Summer has arrived! The sun is shining, the days are long, and summer holidays are beginning. So where best to celebrate the end of exams, a degree, or the end of a day at work than at London’s top summer bars!
Grab your sunnies and head out to these bars in London for an evening tipple!
Bar Story, Peckham
This bar under the arches of the railway line serves delicious cocktails and even more delicious prices. Arrive early to grab a table, or sit outside when the weather’s warm. Visit on Tuesdays and get two pizzas for just £10! Bargain!
Dalston Roof Park, Dalston
It wouldn’t be summer without a rooftop bar. Head to Dalston Roof Park’s, bar and watch the sunset over London. It’s not just drinks they do here, head there on Saturday morning’s to take part in Fat Buddha yoga classes to!
Kopperberg Urban Forest, Hackney Wick
A carpark in Hackney Wick has been transformed into an Urban Forest selling, yes, you guessed it, Kopperberg! And various Swedish inspired cocktails. There’s street food galore, from Le Bun, Mamas Jerk and Buffalo Joe. Be quick – there’s only one week left!
Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington
Looking for something a bit more upmarket? Head to Kensington Roof Gardens in the royal borough of London. The 1.5 acre of rooftop space comprises of three different gardens, a rooftop cinema and a stream with its own flock of flamingos!
The Udderbelly Festival, Southbank
Laugh until your stomach hurts at this year’s Udderbelly festival along the Southbank. Visit a show or sit in the relaxed beer garden area and tell jokes to your friends all night long.
Vintage Salt, Selfridge
When you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped, treat yourself to a summer cocktail (and maybe some lunch, chocolate burger anyone?) on Selfridges’ newest rooftop incarnation. Head for the G&Tea in the afternoon for an alcohol take on the traditional scones and cream!
Edinboro Castle, Camden
A popular after work pub at my workplace, the Edinboro Castle has an extensive beer garden complete with fairy lights and heaters for those cooler evenings. When the sun shines there’s often a hog roast occurring so get there before the crowds do!
Pop Brixton, Brixton
Brixton’s newest feature is Pop Brixton. Not one bar, but many, this area made out of old shipping containers is a project to support local jobs, training and enterprise. There’s plenty of outlets to keep you from getting thirsty, and you can even feel good about supporting the local community!
Cahoots, Kingly Court
If it rains, or is unbearably hot outside, then head underground to the coolest bar this summer. The people behind Cahoots have transformed this disused underground station into a 1940s bar. Get cocktails named after various cockney rhyming slang, such as my favourite; apples and pears, or treat yourself to some snacks based on what would have been available from a ration booklet.