Here’s our list of accessible rooftop bars to visit this summer. There’s no better place to enjoy an early evening drink or two and watch the sun go down, or just watch the world go by, than a rooftop terrace. But rooftop bars are few and far between and notoriously tricky to find. So we’ve delved into the matter and picked out some of the best in the country so that you don’t have to.

The Roof Garden Playground, Manchester

The Roof Garden Playground at the Great John Street Hotel offers great views of Manchester in cool, boutique surroundings. The hotel was once an inner-city Victorian school and what was previously the rooftop playground has now been converted into a stylish bar and restaurant. Some of the space is reserved for hotel guests and the area can be booked for private functions so it’s best to call in advance. It closes at 10pm for non-residents and only residents can use the hot-tub (there’s a hot-tub).

There is a lift up to the second floor but then there is a flight of stairs up to the actual roof garden, which is problematic (but we’ve found unfortunately regular). There is a disabled toilet by the lift, by the mezzanine, so that’s something.

The Varsity, Cambridge

We’ll start with the negatives of the Varsity rooftop bar: the access isn’t great. the lift can take you as far as the sixth floor but after that there are 13 stairs between the lift and the rooftop. The disabled toilet is back on the second floor.

This rooftop might be close to being a no-go area but we’ve included it because a) it highlights a common theme of having a lift most of the way and then stairs to the roof and b) some people may be able to navigate the stairs. We toyed with not including this one at all but we thought we would just in case you can make your way upstairs because the bar itself is an absolute treat.

This roof terrace offers some of the best views of Cambridge going. They say themselves that it’s ideal for people who want to take the ‘lazy’ tour of the University i.e. from a position sitting in the sun, with a glass of Pimms, a G & T or something from their extensive Champagne menu, while somebody points out various buildings to you. Almost all of the University Colleges can be glimpsed from the rooftop. An amazing location to peer down on the hustle and bustle of uni life. It’s just a shame about the access.

Marco Pierre White at the Cube, Birmingham

Located at the top of Birmingham’s fairly new Cube building, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse and Grill has great views of the city. This 360 degree ‘experience’ and bar offers cocktails and what Pierre White calls ‘affordable luxury’. The only problem here is that the Cube is itself one of the most interesting buildings on the Birmingham skyline, so you have to compromise on that somewhat.

The bar is on the top floor of a 25 storey building so, as you’d expect, there is a lift to get there. There is also a disabled toilet available. However, they do not take reservations for the bar so if you’re not planning to eat you may have to take a bit of a risk on there being a space available for you.

Hall and Woodhouse, Bath

This is a beautiful balcony in the gorgeous, UNESCO World Heritage, city of Bath. They’re very down to earth and unpretentious there. The roof terrace is a perfect location to soak up the sun with tremendous views of the city.

Less able customers can use a lift to take them to the third floor (bear in mind that this is not the main lift, which only goes as far as the second floor, but a lift from the kitchen – so you need to ask a member of staff for directions). Once you get to the third floor, there are still three stairs to get over but they say that people can do this with some assistance/by being carried. There are no toilets at all on the rooftop so to go to the toilet you’d need to go back down to the second floor where there is a disabled toilet. It does sound like a bit of a hassle but the rooftop bar looks sensational.

Matou, Liverpool

Matou is in a perfect location, right by the Three Graces and overlooking the Mersey on one side and the City Centre on the other. You can enjoy a cocktail or Martini on the stunning terrace before tucking in to some Pan Asian dishes. Simply outstanding views – apparently if you look hard enough and the sky is clear, you can even see Wales!

From what they told us, there access is spot on: they have a lift to the terrace, a disabled toilet and no steps anywhere.

London

The Roof Gardens are a quite extraordinary 1.5 acres of space sitting 100 feet above Kensington High Street. Going from the busy street onto this rooftop is a startling experience, like entering another world. There are three themed gardens up there, with over 70 full size trees, a flowing stream stocked with fish and four resident Flamingos! Then there’s also the restaurant itself, which has great views of the city and good food and drink. All in the middle of Kensington!

Access appears to be easy as there is a ramp and a lift and for those with sticks there are stairs with a rail if you prefer. The disabled toilet also appears to be useable and not too far from everything (see the floor plan) – all is on one level.

To visit the Roof Gardens it is essential to contact them beforehand. The garden itself is open on certain days or you can go to the club or restaurant on the rooftop if you book in advance. For useful contact details click here.

The Boundary is a favourite of BBS Boss Fiona. She gave it 3 BBS Ticks for its understated style and excellent disabled access. The Boundary also has a new conservatory area for when it (inevitably) gets a bit too cold. The disabled access is good and they do accept customers without reservations although it’s best to book in advance to secure a space.

Frank’s Cafe and Campari Bar

We’ve saved, possibly, the best until last. This accessible rooftop bar pops up on the top of a multi-story car park in Peckham, for Londoners to enjoy the sunset during the summer months. For a few months only this is the surprising location for one of London’s hippest bars. There are Campari cocktails, good small plates and an amazing view of the city – possibly better than any that can be provided North of the river.

Frank’s opens again for 2013 on June 30th and will provide a completely step free environment. There are lifts to the 7th floor and then ramps to the top of the roof and they also also have a disabled toilet. There will also be lots of space in the bar so wheel chair users won’t have any difficulty moving around. It sounds really low key and stylish – look forward to visiting.

Do you know of any other accessible rooftop bars? We absolutely adore them and would love to be able to bring more information to our readers particularly regarding bars outside of London. What do you think? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Blue Badge Style

We Re-Define Disability With Style

Matou Pan Asian Restaurant

Matou Pan Asian Restaurant

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