Weather permitting, the glorious British summertime means evenings can be spent on rooftops with friends, drinking cocktails and ice-cold beers until the early hours. Prepare for when the sun has got his hat on and party in style at one of the best rooftop bars in the UK. Because let’s face it: he may take it off again tomorrow.
Queen of Hoxton, London
Seasons may come and seasons may go, but the Queen of Hoxton is a stalwart East London institution that adapts to the constantly changing British weather. The popular rooftop is back for Summer 2014, and has been decked out with an abundance of greenery and garden furniture, and some fairy lights for good measure. Open everyday from 12pm–10pm, the venue will be promoting summertime vibes with regular BBQs and frozen cocktails. 1-5 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX
Bruce’s Bar & Terrace, Manchester
If the New York-inspired Black Dog Ballroom NWS was already one of Manchester’s hippest nights out, then Bruce’s Bar & Terrace tipped the balance. This popular rooftop bar attracts Mancunians en masse thanks to its contemporary urban décor and permanent BBQ installation. There’s even a covered area to safeguard your night against the threat of rain. 11 – 13 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP
Frank’s Café, London
It doesn’t get much cooler than Frank’s in Peckham, South London: a pop-up bar and kitchen on the roof of a multi-storey car park. Needless to say, people can’t get enough of this summertime venue, queuing round the block for drinks on the roof Tuesday through Sunday. Events include orchestral performances of Stravinsky and Shostakovich concertos, so you can absorb some classical culture as well as sunshine. 10th Floor, Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST
The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham
Hyped as the latest development of the expansive Rainbow Venues, it seems the Mezzanine has arrived just in time for summer. Forming a balcony that sweeps along the entire length of the warehouse building, the venue has its own bar and even includes an outdoor smoking area. It’s a good place to recuperate from the clubbing mayhem down below too. 160 Digbeth High Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0LD
Dalston Roof Park, London
Brought to you from the innovative people at Bootstrap Company, Dalston Roof Park is a pop-up bar and creative social enterprise. This local hotspot provides a setting for indie food events and outdoor film screenings, as well as some great acoustic gigs and DJ sets. The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, London, E8 3DL
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Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
