Rooftop Bars With the Best Happy Hour Deals in London
London’s rooftop bars aren’t just about the view-they’re where you can get a happy hour cocktail for less than £8, often with live music, free snacks, and sunset views that beat any Instagram filter. If you’re looking to sip something fancy without paying fancy prices, you’re in the right place. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you exactly where to go for the best deals, when to show up, and what to order.
Why Rooftop Happy Hours in London Are Worth Your Time
Most people think rooftop bars are expensive. That’s true during peak hours. But from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays, nearly every major rooftop in London drops prices by 30-50%. You’ll find £6 gin and tonics, £7 house cocktails, and free bites like popcorn, mini sliders, or cheese boards. It’s not a gimmick-it’s a smart business move to fill seats before dinner crowds arrive.
According to a 2025 survey by the London Bar Association, 78% of rooftop venues now offer weekday happy hours, up from just 42% in 2022. The trend is growing because locals and tourists alike want premium experiences without premium prices.
The Top 5 Rooftop Bars With the Best Happy Hour Deals
1. The Rooftop at The Standard, King’s Cross
Best for: Cocktails and city skyline views.
Every weekday from 5 PM to 7 PM, you get £7 cocktails like the Spiced Apple Old Fashioned or the London Fog Martini. They also serve free roasted almonds and salted pretzels. The view stretches from the Shard to St Pancras-perfect for catching the sunset with a drink in hand.
Pro tip: Arrive by 5:15 PM. The bar fills fast, and they stop serving free snacks at 6:45 PM.
2. Sky Garden Walkie Talkie, City of London
Best for: Free entry and cheap drinks.
Yes, you read that right-entry is free. You just need to book a free time slot online in advance. From 5 PM to 7 PM, cocktails are £8, wines by the glass are £7, and they offer a daily happy hour snack plate: mini tacos or smoked salmon blinis. It’s the only rooftop in central London where you can drink with a view and not pay a cover charge.
Don’t wait until 6:30 PM. The free slots fill up 48 hours in advance, especially on Fridays.
3. 80 London, Southwark
Best for: Budget-friendly gin and tonics.
80 London doesn’t just have happy hour-it has a happy half-hour. From 5 PM to 5:30 PM every weekday, every gin and tonic is £5. That’s £10 off the regular price. They use local London gin brands like Sipsmith and Chase. You also get free crisps and pickled onions.
The crowd is young professionals and tourists who know the deal. It’s loud, lively, and perfect if you want to mingle.
4. The Garden at 120, Finsbury Square
Best for: Outdoor seating and wine lovers.
This hidden gem has one of the longest happy hours in the city: 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. House wines are £6 a glass, sparkling wine is £8, and cocktails drop to £7. They also bring out a rotating cheese board every hour-think Brie with fig jam and artisanal crackers.
It’s quieter than other spots, so it’s ideal if you want to chat without shouting over music.
5. The View from The Shard, Level 31
Best for: Luxury on a budget.
Yes, The Shard has a happy hour. From 5 PM to 6:30 PM, select cocktails are £9 (usually £16). The ‘Shard Spritz’-prosecco, Aperol, and elderflower-is a crowd favorite. You also get free chocolate truffles with your drink. The view? Unbeatable. You’re 720 feet above London, looking down on the Thames and the City.
Book a table online. Walk-ins get seated at the bar, which fills up by 5:15 PM.
When to Go (And When to Avoid)
Happy hour isn’t just about the time-it’s about timing your visit right.
- Best days: Tuesday and Wednesday. Least crowded, easiest to get a window seat.
- Worst days: Friday and Saturday. Even happy hour gets packed. If you go, arrive before 5 PM.
- Best time to arrive: 4:50 PM. Most bars start serving at 5 PM sharp, and the first 15 minutes are the quietest.
- Don’t go after 7 PM: Prices jump back up, snacks disappear, and you’re paying full price for the same drink.
Pro tip: Use Google Maps to check real-time crowd levels. Many rooftop bars show live occupancy. If it’s over 80%, wait until tomorrow.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
Not all drinks are created equal during happy hour. Here’s what to pick-and what to avoid.
