Best Rooftop Pubs

The Grafton Arms Pub & Rooms in London stands as a testament to the evolving nature of British pub culture, where traditional charm meets contemporary sophistication. Nestled in the bustling heart of central London, this establishment has masterfully balanced its historic public house roots with modern hospitality demands, creating a multi-faceted venue that speaks to both locals and visitors alike. In an era where London's traditional pubs are increasingly endangered, The Grafton Arms has carved out its own distinctive niche. The venue's transformation reflects broader changes in the capital's drinking and dining culture, where successful establishments must offer more than just a good pint. Here, the traditional public house model has been thoughtfully expanded to include refined dining options and boutique accommodation, creating a space that serves multiple purposes while maintaining its essential "pub soul." The establishment's architectural character tells a story of London's Victorian pub heritage, with its characteristic corner location and handsome period features. Yet step inside, and you'll find The Grafton Arms has embraced contemporary sensibilities. The interior strikes an artful balance between preserving historical elements and introducing modern comfort, with exposed brick walls and traditional wood paneling complemented by updated furnishings and atmospheric lighting that creates distinct moods from day to night. Perhaps most notable is the venue's celebrated rooftop space, a coveted feature in central London where outdoor areas are at a premium. This elevated oasis offers a more relaxed alternative to the main bar area, particularly appealing during warmer months when the space transforms into one of the neighborhood's most sought-after drinking spots. The rooftop's design shows careful consideration of London's mercurial weather, with covered areas ensuring year-round usability. The pub's culinary offering reflects London's contemporary food scene, where traditional pub fare shares menu space with more exotic options. Their Thai-inspired menu represents London's multicultural culinary landscape, though reviews suggest this fusion approach occasionally meets with mixed success. The kitchen's ambition to move beyond typical pub grub demonstrates the establishment's desire to cater to evolving urban tastes, even if execution sometimes falls short of expectation. The Grafton Arms' drinks selection maintains strong ties to its pub heritage while acknowledging modern preferences. A carefully curated beer selection features both traditional ales and craft options, while the wine list and cocktail menu cater to contemporary tastes. The presence of contactless payment options and modern service amenities shows an establishment keeping pace with London's rapidly digitizing hospitality sector. The addition of guest rooms transforms this London pub into something more complex: a hybrid venue that serves both as a local watering hole and a boutique accommodation option. The rooms, featuring modern amenities like refrigerators and contemporary furnishings, provide a comfortable base for exploring central London, though some guests note typical urban challenges like ambient noise. The pub's location near Euston station positions it perfectly for both travelers and locals, creating an interesting mix of clientele that adds to its atmospheric authenticity. This diversity of patrons - from after-work professionals to weekend tourists - creates a dynamic environment that feels genuinely London, rather than either exclusively tourist-oriented or solely local-focused. Service at The Grafton Arms reflects the casual professional approach that characterizes modern London pubs, where traditional hospitality meets contemporary service standards. While the staff generally receives positive mentions for their friendly approach, the occasional service inconsistencies, particularly during busy periods, suggest a venue still balancing its multiple roles. For those seeking to experience London's evolving pub culture, The Grafton Arms Pub & Rooms offers an intriguing window into how traditional British institutions are adapting to contemporary urban life. Whether you're stopping by for a pint, settling in for a meal, or looking for a characterful place to stay, this venue provides a genuine slice of modern London life - where history and innovation continue their endless dance. Make time to visit, particularly during quieter afternoon hours when you can fully appreciate the space's architectural character, or in early evening when the rooftop comes alive with the energy of London's after-work crowd.

