Just as we thought things were starting to get a bit better and getting used to the rule of 6 and 10 pm curfew, we are now back to basics! No more socializing indoors (unless your with your own household or in your ‘bubble’). Well, we have come so far now and it looks like outdoor dining is here to stay!
With Winter Wonderland being a no no this year, London’s rooftops and terraces are coming up with wonderful winter wonderland pop-ups to keep us all going through what is going to be an interesting winter. SO we suggest you layer up, put on a cosy coat, hats and gloves (you are also welcome to bring your hot water bottles!) and head out to these wintery heavens that will make you feel warm inside and where you can sip on hot chocolate, mulled wine or attack the cheese fondue all whilst (safely) socializing to your heart’s content!
Where? 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
When? From Thursday 12th November
The Pergola team have done it again, in 2020 they are bringing you Miracle on Kingdom Street – designed for escaping from the “real world”, equipped with twinkling lights, snow-dusted pine trees and unmissable seasonal festivities!
You can expect daytime après ski vibes or get toasty in the evening with winter-warming festive menu specials. There will be eight Champagne Chalets for grabs or why not soak up the atmosphere in the heated Bavarian-style hall, complete with live music and DJs that’ll help raise your holiday spirits at the most magical time of year.
And now for the ”cooler experience” put on your favourite Christmas jumpers and book a table at the Winter Forest Forest where you’ll be surrounded by an enchanting woodland of snow-covered pine trees.
Keep snug with blankets and your favourite winter tipples including Hot Bourbon Toddies, traditional Mulled Wine and Spiced Hot Apple Cider.
Where? 8 St. Martin’s Place, London, United Kingdom, WC2N 4JH
When? Winter 2020
OK we are sooo excited for this one!! Launching in winter this will be a modern Japanese restaurant with a transformative vibe and atmosphere, taking diners from a tranquil breakfast, through to a lively and up-tempo dinner service!
Bisushima will be located on the six-floor of The Page8 Hotel (which opened in London mere weeks before lockdown hit), and it will have two massive roof terraces with views over Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden!
It will be the place to be for delicious, authentic sushi and modern dishes with Japanese essence, accompanied by interesting wines, sake and cocktails!
Where? Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD
When? Open all year round
We couldn’t resist, how beautiful is this rooftop garden!? Well, it’s just a few floors above the lobby (7th to be exact), nestled in the Stratford hotel and with direct access from the Allegra Restaurant & Bar, evoking 'timeless grandeur of a Scandinavian farmhouse’.
The building is extraordinary, and by the same makers behind Chiltern Firehouse and St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. This East London restaurant is offering an intimate dining space on the terrace amongst an elevated meadow of wildflowers (that also find it’s way into the menus!), cedar pathways with a grill and fire pit. What better place for al fresco dining to enjoy this winter?
Where? 2-4 Boundary St, Hackney, London E2 7DD
When? Open come rain or shine
The perfect spot to enjoy this winter with its stunning city views, toasty fire pits and warming cocktails. The whole terrace transforms into a winter wonderland with a gateway of silver birch trees, frosted willow twigs, fluffy seat cushions and canopies of twinkling lights. There is also an option to go indoors the rooftop’s cosy Orangery space. Fondue specials are featured in the Alpine regions inspired menus among other hearty winter classics. Fantastic little winter heaven.
Where? The Montcalm Royal London Hotel, 10th Floor, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A
When? Always!
Get yourself an igloo with a view…
There are 4 igloos currently available to pre-book and be aware you got to be quick as they get snapped in a blink of an eye. There are 8 igloos in total across the two terraces (on the 9th & 10th floors) 4 further igloos will be bookable from November 2nd. You can choose from Igloo bronze, silver and gold packages!
The Aviary is located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House hotel, and Christmas dining and fun experiences with panoramic views of the City are guaranteed this gloomy 2020.
