Rooftop Bars in Southampton UK: Views, Atmosphere & Fun
Here are the best rooftop bars in Southampton. If you’re in the city for a cruise or have come to explore the marine culture and history you can find a spot to enjoy the views. Or if your visit is more along the lines of a hen-do or student night out there’s something for you too.
HarBAR on 6th
HarBAR on the sixth floor of the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is a treat. It’s definitely the place to see and be seen if you’re into that. It’s not a private bar and you don’t need to book in advance.
The hotel is set in the prestigious Ocean Village development of the city. HarBAR is its spectacular rooftop destination bar. The top floor features floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the beautiful Solent . You can get Marina views from the luxury of the main bar even if you don’t want to venture outside.
At one end of the bar is a restaurant and both are open to non-hotel guests. You can enjoy a more casual dining experience here than at The Jetty restaurant on the ground floor. (Although that’s worth checking out as it’s the sister to the group’s award-winning restaurant in Christchurch.)
The stunning contemporary interiors in the cocktail lounge with the outdoor terrace beyond
The Atmosphere
At the other end of the indoor lounge is the exterior rooftop bar. At the weekends you can enjoy live music and a pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven. I can imagine it’s a pretty unrivalled atmosphere.
And don’t worry about the Great British weather either. The outdoor seating is complimented by outdoor fire pits to keep you warm.
I only had time to enjoy one of the exclusive HarBAR cocktails. Or mocktails I should say, and the panoramic views. But you know I’m partial to a bit of afternoon tea and the one here looks fabulous.
Check out the details on their website. I do think I might be back for that the next time I’m near the south coast.
Check out the hotel spa while you’re there too. Again it’s open to non-guests of the hotel. And although I didn’t love the treatment I had, the facilities were nice.
Revolution Bar
You’ll find Revolution Southampton at Bedford Place. When I visited it was a bit chilly so the rooftop bar wasn’t open. But the staff let me up to see it.
I was greeted by the most stunning sunset views. I reckon that makes this one of the best places to enjoy an alfresco drink.
There’s also an indoor section with retractable roof doors. That means you can sit inside on a rainy day and still enjoy the sunset sky.
With Revs across the country, you know what you’re getting: happy hours, signature cocktails, bar food and Christmas parties. Oh and there’s their cocktail masterclass too, which might be fun.
Funky Flamingo
Funky Flamingo is a vibrant bar next to Buddha Lounge. Conveniently, both are also in Bedford Place, near Revs in the heart of Southampton. It’s touted as the “most Instagrammable venue in Southampton” and it certainly does have some bold décor.
The lounge bar is garden themed. And the rooftop garden is a lovely place to enjoy a drink in the sun. At night it’s lit up with twinkly lights and you can enjoy the atmosphere on the roof until 10pm. At busy times you’ll need to book your roof table.
When I visited the rooftop was being renovated ready for summer ’23. So for now you’ll have to check out the photos on the website. Although the roof garden was closed during my visit this is a flavour of the indoor space
The rest of the bar is set on the first floor of the building. It’s a great space with private booths and a similarly funky set up. The venue is open from 4pm in the week, noon on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays and closes at 1am.
There are live DJs every Saturday and Mediterranean-inspired food all week, which sounds like good times to me!
Statement neon Funky Flamingo
Other Rooftop Bars Southampton Has to Offer
Buddha Lounge
The Buddha Lounge is a late-night venue that’s particularly popular in the evening with students, stag and hen-dos. The roof terrace here is open from noon on sunny days and stays open until late evening.
The space has sofas, sheltered seating and open tables plus heating. It’s not as glam as Funky Flamingo next door. But since it’s open earlier in the day it could be a good option.
Inside, the venue does VIP seating and packages that you can see here.
Roof top bar at Budda Lounge from outside on a cold, spring evening!
Shanghai 1814
I read in the local press that this Chinese restaurant was being renovated. It said they were opening up a unique rooftop sky bar. But when I went to visit it the people in the restaurant were rather confused.
They said that wasn’t the case. They told me that they do have a roof venue that’s available in the evening. But only for drinks with karaoke.
They wouldn’t let me up to see so I can’t tell you what it’s like. But if you fancy a meal and a bit of a sing-along then it’s worth investigating when you go.
Enjoy Your Night Out in Southampton
If you’re heading to a bar before or after a show then check out this post. It’s about the places to park near the Mayflower Theatre. (Assuming you have a designated driver, of course.)
And if you need some pampering the morning after, check out this post I wrote about the Best Spas in Southampton.