The Red Lion in London stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the traditional British pub, reimagined across four distinct levels in the heart of the capital. Like many of London's most cherished establishments, this venerable institution manages to preserve its historical charm while adapting to contemporary tastes, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and surprisingly modern. From street level, The Red Lion in London presents an almost misleading facade - a classic Victorian pub front that hints at nothing more than a cozy corner establishment. Yet this architectural sleight of hand is part of what makes the venue so intriguing. The ground floor maintains the intimate atmosphere of a traditional London pub, complete with a crackling real fire that serves as both a physical and metaphorical heart of the space, drawing people together in time-honored fashion. The pub's vertical expansion reflects London's historical approach to space constraints, where buildings grew upward rather than outward. Each floor of The Red Lion reveals a different facet of modern pub culture, creating a unique vertical village of entertainment and social spaces. The first floor opens into a generous seating area complemented by a table football setup, while the second floor houses a pool table, demonstrating how traditional pub games remain central to London's social fabric. Perhaps the most surprising element of The Red Lion's architectural arrangement is its crowning glory - a rooftop terrace that offers patrons a breath of fresh air and a perspective on the surrounding cityscape. This outdoor space represents a particularly valuable commodity in central London, where such areas are increasingly rare. The terrace has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, particularly during London's warmer months, when it transforms into an urban oasis above the city's bustling streets. The pub's beverage selection mirrors its physical structure - traditional yet thoughtfully curated. While The Red Lion may not emphasize cask ales, it compensates with a notable whiskey selection that includes premium offerings like Woodford Reserve, reflecting London's evolving drinking culture and sophisticated palate. The pricing structure positions the establishment firmly within the expectations of central London, where quality and location command appropriate consideration. What truly distinguishes The Red Lion is its ability to maintain an unpretentious atmosphere despite its prime London location. The staff, frequently praised for their warmth and efficiency, contribute significantly to this welcoming environment. It's this combination of approachability and quality that has helped the pub maintain its appeal to both longtime regulars and curious visitors for over a decade. The venue's gaming options - from pool to table football and even giant Jenga - create natural conversation points and entertainment hubs throughout the building. These activities, offered without additional charge, reflect a commitment to fostering genuine social interaction rather than merely maximizing profit. This approach has helped The Red Lion maintain its status as a true community hub rather than just another London drinking establishment. The Red Lion accepts both cash and cards, adapting to modern payment preferences while maintaining traditional service values. The pub's multiple levels allow it to accommodate groups of various sizes, making it equally suitable for intimate conversations or larger social gatherings. This flexibility has proven crucial to its enduring popularity in an era where many London pubs struggle to remain relevant. To experience The Red Lion in London is to participate in the ongoing evolution of British pub culture. It's a place where the traditional and contemporary coexist comfortably, where the warmth of a real fire meets the fresh air of a rooftop garden, and where London's past and present merge in four stories of carefully curated social space. Whether you're seeking a quiet pint by the fire, a competitive game of pool, or a sunny afternoon on the terrace, The Red Lion invites you to become part of its continuing story in the heart of London.

Another pub in London claiming to be special? The Castle had me rolling my eyes before I even crossed the threshold. In a city drowning in establishments that confuse Edison bulbs and exposed brick for personality, I approached with the enthusiasm of a cat being dragged to the vet. But damn it all if The Castle didn't slowly work its peculiar magic on me. Let's start with the rooftop terrace, because that's where my cynicism first began to crack. While most London pubs consider a smoking area with three wobbly chairs a "outdoor space," The Castle actually delivers something worth ascending stairs for. On a rare sunny day (yes, London does occasionally see the sun), it's almost enough to make you forget you're paying London prices for your pint. The interior manages to thread that impossible needle between "traditional pub charm" and "actually clean enough that you'd eat here." The wood panels aren't sticky with centuries of spilled ale, and the corners don't harbor dust bunnies old enough to vote. It's like someone took your grandfather's favorite pub and convinced it to take a shower and put on a clean shirt – still comfortable, just significantly more hygienic. Now, about those prices. While your wallet won't need grief counseling after a visit, it might benefit from a supportive pat on the back. The food and drink costs sit squarely in that "well, this is London after all" territory – not highway robbery, but certainly not a bargain. However, and it pains my cynical heart to admit this, you generally get what you pay for. Speaking of food, the kitchen somehow manages to elevate pub classics without wandering into pretentious territory. The fish and chips, while occasionally inconsistent with its batter (yes, I'm looking at you, mushy coating from last Tuesday), generally lands on the right side of satisfying. The burgers – and I say this through gritted teeth – are actually worth writing home about, assuming you still write home about burgers. The staff, particularly Charlie and Mel (who seem to have developed quite a following), display that rare combination of competence and personality that makes you forget you're in central London, where friendly service often feels as rare as affordable housing. They mix a mean margarita, which isn't traditionally what you'd expect from a British pub, but somehow works in the grand scheme of things. For those planning events, The Castle handles groups with surprising grace. Unlike many London venues that treat large parties like an inconvenience to be endured, they actually seem to enjoy hosting celebrations. The space accommodates anywhere from intimate gatherings to full-blown company parties without feeling like you're either rattling around in too much space or playing human Tetris. Dog owners, rejoice – your four-legged friends are welcome here, though do try to keep them from critiquing the food too loudly. The combination of dog-friendly policy and good food is about as rare as a London landlord who returns deposits in full. The entertainment offerings hit the sweet spot between "dead silent" and "having to shout your order." There's background music at a civilized level, and sports fans can catch the important matches without the venue devolving into a screaming match. It's almost like they understand that some people want to watch the game while others want to maintain the ability to hear themselves think. Location-wise, The Castle sits in that part of London where you're never quite sure which neighborhood to tell the taxi driver you're heading to, but somehow everyone seems to know where it is. It's convenient enough to be accessible but not so central that you'll be fighting tourists for breathing space. Look, I didn't want to like The Castle. I really didn't. But like that friend who keeps setting you up on blind dates, sometimes the universe knows better than your jaded heart. Whether you're seeking a proper pub experience with modern sensibilities, or just a place where the food won't make you regret every life decision that led you there, The Castle in London deserves your attention. Book a table, grab a spot on the rooftop if weather permits, and prepare to reluctantly add another favorite to your London list. Just don't tell them I sent you – I have a reputation to maintain.