Where? Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
When? Available for Drinks & Snacks igloos From 23rd November - 30th December. Outside these dates, minimum spends apply.
For more of the best igloos, check out our blog!
Where? 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
When? Coming soon, winter 2020
Our friends at Radio Rooftop had a winter experience like no other in 2019 with sky-high Alpine-inspired lodges as well as a Mexican theme as a juxtaposition (Fire & Ice), we are eager to find out what their 2020 offering it’s going to look like!
With two amazing terraces (North & South) the possibilities are endless! We are anticipating Faux-fur throws, cosy blankets and flickering lanterns complemented with delicious cocktails and #ApresWithAView experiences offering one of the best winter rooftops in London.
Where? 16-22 Great Russell St, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN
When? Coming soon, Winter 2020
Ok, we are a bit bias to this one, I mean how perfect can a terrace be! Elegant, poetic, quintessentially English and perfect for al fresco dining all year round! The terrace is currently enjoying a beautiful autumnal theme by McQueens flowers and it’s afternoon tea and brunch offering is amazing!
An Instagrammer’s idea of heaven, every detail is been thoroughly thought out and everywhere you look is stunning winterscape! Dalloway Terrace is part of The Bloomsbury Hotel – a Grade II listed neo-Georgian building, which is full of class and charm. You’ve never seen anything so beautiful!
Where? 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James's, London SW1A 2TS
When? Winter 2020
The perfect spot to admire wonderful views of Trafalgar Square and get snug this winter! We are patiently awaiting confirmation on this year’s winter theme but we can tell you that the rooftop has reopened with a brand new and delicious menu fantastic for groups dining al fresco! Book your table for either brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks this winter season and enjoy the city’s finest view!
Where? The Queen's Walk, Bishop's, London SE1 8XX
When? 9th October 2020
Gra your tickets for the 2020 Jimmy’s Lodge and Snow Globes on Southbank as they are now on sale!
You can either book the private Snow Globes for groups of 4-6 people or a table at the Refuge Restaurant, a cosy wooden cabin. It’s all about the Alpine offerings at this impressive Thames side pop up!
The menu features new sharer steak served on a hot stone, traditional fondue and sharing flasks of hot cocktails! Try the new hot apple mojito and enjoy it in the heated bar area, covered from the elements!
Where? Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 2SF
When? 8th October – 31st January 2021
As we say Adios to summer and Hola to winter the summer skylight terraces have done the same and been transformed with 18 igloo-bubbles designed to keep out the cold and keep people safe! There is also the option to book tables at the outdoor heated tables and the indoor level 9, also heated.
We are awaiting news on the plans for the ice rink and other winter games and activities! Watch this space…
When? 19th October from 12pm – 10pm, Monday – Sunday.
Where? 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN.
Last year named The Elyx Chalet in partnership with world-renowned luxury vodka brand, Absolut Elyx.
THIS year, drum roll please….it’s The Macallan Manor House – in partnership with renowned whisky brand The Macallan, taking inspiration from the rolling Scottish hills and The Macallan Estate bringing a taste of the countryside to London! The terrace entrance will be adorned with beautiful blue heather and purple thistles, as well as elegant pine trees.
Guests are in for a treat for a truly immersive experience and are transported to The Macallan’s beautiful Speyside home when they visit!
Where? Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, Tower, London EC3N 4AF
When? November 2020
London’s wildest rooftop bar!
A bar where the atmosphere is unapologetically untamed, the cocktail serves theatrical and the food savagely good. Take a walk on the wild side…
You have the main bar, pink gin terrace, the new Lillet terrace, Savage Valley and private areas that can be hired. The “Wildside can host private events and has a retractable roof making it perfect all year round!
The perfect place to spend surrounded by beautiful views and sipping on delicious cocktails! We can’t wait for the terrace to be transformed again into Savage Schloss this winter with a traditional apres-ski bar!
Also something very unique! On the first Sunday of every month, they do a dog brunch for all dog lovers out there!