Still seeing 2020 as a bit of an uphill struggle? We’ve got the answer when it comes to getting away from it all, and it involves dazzling views and lots of cocktails... naturally. The team at DesignMyNight have rounded up the best rooftop bars around for a socially-distanced drink, from a sky-high playground to a leafy jungle paradise with Latin American-inspired sips.

Bar Elba - London

A trip to Waterloo is in order for anyone who prefers drinking their cocktails against stunning panoramic skyline views. Bar Elba’s rooftop sits amongst some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and boasts a huge menu of summer drinks. Can’t choose between the piña colada or the raspberry mule? The strawberry and watermelon martini or the Harley Quinn peach spritz? No problem; they’ve got a three-hour happy hour every Monday to Thursday. And if cocktails aren’t your main priority, they’ve got bottomless brunches, movie nights and sunset sessions for summer memory-making.

Pergola Olympia - London

Aside from being festooned with tropical foliage and fairy lights, and flaunting three exceptional street food stalls serving anything from beastly steak sarnies to pork belly bao, there’s one particularly special (and boozy) reason to visit this London rooftop. We’re talking about Pergola’s famous weekly ‘Ginsdays’ which involves coughing up just £25 for two whole hours of bottomless G&Ts. The ultimate midweek pick-me-up? You know it.

Skylight - London

As far as London rooftops go, there are few that can really say they have the fun-factor as well as killer drinks. One sky-high spot that’s known for being a hit with big kids that can’t sit still, as well as a gorge location for bevs and street food, is Skylight in Wapping. This versatile bar is making lawn games an essential summer activity with their bookable croquet and pétanque courts. When you’re not thrashing your mates at your new found favourite sport? Cool down with a bucket of beers or cocktails like their Rooftop Rhubarb or Lawn Club Sour.

Skylark - London

If there’s anything worth climbing 10 storeys for, it’s gotta be this Paddington suntrap overlooking Little Venice. Skylark’s expansive outdoor space is just the place for a sophisticated day-drinking session with the gang. With its sleek LA-style look, unique cocktails (white chocolate martini, we’re lookin’ at you…) and views that will leave you in a daze, this is one rooftop that summer nights were pretty much made for.

Prince of Wales - London

Brixton’s Prince of Wales are covering all the bases this summer with a series of rooftop brunches, jazz nights and sunset soirées. They’re keeping the party atmosphere alive all throughout the sunny season, whether you fancy a weekday wind-down with some live music or up for going the extra mile with a DJ-led bash where the drinks are delivered to your own private booth and the tunes play ‘til late.

London Shuffle Club - London

Pair drinks with a healthy dose of competition by booking a group outing to London Shuffle Club. London’s original activity bar, this spot never disappoints, especially when you’ve bagged a seat atop their slick shuffle terrace. This heated hideaway is kitted out with shuffleboard lanes, an airstream cocktail bar and signature pizzas to keep you fed and watered, which means there’s pretty much no reason to leave...

Lost in Brixton - London

This jungle-themed gem in Brixton isn’t just an InstagRammers dream come true, but also comes through on the drinks front with a whole Latin American-insipred cocktail menu - perfect for a summer night of sipping. £10 will get you anything from their passion fruit caipirinha to a refreshing basil margarita or pear pisco sour. As for the food? You get to take your pick from the finest food traders based in Brixton Market, and have the food sent straight to your table at the bar.

Mall Clifton - Bristol

Looking to hide from your responsibilities? We’ve got just the place. Bristol’s foliage-adorned hideaway Mall Clifton is a go-to safe haven for relaxed drinks surrounded by stunning scenery. This three tiered patio is a stress free space far removed from the bustle of the city below, perfect for intimate catch ups over some craft beers, or unwinding with a few G&Ts from their gin-dedicated menu (we’ve got our eye on the apple and elderflower fizz).

Cold Town House - Edinburgh

This multi-storey mecca of pizza, prosecco and craft beer is always a winner for locals and tourists alike, but Cold Town House’s crowning jewel has to be its leafy roof terrace boasting unmatched views of Edinburgh Castle. Gaze out at the historic scenery while nursing an affordable slushie cocktail or two when the weather’s playing ball, or a glass of bubbly from their dedicated first-floor prosecco bar.

The Alchemist - Leeds

If we’ve ever needed a drop of magic in our lives, it’s now, and The Alchemist is here to deliver. Distract yourself from the outside world with the help of their theatrical cocktail menu featuring molecular mixes that will send your senses into a spin. Be dazzled by smoke, flaming garnishes and colour-changing concoctions made even better with the slick rooftop setting set against sweeping views of Leeds.

For more information on rooftop bars in London, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.