Rooftop drinking isn’t just for summer; London has plenty of cosy winter rooftop bars where you can sip a mulled gin and admire the view…
By Abbie Schofield
Winter Terrace
French restaurant Orrery has transformed its terrace into a winter wonderland thanks to The White Company; the intimate space will be decorated with festive wreaths, cosy cashmere throws, comfortable couches and twinkling baubles. In true White Company style, its signature Winter candles will scent the terrace. Moët & Chandon will be serving drinks, including four bespoke cocktails inspired by the winter fragrances of The White Company’s festive range.
55 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5RB; orrery-restaurant.co.uk
Soho Terrace
Seafood and oyster specialists Wright Brothers and classic London dry gin company Sipsmith have collaborated to launch a winter pop-up. The terrace of the Wright Brothers’ Soho restaurant will be turned into a snug hideaway with cosy blankets, lanterns and fairy lights, with an exclusive winter sipping menu. Drinks on offer include mulled gin, a chocolate orange espresso martini and a sloe gimlet, with the Wright Brothers serving its classic seafood crowd-pleasers.
Kingly Court, W1B 5PW; thewrightbrothers.co.uk
Lodge d’Argent
Coq d’Argent has opened an apres-ski inspired pop-up. The restaurant’s rooftop will bring Courchevel to the heart of the city by way of chic wooden interiors, white furniture draped in faux-fur blankets, and ski décor. Coq d’Argent has also installed a ski lift photo opportunity, where guests can pose with the lit-up chalets visible in the background.
No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ; coqdargent.co.uk
Fentiman’s Life Sized Gingerbread House
A life-size Pink Gingerbread House has been erected on the 9th floor of Skylight, one of the city’s most popular rooftop destinations. The Instagrammable installation is in celebration of Fentiman’s new pink ginger soft drink, and Londoners can visit the house to try out festive ginger cocktails and sweet treats, followed by a skate on Skylight’s rink.
Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF, bookings via skylight.designmynight.com
Pergola
Both of Pergola’s locations, Olympia and Paddington, have made their rooftop bars into winter wonderlands. Pergola Olympia has a charming canopy of twinkling lights as well as warming cocktails and seasonal menus from Mamalam, Smash Patty and Salt Shed, whilst Pergola Paddington has become an urban winter forest with cosy blankets, fairy lights and foliage.
Après 23
The Hilton London Metropole has opened Après 23, a pop up alpine lodge featuring warming cocktails, chocolate and cheese fondues, raclette and Jägerbomb stations and spectacular views of London. Executive Head Chef Russell Impiazzi has devised a menu of festive small plates like slow-roasted shortrib with a smoked chilli glaze and sharing platters of cheeses and cured meats.
225 Edgware Road, W2 1JU; bookings via opentable.co.uk
Enchanted Woods at Madison
The Enchanted Woods at Madison is a rooftop bar with picturesque views of the London skyline. Snuggle under a blanket and admire the view whilst sipping the warming cocktail list curated in partnership with Belevdere vodka and enjoying sharing boards and small plates from the food menu.
Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, EC4M 9AF; madisonlondon.net
If you enjoyed this article, check out the best new restaurants in London
