Londoners looking for cosy alpine-inspired terraces in the city this winter have plenty of wonderland feeling and sheepskin-rug adorned options available to book into the run up to Christmas. To help get in the festive spirit, we've picked London's best alfresco options offering joyous treats and seasonal cheer to ward off the cold nights.
Dovetale’s Winter Village
Mayfair - 1 Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, London, W1J 8DJ
The covered terrace that's hidden away at the back of Dovetale is always something of an oasis, but they've really gone to town this year. It's been transformed to look like a winter ski lodge with new wooden panelling in place and plenty of decorations. For this, they've teamed up with Guinness, Casamigos tequila and The Singleton Whisky (the latter which is used in Tom Sellers' mince pies). Coffee and hot chocolate can come with a little tequila added and every table out there will have its own fondue set.
When: Until 5 January 2025
Laurent Perrier chalets at The Savoy
Strand - The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
For the winter, The Savoy has transformed its forecourt into a winter wonderland with snow showers, fairy lights and plenty of Champagne to go along with all that. For their Laurent Perrier winter chalets they've installed two wooden cabins where you can enjoy a selection of Laurent-Perrier Champagnes or opt instead for a gold-leaf Christmas cocktail.
Coq d’Argent's Lodge d’Argent
City of London - Address
Also going for the alpine lodge feel, Coq D'Argent has brought back its Lodge' D'Argent for winter, which adds little chalets all over the rooftop. Inside one of those, there's a special Lodge d’Argent x Courvoisier cocktail menu (including a special Sidecar) and some wintry snacks. Those include pommes frites with black truffle mayonnaise and perhaps more importantly some honey and mustard cocktail sausages with red wine sauce. They'll also have a roving espresso martini trolley, serving them tableside.
The Sipping Room’s Enchanted Forest
Canary Wharf - West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, London E14 4AX
The Sipping Room in Canary Wharf features igloos in the courtyard that overlook the docks and for the Christmas season they've upped the foliage count to turn it into an "enchanted forest" amongst all the skyscrapers. They've teamed up with Monkey 47 for some special cocktails, while they have a menu of special festive bites for the occasion.
Ham Yard's Winter Gin Garden
Soho - 4th Floor, 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
Ham Yard's roof terrace in the middle of Soho has become the Winter Gin Garden. Teaming up with Sipsmith, the bar has also launched a new menu of cocktails from the 17th to the 21st century. Those drinks include a hot toddy made with gin and served from a hip flask as well as The Ginger Blazer which is set on fire. They also have a Big Green Oven up there and special dishes include Jacob’s Ladder beef rib, kombu and barley glazed mushrooms and more.
When: Until 31 December 2024
The Garden at The Corinthia London
Whitehall - Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
The Corinthia's all year round alfresco space always gets a seasonally adjusted makeover and this winter is no exception. Expect cosy blankets, fur throws, pine cones scattered on the tables and roaring fires in their courtyard bar and restaurant. The hot cocktail offering includes mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate. And if you're after something to soak that up, ask for their amazing raclette or baked apple strudel.
Feast Off-Piste at The Berkeley
Knightsbridge - Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
The Berkeley has teamed up with Feast Events for this wintry rooftop pop-up which serves up an Alpine menu in custom-made gondolas, all overlooking the lights of Winter Wonderland (you can just sit there thinking of just how much calmer things are on the rooftop). There's mulled wine, Swiss raclette, tartiflette with freshly shaved truffle and a milk chocolate fondue which even features edible candles for dipping. As for the drinks, they've created a special Black Forest Espresso Martini.
When: Until 28 January 2025
The Broadcaster's winter rooftop
White City - 89 Wood Lane, London W12 7FX
Looking over the old Television Centre in White City, The Broadcaster's rooftop has had a winter makeover. There are overhead heaters and plush blankets throughout, and there's also mulled wine if you need that extra bit of warmth. Food is available up here over the weekend, and there's a retractable roof so even if the weather misbehaves, you should still be dry.
Scott's of Mayfair's "It's a Wonderful Life" inspired terrace
Mayfair - 20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE
The terrace at Scott's is always a sought-after space in Mayfair and they've really dolled it up for Christmas. Heated throughout, it's been given the full bling treatment on the lighting side and even if you're not dining, it's worth popping by to take a look. The usual classics from the menu are on offer here, from Dover sole and grilled lobster thermidor through to monkfish and tiger prawn curry, as well as huge seafood platters.
Coppa Club's snowy igloos
Tower Bridge - 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
Another part of town with igloos for the season is Tower Bridge. But Coppa Clubs' ones here have added something a little extra to the mix - a snow cannon. So even if there isn't a white Christmas, you'll see regular snow flurries. As for the igloos, they're all heated and come with faux-fur blankets. Festive set menus are available as well as a special Aperol-themed cocktail menu which includes a chocolate orange negroni.
The Hot Dinners guide to Christmas in London
Hamper guides, cookery book shopping, Christmas specials and more. Yes, we really do have everything you need for Christmas right here on Hot Dinners.
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