8
Dec,2025
London doesn’t do half measures when it comes to rooftop bars. If you’re looking for a place where you can sip chilled champagne by the glass without needing a second mortgage, you’re in the right place. Forget the overpriced bottles and the pretentious service-this list is for those who want the sparkle, the skyline, and the simplicity of ordering a single glass of something special and enjoying it with the city spread out below.
Why Champagne by the Glass Matters
Champagne isn’t just a drink here. It’s the punctuation mark at the end of a long day, the reward after a meeting, the quiet celebration of just being alive in a city that never sleeps. But buying a whole bottle? That’s a commitment. And sometimes, you just want one glass. Maybe you’re meeting a friend after work. Maybe you’re solo, watching the sunset over the Thames, and you deserve a little luxury. That’s where rooftop bars serving champagne by the glass come in. They’re the sweet spot between indulgence and practicality.
Not every rooftop bar in London does this well. Some charge £25 for a glass of basic sparkling wine and call it champagne. Others hide their best bottles behind velvet ropes and VIP lists. The spots on this list? They know the difference. They pour real champagne-French, estate-grown, disgorged within the year-and they let you order just one glass without making you feel like you’re intruding.
1. The Rooftop at The Ned
Located in the historic former bank building in the City, The Ned’s rooftop bar is a blend of Art Deco elegance and modern ease. The view stretches from Tower Bridge to St. Paul’s, and the lighting turns golden as dusk settles. Their champagne list is curated by a sommelier who actually knows his way around a grower champagne.
You can get a glass of Philipponnat Clos des Goisses for £28. That’s not cheap, but it’s fair for a wine that costs over £100 a bottle elsewhere. The staff won’t rush you. They’ll ask if you’d like to try a flight of three different styles-brut, rosé, and vintage-if you’re curious. No pressure. Just good wine and good company.
2. 100 Wardour Street (The Rooftop)
Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t a club. It’s a hidden gem above a retro-chic bar in Soho. The rooftop is small, intimate, and feels like a secret garden with string lights and mismatched velvet sofas. The champagne selection is small but sharp: six options, all by the glass.
Try the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008 for £32. It’s the only vintage rosé on the list, and it’s poured with care-no over-chilled flutes, no rushed pours. The barman will tell you it’s from a single harvest, aged for 12 years on lees. You won’t hear that at most places. And if you’re not sure? Ask for the tasting sample. They’ll give you a 10ml pour to try before you commit.
3. Sky Garden (Walkie Talkie)
Sky Garden is free to enter. Yes, you read that right. No ticket, no reservation needed during weekdays before 6 PM. But here’s the catch: the bars inside charge premium prices. The good news? One of them, Fornellos, offers a proper champagne by the glass for £24. That’s £10 less than most competitors.
Their go-to is the Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. It’s fresh, fruity, and balanced-perfect for sipping while looking over the Thames. The view is panoramic, the crowd is mixed (tourists, locals, professionals), and you won’t be shushed for ordering just one glass. It’s the most democratic rooftop experience in the city.
4. The Bar at The Shard
The Shard’s rooftop bar is the tallest in Western Europe. The view? Unbeatable. The champagne list? Thoughtfully curated. You’ll find everything from the crisp Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée (£26) to the rare Champagne Krug Clos d’Ambonnay (£45) by the glass.
What sets this place apart is the staff’s knowledge. They don’t just pour. They explain. If you ask why the Krug is worth the price, they’ll tell you it’s from a single vineyard, made in tiny batches, and aged for over a decade. You don’t need to buy a bottle to understand why it’s special. One glass is enough to feel the difference.
5. The Garden at The Standard
This one’s for the ones who want something less polished, more real. The Garden is on the 12th floor of The Standard hotel in King’s Cross. It’s not fancy. It’s loud, colorful, and full of artists, musicians, and people who just want to be outside after a long week.
They serve Champagne J. Lassalle Cuvée 1855 by the glass for £22. It’s a grower champagne, made by a small family in the Marne Valley. The bottle looks like it came from a farmhouse, not a luxury store. The taste? Earthy, complex, with a hint of brioche. It’s not the most famous name, but it’s the most honest. And you can order it with a side of crispy fries and a playlist of 90s hip-hop.
