Sure, the small terrace of east London boozer the Marksman looks down onto Hackney Road traffic, but it’s surprisingly pleasant. There’s limited space but bag a table when the sun is out and it’s a sweet spot to sink a few pints in the afternoon and linger on for some beef and barley buns — sun’s out, buns out.

Escape the streets of Shoreditch on a warm evening and head to The Boundary Project, where the chic rooftop features both an outdoor terrace and a glass-covered orangery for all-weather enjoyment. But before the night descends into a rosé-tinted haze, order snacks like charcuterie, skewers from the robata grill or a chic seafood platter for two.

Hidden above Commercial Street, dining on the roof of The Culpeper is enjoyable in rain or shine thanks to a quaint greenhouse that looks onto the restaurant’s herb garden. The posh pub-with-rooms offers a what’s-in-season-and-delicious menu. Right now there’s grilled hispi with chermoula, day boat fish with samphire and asparagus with lemon yogurt.

Chris Galvin is the chef-patron of this fancy Michelin-starred restaurant on the 28th floor of the Hilton at Park Lane. As well as dishes like langoustines with pickles and truffle gnocchi, diners are treated to 360º views of London’s skyline.

It wouldn’t be right to miss Peckham’s multi-story car park stalwart, which opens for the summer. Frank’s dependable negronis and spritzes — and incredible views across London — are the perfect accompaniments to a lingering summer eve. Food is perfect for snacking and sharing: think datterini tomatoes on toast, barbecued lamb ribs and double-fried plantain.

The towering dome of St Pauls isn’t a bad view to drink in while sipping on a cocktail. Sabine is a shiny new spot overlooking the majestic cathedral, serving fancy-pants cocktails and a short menu of small plates. Most definitely a place to shake off a sweatpant-filled lockdown and slip into something worthy of that view.

Pint of, er, Aperol spritz anyone? Classy probably isn’t a word used to describe Netil 360 but it’s FUN. The mood encapsulates that first frisson of summer on every ascent of the seemingly endless stairs of Netil House that ends with popping up on the astro turfed rooftop (although that could just be being out of breath and gasping for a pint of anything). The music and bass level are non-offensively ~vibey~ and an evening up there slips by very quickly… just like those Aperol pints.

Beers from 40FT Brewery, natural wines aplenty, and supporting a local charity? We’re there. Dalston Roof Park not only has all the makings for a good time, all profits go back into Bootstrap Charity, which supports new small businesses, social enterprises and start-ups. As well as providing the backdrop to a great night any day of the week, keep eyes peeled for film screenings and daytime DJ sets later in summer.

Choose a table under cover or alfresco at Seabird, the rooftop restaurant at The Hoxton hotel in Southwark, and prepare for a seafood feast. Something raw is a must — the oyster menu is exquisite — then mix and match plates like prawn croquetas, spider crab bisque, and lobster and chips. The octopus roll is something else: a meaty, smoky tentacle smothered with aioli, in a hot dog-style brioche roll.

Rather than a teddy bear’s picnic, this not-so-nursery rhyme ends in a grown-up playground with food stalls slinging pizza and kati rolls, bars serving booze and areas for crazy golf. Roof East has got something to keep everyone — big kids included — amused.

Food and drink is paired down at The Standard hotel’s 11th-floor rooftop, but menus deliver just what anyone could want for an evening overlooking King’s Cross. An incoming taco truck is amping up the food menu, and a simple drinks menu with a few cocktails and wines on tap hit the spot (especially after sharing a pitcher of chilli-spiked tommy’s margarita…). Kick back and enjoy — and check-in for a sleepover if it gets late.

The clue’s in the name to find this buzzy rooftop spot — the entrance is hidden within the warren of Brixton Market. It’s by the same group as Pergola but happily, food comes from traders closer to home. Fish, Wings & Tings serve jerk chicken and codfish fritters, The Joint sends out ribs and burgers, and from Jalisco there’s burritos and quesadillas.

A sleek restaurant on top of a fancy clothing store (sorry, “showroom”), Cha Cha, which has set up camp on the roof of Sister Jane, is very chi chi. Brunch, lunch and dinner dishes are elegant and perfect for pairing with a matcha latte, margarita or a glass of something sparkling.

This summer, the spirit aficionados at TT Liquor will launch a roof terrace at the top of their specialist store and space where they usually hold tastings and classes. With the Overground in eyeline, sip on spritzes inspired by plants in the garden. As well as cocktails there’ll be local beers and wine — and, importantly, covered booths in case the weather turns sour.