Plan Your Saturday: Start with the Sunset
Arriving at the city centre around 4:30 p.m. gives you a full hour before the first bar opens. Grab a quick bite at the food stall on Leicester Square—they serve a 15‑minute flat‑bread pizza that costs £6.50. While you wait, check the local weather app: a clear sky will mean the views from the rooftops stay uninterrupted.
Choose a Theme: Skyline or Historic
- Skyline – Bars that line the Thames give panoramic shots of the London Eye and Tower Bridge. Expect a 20‑minute walk from the nearest tube station.
- Historic – Look for venues perched on old warehouses or former churches; these often have a more intimate vibe and a 15‑minute drive from the city centre.
First Stop: The Glasshouse on the Southbank
The Glasshouse opens at 5:00 p.m. and charges a £12 cover that includes a signature gin cocktail. The bar is 50 m above street level, so you’ll need to take the elevator that takes 30 seconds. The view of the river at sunset is a solid 8‑out‑of‑10 on my personal rating scale.
Explore more at Follow the link.
Second Stop: The Rooftop at the Old Bank
Located on the former City of London Bank building, this spot opens at 6:00 p.m. The entrance fee is £10, but the cocktail menu is a flat £8 for the first two drinks. The bar’s design is minimalist, with exposed brick walls and a single LED strip that changes colour with the music. It’s best to arrive before 7:30 p.m. to avoid the peak crowd.
Mid‑Afternoon Break: A Quick Gaming Detour
If you’re in the mood for a different kind of excitement, consider taking a short break from the bars. Follow the link to explore a variety of online entertainment options that can be enjoyed from a cozy corner of your hotel room or a quiet café. This detour offers a chance to test your luck with a few quick games before you head back to the rooftop scene.
Third Stop: The Sky Lounge at the St. James Hotel
The Sky Lounge opens at 8:00 p.m. and has a £15 cover that includes a free glass of champagne. The terrace is 30 m high and offers a 360° view of the city lights. The bar’s signature drink, the “Midnight Whisper,” is a £12 blend of vodka, elderflower, and a splash of lime.
Common Mistake: Ignoring the Dress Code
Many rooftop bars enforce a smart‑casual dress code. A pair of flip‑flops or a tank top can get you turned away at the entrance. Pack a light jacket and a pair of closed‑toe shoes to avoid that inconvenience.
Wrap‑Up: Sunset to Midnight
By 10:00 p.m., the last bar on the list, the Skyline Bar, closes. It offers a £12 cover that includes a complimentary cocktail. Finish your night with a walk back to your accommodation, taking in the city’s lights one last time. The whole evening takes roughly six hours, leaving you plenty of time to rest before the next day’s adventures.