Introducing Arcus, a rooftop restaurant and bar in Bloomsbury. This will be Bloomsbury's first rooftop, and the only place in the neighbourhood where the city is open from every direction. Set above The Imperial - which makes its highly anticipated return in August 2026 - Arcus offers a new perspective on Central London, one shaped by light, atmosphere and the ever-changing London sky.
Finding a perfect rooftop in London can be tricky given too many options. We’re all looking for something that crosses most things off the list. Let’s see…
That would be, firstly, views showcasing London’s most Iconic landmarks, shaping the city’s skyline and a striking sunset beyond the capital. Second would be the vibe and the atmosphere - where no matter who you are with, it feels like you are part of a community that enjoys London’s changing sky.
And last, but most definitely not the least, the food and drinks that add to the overall experience.
Location is the key here, because ultimately that determines the view. And no better location than Bloomsbury, for the way it sits right in the middle of London yet retains old, low buildings that allow sight of the neighbourhoods beyond.
Introducing Arcus: Bloomsbury’s First Skyline Destination
Arcus isn’t trying to compete with the rooftop bars that you’ll find in Shoreditch or along the South Bank. It sits in its own space, very much rooted in Bloomsbury, but at the same time, just above it all.
Set on the roof of The Imperial, Arcus is more than just a rooftop bar and restaurant. It’s a place where design, light and views of London’s skyline all come together, creating something that constantly shifts depending on the time of day, the light and the atmosphere around it. It feels connected to the city, but also slightly removed, in a way that just feels easy.
London’s weather plays a big part in this. It’s unpredictable, always changing, and Arcus moves with it. The experience here isn’t fixed. From bright, sunlit mornings to evenings that slowly turn into night, it changes throughout the day, and even more so throughout the seasons. Each visit feels different, but still part of the same overall experience.
A 360-Degree View of London
London is the city that stretches out in every direction. With layers of rooftops, treetops and skyline silhouettes all unfolding at once, the skyline is iconic. But finding a space that has views of most skylines can be difficult. Bloomsbury is a neighbourhood that is set in the middle of it all, which means Arcus has views of almost all iconic buildings.
It is stretched 360 degrees, so on one side you will see the soaring Shard, the historic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the geometric Gherkin, on the other side there’s London Eye and eventually King’s Cross station. Although, it’s not always about spotting landmarks or ticking them off a list. It’s also about how it feels, especially during sunset when golden hour changes everything. The light softens, shadows start to stretch across the rooftops, and then as it moves into the evening, it becomes something else entirely - with the music going up and the atmosphere becoming more lively.
And that’s the thing about Arcus. The view never really stays the same. It shifts throughout the day, and even more so across the seasons, so each time you come back, it feels familiar, but still slightly different from the last.
A Rooftop That Changes with the City
Shaped by the Seasons
London: famous for many things including royals, culture, weather and the skyline. A trip here usually includes talking about the weather, and moody skies. One minute it’s raining and the second it’s shining in the sun. The seasons are a crucial part of British culture and the true experience of this is from a rooftop - a place where you’re ever closer to the sky and you see London’s ever changing profile from the top.
At the heart of Arcus is a simple idea: the experience should move with the world around it. Menus evolve with seasonal ingredients. Cocktails shift with the weather from bright, sunlit serves to warmer, deeper notes as the temperature drops. In spring, the rooftop feels lighter. Longer evenings, softer tones, a sense of return. Summer brings energy. Al fresco dining, golden-hour gatherings and that unmistakable city buzz. Autumn slows things down. Colours deepen, the air sharpens, and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. And in winter, Arcus transforms. City lights, layered warmth and a space that feels just as alive under darker skies.
Enjoying Arcus All Year Round
Unlike most rooftop bars in London, Arcus isn’t really something you wait around for just in summer. It works all year round, because London itself never really sticks to one kind of weather anyway.
The canopied terrace brings Arcus’ sky-led philosophy outdoors, offering guests an all-weather sanctuary blurring the line between inside and out, carrying Arcus’ warmth, softness and crafted detailing through to the terrace environment. Sheltered overhead yet open to the horizon, the terrace frames shifting skies inviting guests to witness the transitions that define the rooftop experience. Light, clouds and movement become part of the design, reinforcing Arcus’ identity through naturally occurring moments. The canopy protects from the elements whilst the open sides embrace and celebrate the sky’s subtle shifts that define life at the rooftop.
When the weather changes, which it always does, it doesn’t really take away from the experience. It just shifts it slightly. One day it feels brighter and more open, another day it’s a bit slower, a bit more cosy. And that’s why you don’t need to wait for that perfect sunny London day to come here. It works as it is, in every season, just slightly differently each time.
More Than a Rooftop Bar
Arcus isn’t just somewhere you come for a drink. It is a London experience to be had, no matter what the season or weather, there is always something interesting happening up above it all in Bloomsbury.
It can be anything you want it to be - relaxed dinner with your family or after-work drinks with sunset. A perfect date night with your own little corner of the London views. A weekend catch-up with mates in the most iconic Bloomsbury settings.
The restaurant brings thoughtful, seasonal dishes to your table - all rooted in simplicity. Think of your favourite flavours, elevated to match the rooftop experience using fresh, simple ingredients. So visit for small plates, enjoy the cocktails or stay for the atmosphere. Our focus is always the same: creating an experience that feels natural, social and memorable.
A Space for Londoners and Travellers Alike
Arcus sits in a unique position both literally and culturally. This is where Londoners will find something new, something that relates to their weather oriented London life. A rooftop bar in Bloomsbury that offers a different pace from the city’s more crowded hotspots. Somewhere that feels considered, yet easy to return to and be surprised each time.
For visitors, it’s one of the few London hotels with a rooftop bar experience at its core - a place that combines stay and skyline in one setting right in the heart of Central London. It is also the ultimate spot to capture your iconic London photos for the gram.
And importantly, it’s open to everyone. There’s no sense of separation between hotel guests and the city around it - just a shared space where people come together, above the everyday.
Bloomsbury’s Skyline Awaits
Arcus isn’t simply another addition to the list of rooftop bars in London. It’s Bloomsbury’s first skyline destination. The only rooftop bar and restaurant in the neighbourhood, and a space shaped by season, light and atmosphere. A place which feels different every time, as per the season and sky above us all.
Whether you’re staying at Imperial London Hotels or just looking for one of the most distinctive rooftop restaurants London has to offer, Arcus invites you to take a different view of the city.
FAQs
Is Arcus the only rooftop bar and restaurant in Bloomsbury?
Yes, Arcus is currently the only rooftop bar and restaurant in Bloomsbury, offering a completely new way to experience the neighbourhood.
What can you see from Arcus?
Arcus offers panoramic views across Bloomsbury and Central London, with a perspective that shifts throughout the day and into the evening.
Is Arcus open all year round?
Yes, Arcus is designed for year-round use, with a canopied terrace and indoor-outdoor spaces that adapt to London’s changing weather.
Can I visit Arcus if I'm not staying at The Imperial?
Absolutely. Arcus is open to both hotel guests and visitors alike.
What makes Arcus different from other rooftop bars in London?
Its location in Bloomsbury, its season-led concept, and its focus on atmosphere, connection and evolving experiences set it apart from more traditional rooftop venues.
Do I need to book a table at Arcus?
Booking is recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred spot on the rooftop.