Combining booze and views, a good outdoor watering hole is a sure fire way to get you in the mood for summer. So, whether you’re a craving a craft beer or are a cocktail queen, get drinking alfresco style with our guide to the best rooftop bars.
When the weather is right nothing beats a drink on the rooftops bar. Readon to find out about some of the UK's best.
Grain Barge, Bristol
Once upon a time, Grain Barge was an engineless transport barge, originally built in 1936. Now, it’s been refitted as a bar/restaurant that retains its industrial heritage but which also serves locally sourced dishes, craft beers, wine and coffee. As well as their daily specials they offer pie & a pint on Wednesdays, and Steak nights on Thursdays. You can sit on either the lower or upper deck and enjoy the sunshine as you do, feet dangling over the water, drink in hand. It’s the perfect way to support a local independent business, and enjoy the sunshine.
Image Credit: Grain Barge via Facebook
Grain Barge is at Mardyke Wharf, Hotwell Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4RU.
The Varsity Club, Oxford
Open all year round, this Oxford roof terrace lets you sit amongst the spires, and drink in not only the bars cocktails but the history that surrounds you. If you’re worried it might get chilly then worry not, there’s awnings, gas burners and, most excitingly, heated seats to keep you warm whatever the weather. There’s a full restaurant service extending to the terrace in the summer including deli charcuterie boards, so you can be wined and dined to the fullest extent.
Image Credit: Howard Stanbury via Flickr
The Varsity Club is located at 9 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DB.
Ziggy’s, Margate
This Caribbean and Jamaican inspired rooftop terrace in Margate is full to the brim with ska music and party spirit. Look out over the rooftops of the seaside town as you sip on your rum cocktail and look at the beautiful Margate skyline. Before you have too much booze and contemplate skinny dipping in the cold Kent surf, soak up some of that alcohol with a Ziggy’s BBQ.
Image Credit: Ziggys Rooftop
Ziggy’s Rooftop Bar is at 49 Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XP.
HUS, Liverpool
The guys behind Baltic Social discovered the eating and drinking scenes of Scandinavian countries like Stockholm and Copenhagen and as a result have brought us HUS, Liverpool. Occupying the Tempest building, this Scandi inspired space covers several floors, but our favourite bit is definitely the roof terrace. Featuring free BBQ’s every Friday and home to their beehives, HUS Liverpool is a cool hangout spot for those of us who want a chilled drink under a blue, blue sky.
Image Credit: HUS via Facebook
HUS is located at 12 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2DT.
Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds
This old music hall in Leeds’ Northern Quarter first opened its doors in 1934, and today the bar pays tribute to the venue’s history by aiming to give new artists and performers a platform. With two bars, two kitchens, an event space and a roof terrace, you’ll be hard pushed to decide what to do first. Both Dough Boys and Patty Smiths have kitchen residencies there so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food too.
Image Credit: street feast IV via Flickr
Belgrave Music Hall is located at 1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP