It’s not a summer in London if you haven’t hung out on one of the city’s rooftop bars. Of course, no afternoon cocktail is complete without a doggie date to enjoy it with, and luckily some of London’s top floor watering holes are pup friendly. Here’s our breakdown of the best.
*Summer in the city can be hot, especially for our four legged friends. So we always recommend staying out of the heat in the middle day and make sure you have plenty of fresh drinking water with you to keep you both cool.
Image: Frank’s Cafe
FRANK’S CAFE
Frank’s Cafe has become a Peckham tradition over the last decade, taking over a car park rooftop every summer to offer sweeping views across the city skyline. Dogs are welcome, although we suggest going a little later in the day when the sun’s not at its height, as it can get pretty hot up there on the concrete. boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe/
NETIL360
Netil House is a staple of the east London creative community, and its top floor bar is just as loved. There’s great views over Hackney and the city of London, and a decent range of craft beers, ciders and wines. Netil360 even has a resident rooftop dog, Tres. netil360.com.
Jeff the Black Lab at Skylight Rooftop Bar
SKYLIGHT ROOFTOP AT TOBACCO DOCK
As another successful summer season draws to a close at this hip Docklands venue, Skylight will be staying open, bringing out the blankets, turning on the heaters, and transforming its sunlit terraces into warm and inviting spaces designed for shorter days and cooler nights. Dogs are welcome on weekends from midday to 6pm. Visit: www.skylightlondon.com.
Image: The Culpeper
THE CULPEPER
There’s great views of the Gherkin from this east London pub rooftop, which has been decked out in green to mark its pickle-focused drinks menu. There’s cucumber plants, a giant pickle sculpture, and even pickle cushions to relax on. There’s relatively limited space, so this is definitely one for the smaller pups. www.theculpeper.com
Image: Ace Hotel
ACE HOTEL
Dogs are welcome in all parts of Shoreditch’s Ace Hotel, which includes its swanky rooftop. There’s some of the best views of the city to be enjoyed from beneath its covered terrace – perfect for keeping pooches out of the sun. If things get too hot, the inside bar offers the perfect cool retreat. acehotel.com/london
Image: Lock Tavern
THE LOCK TAVERN
It might not have same skyline views as some of the higher rooftop bars, but The Lock Tavern has bags of charm to make up for it. Its small but perfectly formed roof terrace has parasols to keep your dog cool in the heat, and views over Camden’s busy streets – which are all the better for being viewed from on high. www.lock-tavern.com.
Have you visited a dog friendly rooftop spot in London? Tell us in the comments below!
