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Your support makes all the difference.Nothing says British summer quite like a rooftop bar. A break in the rain clouds is often the only excuse we need to leg it upstairs in the hope of catching some rays while sipping an overpriced cocktail.
Whether you’re after panoramic views, fantastic food, or finger-on-the-pulse nightlife, there's an eclectic mix of lofty drinking dens to choose from. To help you decide which stairs are worth climbing, we've rounded up ten of our favourites.
1) Courthouse Hotel Sky Terrace, Soho
Located on the top of the Courthouse Hotel in the centre of London's Soho, the Sky Terrace offers gorgeous views across the rooftops of London as well as reasonably priced cocktails and nibbles. The crowd is made up of young professionals straight from the office, so dress smartly.
2) Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge
For something a little quainter, try the elegant rooftop bar of the Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge, from which you can admire striking views of the historic university city. With a glass of champagne in hand, of course.
3) Roof Garden Playground, Manchester
Up north, Manchester's Roof Garden Playground is worth a visit. A former Victorian school house, the building is now the Great John Street hotel. The bar, on the hotel's roof, features wicker furniture, exposed brick work, and atmospheric lighting. There's even a hot tub for brave revellers.
If it’s sea views you’re after, Newquay’s Scarlet Hotel offers spectacular views across the Cornish coast. Though not technically "rooftop", the raised terrace offers everything you could want from a seaside bar, with wooden decking and day beds from which to enjoy the sun.
If the trendy, hipster vibe is more you, there’s no better rooftop spot than Frank’s Café in Peckham. The pop-up bar, which sits on top of a multi-storey car park, offers panoramic views of central London and serves a selection of classic cocktails and beers.
The Forth in Newcastle is a traditional British pub with an adorable rooftop terrace tucked away at the top. The colourfully graffiti-ed walls and fairy lights give the place a quirky feel.
For something a little sleeker, try the Sky Bar in Edinburgh, which is at the top of The Point Hotel. It offers spectacular views across the Scottish capital but is only open on the first Thursday of every month so booking ahead is recommended.
8) Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Birmingham
Marco Pierre White's Birmingham steakhouse is more than just a restaurant. The rooftop bar, which is on the 25th floor, is one of Birmingham's more glitzy venues. It's decadent, with gleaming marble floors, seductive lighting, and a glass-fronted balcony.
9) Boundary Rooftop Bar, London
This Mediterranean-style bar is like Spain in Shoreditch. It serves simple bar food and good wine, all consumed on the weatherproof pergola which is shaded by grapevines.
Popular with post-work Londoners, Aqua Kyoto is located just off Regent Street in the heart of London’s West End. It’s ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Oxford Street. Perfect for a Friday night cocktail as the sun goes down.
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