Frank's Cafe, Peckham

Frank's Cafe has crowned the upper floors of a Peckham car park every summer since 2009, run as part of the not-for-profit arts organisation Bold Tendencies. There are no lifts to plush lobbies here — you climb concrete ramps to a raw, breeze-block rooftop with deckchairs, made-to-order food and a west-facing view that turns golden at dusk. Drinks (Campari and negronis are the signatures) are refreshingly human in price, and the crowd is relaxed and unpretentious. Two practical catches: it's strictly seasonal — in 2026 it runs 15 May to 12 September, Wednesday to Sunday, roughly 11am to 11pm — and it takes no reservations and card payments only, so it's first come, first served and queues form on sunny evenings. Arrive early to beat the golden-hour rush. For atmosphere and value it's the standout on this list; its short season and no-frills, walk-in-only setting are what keep it at number five rather than higher.