This Tom Dixon-designed bar is not only a looker inside, it also allows panoramic views across the capital from the Centrpoint building on Tottenham Court Road. 29 floors up, the bar and restaurant are great vantage points but be sure to venture one floor up to the observation deck as you can do a complete 360 degree tour and see the capital from every angle.

Millbank Tower may conjure up images of aggro crusty students, but the real reason to visit is The London Sky Bar. Boasting arguably the most impressive views of any of the venues on our best bars with a view list, the Sky Bar overlooks the Houses of Parliament and the Thames one way and the Tate and west London at the other. David Cameron is supposed to be a fan and the Conservative Party have offices in the same building so don't be surprised to see the odd politican or two.

Currently the single highest bar in the capital, Vertigo 42 towers a vertignous 42 floors above the Square Mile. Situated just off Bishopsgate, this is very much a place for City slickers to let loose and spend their expense accounts/bonuses on every type of champagne imaginable.

Closer to earth than the other venues on our best bars with a view list, what the Oxo Tower Bar lacks in height it more than makes up for in lines of vision. Bag the right seat and you get the money shot of the Thames, all the way from St Paul’s to the London Eye. Wonderful. Great cocktails too.

While most people know this part of the Galvin brothers' empire as a restaurant, it also has a bar offering lofty views over Hyde Park. It's nothing short of spectacular, and when you can even take a cheeky look into the Queen’s back garden, you know you’ve got one of the best views in town.

One of our favourite parts of London, the South Bank Centre also boasts the most excellent Skylon Bar and Restaurant. If you bag the window-side tables you can sit back and admire superb views across the Thames. Yet another fine example of why London is one of the greatest cities in the world.

The main attraction at this Canary Wharf bar/restaurant is the view. It’s particularly nice as an evening destination as the night sky is illuminated by lights twinkling in the distance.

Kensington's Roof Gardens boasts incredible views across west London with more than an acre of lush gardens, situated way above High Street Kensington. Unsurprisingly, the most impressive part of the venue are the scenic gardens; dating back to 1936 they feature winding pathways, lush greenery, quaint little fountains, plenty of seating and several bars.

One of the best places to escape the maddening crowds in Piccadilly, 5th View, on the top floor of the Waterstones book shop, doesn’t just rely on its views across the rooftops of Piccadilly towards the South Bank - it serves up a respectable food and drink menu too.