Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the stunning views from a rooftop bar. These exclusive venues are one of the most sought-after things to experience in any city, and the UK is no exception. From swanky establishments in London to trendy spots in Liverpool, there is something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a great way to spend a warm summer evening, be sure to check out these 20 exclusive rooftop bars in the UK.
20 Stories, Manchester
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink in Manchester, then you must visit 20 Stories. This upmarket bar is located on the 20th floor of the Beetham Tower and offers stunning views of the city skyline along with the best cocktails. Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax or have a fun night on the town, 20 Stories is an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out the menu before you go.
Angelica, Leeds
Angelica is a stylish rooftop bar situated on the sixth floor of the Trinity in Leeds City Centre. Angelica has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up a range of delicious cocktails, making it the perfect spot to unwind at the end of a long week. The service is extremely friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. We would highly recommend this bar to anyone looking for a great night out in Leeds.
Clifton Observatory, Bristol
If you’re looking for a great place to take in the views of Bristol, be sure to check out Clifton Observatory. Recently, Clifton Observatory embarked upon a £1.5 million renovation project, which included the installation of a 360 glass café offering both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of Clifton Down and of the City of Bristol. The café also offers fantastic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Goodness Gracious, Liverpool
Visitors to Goodness Gracious are sure to savour every moment of their visit. The atmosphere is always vibrant, and the staff is incredibly friendly and hospitable. The bar has a gorgeous wooden floor, and the entire décor is stunning, with industrial and vintage touches. There is a delicious menu of cocktails, and the bar also serves a wide range of delicious food. The menu is extensive, and there’s something for everyone. Visitors to the bar can also use their terrace to enjoy the views of the city and the Mersey River.
Alto, Sheffield
With the mercury rising and Sheffield basking in a heatwave, thirsty Steel City residents are searching for South Yorkshire’s coolest patio bars. And Alto, which is situated on the rooftop of Cubo Works on Carver Street, does not disappoint. A hidden bar with neon signs and botanicals is set behind lights, offering sweeping views of the city from every angle. Having just opened, the bar offers modern decor, featuring an artificial grass ‘picture wall’, and a selection of cocktails that are both visually and aesthetically pleasing.
The Lexington, Hull
The Lexington is an intimate rooftop bar in Hull’s historic Old Town district. The rooftop offers a stunning view of the city, with the Old Town district and its famous clock tower serving as a backdrop. You can enjoy the view with a drink in your hand while listening to the sound of the bar’s DJ or watching the game on a flat-screen TV. Though the bar is a bit small, it’s still a popular place for residents and tourists alike.
Alchemilla, Nottingham
Alchemilla Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of Nottingham. The rooftop bar is located within an 18th century building and offers great views of the city. The bartenders are friendly, and the atmosphere is great for drinks with friends. The cocktails are top-notch, and the staff are very knowledgeable when it comes to their menu. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to take in the views of the city to check out Alchemilla Bar!
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Birmingham
For a long time, Birmingham has been a city full of culture and heritage. Despite this, the city has a reputation for being a boring place. However, the city has undergone a lot of redevelopment over the years and this is reflected in the unique establishments found in the city centre. One of the most talked about being Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. Nestled on the seventh floor of a swish hotel in Birmingham, one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, is the intimate and utterly stylish Marco Pierre White’s sky terrace. Champagne-fuelled cocktail menu and mouth-watering menu of Italian dishes will leave you feeling like you’re living the high life.
Chaophraya, Edinburgh
The location may be relatively unassuming on a nondescript terrace off-Lothian Road, but ascending the Chaophraya Restaurant is a step worth taking. Kitted out in Thai-themed surrounds, with a multitude of Buddhas and carved figures on display, you’ll be immediately transported to Bangkok’s temples where monks tend to soothing riverside gardens. When you reach the top you’ll be greeted by a large terrace where you can relax and soak up the sun, thanks to its full glass backing, while overlooking the scenic Water of Leith. If you’re after a light bite to eat don’t worry, Chaophraya prides itself on a menu that boasts authentic Thai cuisine, with a friendly service to match.
Red Sky Bar, Glasgow
The Red Sky Bar, located on the top floor of the Radisson Hotel, is a classy bar that has a great view of the Clyde. The bar serves coffee and cocktails, as well as a selection of beers and wines. The drink options are extensive, and your bartender/waitress will be able to recommend drinks that would be best to go with the bar’s food offerings. Aside from the delicious, tapas-style food and the cosy fireplace, the ambience is warm, with dark wood and dim lighting and the food is of higher quality. Visitors to the Red Sky Bar have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the city lights of Glasgow.
Babel, Belfast
There is only one word to describe Babel – wow! The views you get from Babel are astonishing, and it’s a nice place to take people who haven’t been to Belfast before. Not only that, but the cocktails are mostly amazing. This is a place where you’re going to have an amazing night with friends and family. You really can’t go wrong with Babel!
Zerodegrees, Cardiff
Zerodegrees is a cocktail bar and restaurant located in Cardiff, Wales. It’s the perfect place to go with your friends for a night out on the town! Located in the main bar, it is a bright, spacious room with marble tables and chairs. The ceilings have tall, skylight-filled ceilings. Pizza, burgers, and other dishes are prepared in an open kitchen, and they aren’t too expensive, making Zerodegrees a good place to start off a night before exploring other bars in Cardiff.
ABOVE, Newcastle
The ABOVE bar is located in Newcastle’s landmark hotel, The Vermont. The hotel is Newcastle’s finest hotel, located at the heart of the city and overlooks Newcastle Castle, the Tyne Bridge and, of course, the river itself. With all of this stunning scenery, it’s the best place in Newcastle to sit and relax with a drink. The ABOVE bar itself is a cocktail bar, and it serves drinks to a range of tastes. But the best part of the ABOVE bar is the views. With a 360 degree view of Newcastle (and more if you crane your neck up), you’ll never be able to get bored by the sights.
The Mill, Birmingham
The Mill Rooftop Bar and Club is the absolute coolest place to visit. With great music, and a wide range of beverages and cocktails, The Mill is truly a unique and unrivaled entertainment venue. Not only does this upscale bar provide great views of Birmingham and its skyline, but it can also accommodate large groups of patrons and has unique dining options. It’s the ideal place to spend time with friends, or even to take a special date.
Five, Liverpool
When it comes to Liverpool’s fine-dining scene, there’s no denying that the city’s flourishing restaurant and bar scene has something to suit all tastes, from Italian and Spanish to Indian and Thai. But one of the most sought-after foodie spots in the city is Five Liverpool, a joint venture by Mason’s and Epic, which plays host to some of the finest DJs, musicians and artists to take to the city’s stage. You can’t go wrong with Five Liverpool, a gorgeous eatery that aims to add a bit of spice to your weekend, with its bottomless brunches, lunch and dinner.
Now you know…
So, if you’re looking for a bar with a view, or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours, make sure to check out one of these 15 rooftop bars in the UK. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Liverpool or Glasgow, there’s definitely something up there waiting for you!
