of Peckham’s Italian restaurant, Forza Win. You can expect the same relaxed vibe as the restaurant with the added bonus of rooftop views over the area.
There’s a pared back drinks menu and rustic Italian-inspired light bites to nibble on. Whether you’re a cocktail drinker, a beer enthusiast or a wine lover, you’ll find a refreshing beverage to quench your thirst.
Address: 133A Rye Lane, SE15 4BQ
Phone: 020 7732 7500
Email: [email protected]
Website: forzawine.com
Instagram: @forzawine
Seabird
With its luscious palms, marble-top tables, and wicker chairs, you’ll enjoy a touch of Mediterranean allure at Seabird. This light and airy rooftop bar doubles up as a seafood restaurant. Oyster fans can take their pick at the longest oyster menu in the whole of London. As well as the oyster menu, there’s an array of other sea-to-table dishes, influenced by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.
Pair your seafood dish with a drink from the expansive cocktail, wine and Champagne menu. Then sit back and relax, basking in the views over the River Thames and iconic South London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.
Address: The Rooftop, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB
Phone: 020 7903 3050
Email: [email protected]
Website: seabirdlondon.com
Instagram: @seabirdlondon
Bussey Rooftop Bar
With its sprawling outdoor terrace area, Bussey Rooftop Bar is home to one of the largest rooftop bars in South London. You’ll be transported into a tropical oasis of foliage, flowers and wooden decking – a far cry from the bustle of the surrounding Peckham high street.
Visit on a warm summer evening to make the most of the frozen cocktails on the menu. Thanks to its neighbourhood atmosphere, this is a popular haunt where everyone’s welcome (including your furry friend). While you’re sipping on your cocktail in the sun, you can enjoy spotting all the cute dogs.
Address: 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4SL
Phone: 077 6113 4946
Email: [email protected]
Website: busseyrooftopbar.com
Instagram: @busseyrooftopbar
Lost in Brixton
The bright and cheerful Lost in Brixton will instantly uplift your mood. It’s one of the liveliest rooftop bars in South London – a hidden gem and leafy paradise tucked away in Brixton Market. This huge rooftop bar is the ideal place to hangout with a group of friends for a cocktail and a dance to live music.
You can enjoy Latin-American-inspired cocktails and local craft beers amid the tropical setting, feeling as though you’ve left the city behind. If you want something to nibble on, the bar works in partnership with street food vendors at Brixton Village. You can order food to be delivered straight to your table.
Address: Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
Phone: 020 8187 1038
Email: [email protected]
Website: lostinbrixton.com
Instagram: @lostbrixton
The Best Rooftop Bars in South London
This part of London is home to stunning views over the River Thames that are best enjoyed with a drink at a rooftop bar. When you live in South London, you’ll have a vibrant social scene on your doorstep, scenic surrounds and some of the best cycle routes in London.
If you’re considering moving to South London, read our complete guide to the best places in the area, from Greenwich to Peckham.
Check out our other guides to rooftop bars in the capital:
- The best rooftop bars in London
- The best rooftop bars in north London
- The best rooftop bars in east London