6. The Rooftop at 110 Bishopsgate
Most people don’t know this place exists. It’s tucked above a business hotel in the financial district. But if you’re looking for quiet, clean lines, and a view of the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie, this is it.
They offer three champagnes by the glass: a brut, a rosé, and a prestige cuvée. The standout is the Champagne Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru at £30. It’s rich, nutty, and deeply layered. The staff here don’t push sales. They’ll ask, “What are you feeling tonight?” and let you decide. No upsells. No rush. Just you, the skyline, and a glass that costs less than your morning coffee at a chain cafe.
What to Look For When Choosing
Not all rooftop bars are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the great when it comes to champagne by the glass:
- Real champagne-not just sparkling wine. Look for “Champagne” on the label, not “Sparkling” or “Crisp.” Only wine from France’s Champagne region qualifies.
- By-the-glass pricing-if the cheapest glass is over £35, you’re likely paying for the view, not the wine. £20-£30 is the sweet spot.
- Staff knowledge-if they can’t tell you the producer, the vintage, or the dosage, walk away.
- No minimum spend-if you’re forced to order food or a second drink to justify the table, skip it.
- Atmosphere-champagne tastes better when you’re not being stared at by a crowd in suits.
When to Go
Weekdays after 5 PM are ideal. The crowds thin out, the light softens, and the staff have more time to chat. Weekends? You’ll pay more for the same glass, and the noise level rises. Sunset is magic-arrive 20 minutes before, grab a window seat, and watch the city turn gold.
Don’t bother booking unless it’s a Friday or Saturday. Most of these places don’t take reservations for the rooftop bar alone. Just show up, head to the bar, and order. No need to dress up. Jeans and a nice jacket are fine. Comfort matters more than polish.
What to Pair It With
Champagne doesn’t need fancy food. A simple plate of smoked salmon on rye, a bowl of olives, or even a handful of salted almonds works perfectly. Some places offer small plates-oysters at The Ned, truffle fries at The Standard. But you don’t need to order anything. Just the glass. Just the view. Just the moment.
Final Thought
London’s rooftop bars aren’t about showing off. They’re about remembering that you deserve to pause. To look up. To taste something that took years to make. To enjoy a single glass of champagne without guilt, without pressure, without needing to explain why you’re there.
These six spots don’t just serve champagne. They give you space to breathe. And sometimes, that’s the most expensive thing in the city.
Can I really order just one glass of champagne at these rooftop bars in London?
Yes. All six bars listed allow you to order champagne by the glass without requiring a minimum spend or forcing you to buy a bottle. You won’t be pressured to order food or additional drinks. It’s perfectly normal to sit alone with one glass and enjoy the view.
Is champagne by the glass expensive in London?
Prices range from £20 to £45 per glass, depending on the brand and vintage. £22-£30 is standard for quality grower champagnes like Egly-Ouriet or Laurent-Perrier. That’s comparable to what you’d pay for a single glass in Paris or New York. The view adds value, but the wine itself is priced fairly for what it is.
Do I need to book a table at these rooftop bars?
Most don’t take reservations for the bar area. You can just walk in. However, if you’re going on a weekend evening, arrive before 6 PM to avoid long waits. Some spots, like Sky Garden, require a free timed entry ticket-book that online in advance.
Are these rooftop bars open all year?
Most are open year-round, even in winter. Some have heated seating, blankets, and fire pits. The Garden at The Standard and The Rooftop at The Ned offer outdoor heaters. Sky Garden is partially covered. Always check the bar’s website before visiting in colder months.
What’s the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?
Champagne is sparkling wine made only in the Champagne region of France, using specific grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) and the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. Sparkling wine from Italy, Spain, or England is not Champagne, even if it tastes similar. Real Champagne has more complexity, finer bubbles, and a longer finish.
Is it worth paying more for vintage champagne by the glass?
Only if you’re curious. Vintage champagnes are made in exceptional years and aged longer-often 7-10 years or more. They offer deeper flavors: dried fruit, toast, nuts. But a non-vintage Brut can be just as satisfying. If you’re new to Champagne, start with a non-vintage. Save the vintage for a special occasion.
