10 best restaurants and bars for… views of London

Hurray for British summertime – it’s all downhill from here, with lighter evenings giving way to later sunsets. Make the most of London’s beautiful skyline with the top 10 restaurants offering unmissable views. From the go-to places for vistas of the river, to the places that capture the capital’s iconic landmarks from their best side, we map out the city as you’ve never seen it before.

Babylon

The restaurant terrace, seven floors above bustling Kensington High Street, looks out over one of London’s most stunning rooftop gardens, with London as its backdrop.

The Bingham (pictured, right) 

Out in the Richmond countryside, this elegant restaurant and bar offers stunning river views and the sensation of having left the stresses of the Big Smoke behind.

Blueprint Café

Boasting the best views at this end of London – you can see Tower Bridge and The Gherkin – this restaurant also provides each diner with a pair of binoculars.

Coq d’Argent (pictured, above)

Up in the air on this luxurious terrace, a sense of space prevails. You’re bang in the middle of the City, so landmarks such as the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England will jump out at you.

Galvin at Windows

This all-in-one sightseeing experience on the 28th floor of the London Hilton has stunning 360-degree views of the city. Be sure to request a window seat.

Min Jiang

Diners at this elegant 10th-floor Chinese restaurant are spoilt rotten with views over the greenery of Hyde Park.

Oxo Tower Restaurant (pictured, left)

The only thing you can’t see from this fabulously located restaurant is the Oxo Tower itself. Riverside tables can’t be booked, so arrive early to nab the best seats – there’s always the downstairs brasserie and bar if you’re pipped to the post.

Rhodes Twenty Four

Diners at this sky-scraping destination remain on cloud nine long after they’ve left – partly due to the impeccable food, and partly because of the heady views on offer.

SkyLounge

Another venue offering a ‘heightened’ experience – this classy bar, with its open terraces, is perfectly placed for glorious views of Tower Bridge and the City.

Tate Modern Restaurant

Watch the sun set over St Paul’s and The Gherkin while sipping a long drink at the bar, or retire to the dining room to bask in the other highlights the skyline has to offer.