London Bars: Take in the City From One of London's Rooftop Bars This Summer

There is no doubt that the sunshine of the past few days has bathed Londoners in post Olympic optimism… and what’s more -  it’s Friday! Bask in the evening sun on one of London’s rooftop bars, and take in the spectacular views that these venues have to offer. Boutique London Lets gives you a list of our favourite places to experience the loftiest of alfresco dining and drinking.


Frank’s Café and Campari Bar:

Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar

This south London hotspot is a laid back haven for Londoners on a summer night. You can find Frank’s on the sixth level of a disused carpark just minutes away from Peckham Rye train station. After an intriguing climb to the top, you reach a concrete roof ‘garden’ filled with the delights of a pop up gallery, bar and alfresco bar and restaurant. With spectacular views reaching across the city, you can experience the London skyline as you sit back and enjoy a chilled beverage at a low cost, with beers starting at £1.50 and cocktails priced at no more than £5. Frank’s attracts a diverse crowd of Londoners from across the capital and you can spot every kind of character sat upon the weatherworn wooden benches that cover the yellow parking lines on the concrete floor – you can’t get away from what Frank’s started as, but that’s all part of its charm.


Kensington Roof Gardens:
For an evening of luxury, head to the prestigious Kensington Roof Gardens and enjoy a glass of champagne one hundred feet above the bustling streets of Kensington High Street. Expect scenic gardens adorned with full size trees, fountains, flamingos and a stream filled with fish as well as deep and comfortable sofas, shisha pipes and carefully placed uplighting. This land of luxury is effortlessly sheek, with an atmosphere of exclusivity filled with successful types spanning all age brackets that dress to impress. Entry to Kensington Roof Gardens is only available to members and guests, and carries an extortionate entry price of £25. This is undoubtedly one of London’s best nightlife experiences.

Kensington Roof Gardens

Queen of Hoxton:
For a killer barbeque, hanging gardens, soft lighting and panoramic views of the city head to East London’s Queen of Hoxton, arguably the best rooftop bar that London has to offer. The roof terrace is positioned in such a way that when the sun shines, it bathes in sunlight throughout the day so bask upon a deckchair and tan yourself, cocktail in hand in a unique urban setting. When the sun sets, the Queen of Hoxton reopens as a rooftop cinema club, screening classics from across genres and decades.

Queen of Hoxton

So there we have it, our favourite rooftop haunts for a balmy summers evening. Boutique London Lets provide a number of serviced apartment in prime locations across London, all within easy reach of these rooftop bars.

Outdoor Movie Screenings in London - Experience Your Favourite Film Against a Unique Urban Backdrop.

Make the most of the balmy summer evenings and enjoy one of London’s outdoor movies in a unique urban setting.

Head east for the best London has to offer in outdoor screenings. With screenings five times a week, you will be sure to find something to suit your taste – the Queen of Hoxton offers an impressive selection of cult classics and Hollywood favourites… no wonder it’s a top choice for film buffs. Spend the day lounging on the lawny terrace with a glass of pimms, until the sun sets upon an urban backdrop. Grab a beer and a blanket and experience your favourite film from this unique urban setting. Wireless headphones are handed out, just to make sure you don’t miss anything. Buy tickets online or at the on-site box office, open from 8.30pm to 9.30pm May-August for £10; doors open at 8.30 and the film begins after 9pm when the sun fully sets.

Otherwise, check out Dalston Roof Park for some great outdoor screenings. Just on from Dalston Kingsland overground station is the Print House, home to Dalston Roof Park and its cultural offerings. Head upstairs to find a pop up bar, and an unrivalled summer programme, including productions from the Arcola theatre, outdoor film screenings and gigs as well as barbeques organized by local restaurants and foodies. Tickets are £10 on the door, or £7 when bought in advance – it’s a good idea to book early as the Midsummer Night Screenings are very popular amongst those in the know.

Dalston Roof Park

Every year, Film Four hosts a spectacular series of outdoor screenings at the beautiful Somerset House – and this year is especially brilliant. Highlights include the UK premiere of Walter Salles’s adaption of the beat classic, ‘On The Road’, a mont before it opens for general release. You can also enjoy ‘Paris, Texas’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Pretty in Pink’ and the latest film from the cult director Gaspar Noe, ‘Enter the Void’. Be sure to book early as tickets sell out like hot cakes – and for good reason – this is the highlight of every filmie’s summer! A cinematic masterpiece in a stunning setting… what more could you want? Bring a picnic and something to keep you warm when the sun starts to set. Tickets are priced between £14.50 and £22.50 and must be booked in advance.

Film Four Summer Screen at Somerset House, The Strand.

For something extra special, try the Luna Cinema and its pop up screens in some of the country’s most beautiful locations. Screens are dotted around London and the surrounding counties – try Leeds Castle in Kent for ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ or Battersea Park for a showing of ‘Back to the Future’; Kensington Palace for ‘The King’s Speech’ or Dulwich Park for ‘The Artist’. An outdoor screening at one of the Luna Cinema’s pop up screen will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Buy tickets online.

Luna Cinema: Pop up Screen by Tower Bridge. (Photo Credit: Michael Wharley)

Boutique London Lets have a number of fabulous apartments, all in prime locations across London. If you fancy doing something a little different with your summer evening, pop along to one of these outdoor movie screenings and make the most of the unique setting – our apartments in the West End are especially well located for outdoor viewing!