- Do order: Gin and tonics, spritzes, house cocktails (like margaritas or mojitos), and wines by the glass. These are often made with standard ingredients and cost the bar less to pour.
- Avoid: Premium spirits (like single malt whiskey or imported tequila), champagne, and cocktails with rare ingredients. These are rarely discounted.
- Hidden gem: Ask for the ‘bar manager’s special.’ Many will make you a custom drink using happy hour ingredients for the same price.
At Sky Garden, the staff will sometimes give you a free upgrade to a sparkling wine if you ask nicely during happy hour. It’s not on the menu-but it happens.
How to Get a Good Seat
Views matter. A good seat means no one’s blocking your sunset.
- Book ahead. Even if entry is free, most places require reservations for tables.
- Ask for a corner table. These often have the widest views and least foot traffic.
- Go early. The best seats go fast. If you arrive at 5:30 PM, you’ll likely get a high bar stool.
- Use the ‘happy hour waitlist.’ Some bars, like The Rooftop at The Standard, let you join a digital waitlist via their app.
At 80 London, the bar staff will save a seat for you if you text them your name 10 minutes before you arrive. Just check their Instagram for the number.
What’s New in 2025
This year, three new rooftop bars launched happy hours with a twist:
- Cloud Nine, Canary Wharf: Happy hour includes a free mini dessert with every drink-think chocolate fondant or lemon tart.
- The Glasshouse, Shoreditch: Offers a ‘drink and draw’ happy hour: £8 gets you a cocktail and a sketchbook with charcoal pencils.
- Vertigo, Holborn: Live jazz starts at 5 PM, and cocktails are £6 if you mention ‘Jasper’s List’ (yes, that’s a real code).
These aren’t gimmicks-they’re part of a bigger shift. Rooftop bars now compete on experience, not just views.
Final Tips for Maximizing Your Happy Hour
- Wear smart casual. Most places have a dress code. No flip-flops or sportswear.
- Bring cash. Some bars still don’t accept cards for happy hour drinks.
- Check the weather. Rooftops close if it’s raining or windy. Always call ahead if it’s forecasted.
- Don’t rush. Happy hour is 2 hours. Take your time. You’re paying less for more value.
If you’re visiting from outside London, combine your happy hour with a walk along the South Bank or a quick stop at Borough Market. It’s the perfect low-cost evening.
Are rooftop bar happy hours in London really cheaper?
Yes. Most rooftop bars in London offer 30-50% off cocktails and wines during weekday happy hours (5 PM-7 PM). You can get cocktails for £6-£8 instead of £12-£18. Some even include free snacks like popcorn, cheese boards, or mini tacos.
Do I need to book a table for happy hour?
It depends. Sky Garden and The View from The Shard require advance bookings-even for happy hour. Others like 80 London and The Garden at 120 take walk-ins, but you’ll wait longer if you don’t book. Always check the venue’s website or call ahead.
Can I bring a group to a rooftop happy hour?
Yes, but groups larger than six usually need to book in advance. Some venues, like The Rooftop at The Standard, limit happy hour seating to groups of four or fewer. For bigger groups, ask about private table bookings-they sometimes offer group happy hour rates.
Are happy hour deals available on weekends?
Rarely. Most rooftop bars only offer happy hour Monday to Friday. Some, like The Garden at 120, extend it to Saturday until 6 PM, but prices are higher and snacks are limited. Don’t count on weekend deals unless confirmed by the venue.
What’s the best rooftop bar for a first-time visitor?
Sky Garden is the top pick. It’s free to enter, has stunning views, and offers £8 cocktails during happy hour. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the full London skyline experience. Just remember to book your free time slot online at least two days ahead.
What to Do Next
Grab your friends, pick one spot from this list, and go before 5 PM. Take a photo. Sip slowly. Enjoy the view. Then come back next week and try another. London’s rooftop scene changes fast-what’s hot today might be gone tomorrow. But the deals? They’re here to stay.
