Rooftop Venues for Hire in London

Want to take in London’s world-famous skyline from one of the best rooftop venues in town?

Then you’re probably looking to hire a rooftop restaurant, terrace, or beer garden that’ll have you feeling on top of the world. From next-level bars serving up refreshing Pimm’s cocktails to romantic wedding venues with the city’s best views, our shortlist of great London rooftops for private hire is sure to come in handy.

And the best part? Our friendly team is happy to give personalised venue recommendations, whether you’re after a sky bar in central London with panoramic views of the city, an open-air eatery in Covent Garden, or a cooler-than-cool hipster hangout in Shoreditch. So what are you waiting for? A fantastic al fresco venue with picture-perfect views of London is only a couple of clicks away!

When hiring a rooftop party venue make sure to consider:

Your budget. Decide how much you can spend on your event and how much of it should go towards your venue hire. You don’t need to break the bank to hire a rooftop venue for your party, but if you’re organising the event on a budget consider hiring the venue on a minimum spend basis.

Type of event. Depending on what you want your event to be you can look for different kinds of venues. If you’re hosting a movie night, you will need to look for a rooftop cinema. A drink reception can take place in a smaller venue, as it’s usually a standing-up event. A corporate dinner will require a venue big enough for everyone to sit comfortably at the table.

Location. Try to find a venue that can be easily reached by everyone attending, whether they travel by car or by public transportation. If you’re going to have guests travelling from outside the city, make sure the venue can be easily found. If your guests arrive by plane, it would be sensible to find a place near the airports for fast access. Such a venue may have an additional benefit of watching the take-offs and landings of planes, adding a bit of extra to your event.

Accessibility. Be very considerate of people attending your event. If you have guests who need extra assistance, such as those with disabilities, the elderly, or maybe parents with strollers, look for a venue that will be easily accessible to them. Before you make your booking ask the venue manager whether the building has an elevator or if there is any other easy way to access the rooftop.

Contingency plan for rain. Even if you check the forecast, the unpredictable British summer means that you should make a backup plan for any unexpected rainy weather. Check whether the venue offers umbrellas or a retractable roof that can be used as a shelter for the bad weather. You can also ask the venue manager if there would be another room where you could move your party to in case of rain.

Time of the event. When planning your event it’s best to take into consideration when the hottest moment of the day will be. You can schedule the event after it passes or provide your guests with shade and refreshing cold drinks. If you’re planning an evening event you can ask the venue whether they could provide staggered heaters for any late night chill.

Lighting. If you want to organise your event during the nighttime, (which we highly recommend - those famous city lights of London!), consider adding extra lights to elevate the atmosphere of the event. Decorative paper lanterns, battery-operated candles, or strings of fairy lights are all fantastic options. 

Civil ceremony licence. If you’re planning for a one-of-a-kind rooftop wedding make sure the venue has a civil ceremony licence. If you can’t have the ceremony in your dream venue perhaps you can organise a wedding reception there and still celebrate the big day in a beautiful setting.

Other tips and tricks for an outdoor celebration:

• Consider whether to provide a dress code (like cocktail attire, smart casual, or fancy dress).

• An umbrella provides shade and helps to define an outdoor dining room.

• Skipping tablecloths will make wind less of an issue.

• Encourage guests to roam by setting up drinks and dessert tables in separate areas.

• Natural raffia fans or classic accordion fans look pretty when placed in baskets and are perfect for hot weather.

• Have mosquito repellent handy for your guests.

Here are some of our venue rooftop venue recommendations:

• Fifth Floor Rooftop at The Allbright Mayfair - beautifully designed space with a loft-style space overlooking the Mayfair rooftops. Perfect for private parties as well as corporate events. Guest rating: 5.0/5

• LSQRooftop - offering one of the best views of London’s skyline you are sure to impress your clients here. Available for private hire, it’s a great spot for family reunions as well. Guest rating: 4.6/5

• Roof Terrace at TT Liquor - available only for exclusive hire, this picturesque spot is great for a networking event or a private function. Guest rating: 4.8/5
• Roof Top at Bow Street Tavern - this snug venue in the heart of Covent Garden, offering an outside TV, is a perfect spot for private film viewing or corporate presentations. Guest rating: 4.6/5

Rooftop Venues in London FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a rooftop venue in London?

If you are seeking to hire a rooftop space for your party, expect straight hire fees to range from £30 to £3000. For minimum spend options, expect prices to start around £500 and reach as high as £3000. Per person prices are available from £10 to £50 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Can I hire a rooftop venue in London for my wedding?

A rooftop is an amazing choice for any wedding and with the right kind of venue you will also secure an amazing backdrop for your event. Imagine getting married in front of a panoramic view of the London skyline, or the dome at St Paul’s. Or maybe you fancy a view of Westminster or the Tower Bridge? Before you hire your venue though, make sure it holds a licence if you would like to have a civil ceremony there as well.

What happens if the weather changes during my rooftop party?

Many rooftop event spaces are part of a larger venue and may be prepared to move the event inside if the weather turns suddenly. You can also find venues that offer full or partial cover, some even have retractable roofs. It could even be possible to book an alternative date. Discuss your options ahead of time with the venue manager, and get all the details in writing.

Which areas of London are best for a rooftop venue?

Rooftop venues can be found all over the city, so if you’re interested in holding your party in one particular location, we are sure you will find the perfect rooftop venue there. But if you’re flexible with your location, we recommend looking for a venue near the River Thames for the panoramic views of the river. Try The City or Canary Wharf for the world-famous views of London’s skyline. Search along the tube lines for easy access to your venue.