Last updated: January 04, 2024
Keep your cool this January with a cocktail in hand! Whether you’re looking for a cosy igloo, a heated outdoor space, or even an ice rink, we’ve rounded up London’s best winter terraces so you can enjoy twinkly lights and great food and drink al fresco!
Peckham Arches – Peckham Rye
Peckham Arches – the renowned 600-capacity botanical haven nestled under Peckham Rye Station’s arches have launched for the winter season with one of South East London’s largest all-weather outdoor terraces, along with Skylarking which is a lively bar aglow with festoon lighting. Expect an array of kitchen takeovers, weekday supper clubs, DJs, and more, embracing the winter and festive spirit in Peckham.
The heated garden oasis has become the heart of Peckham Arches, having been transformed into a lively winter escape adorned with fairy lights, Christmas trees, and rugs. Guests can gather beneath the cozy warmth, savouring steaming mulled wine and special wood-fired pizzas and cocktails. An impressive line-up of events fills the winter calendar this year including Wingjam showcasing the UK’s finest Wing Slingers from 24th – 26th November (grab your tickets here.) While there’s also wreath-making workshops and a ‘Christmas Makers’ market on 10th December to accompany Esti’s Big Greek Christmas Cookout.
The Hawks Nest – Shepherd’s Bush Market
West London’s beloved hangout, The Hawk’s Nest, is fully embracing the winter season with a warm, covered garden terrace. Nestled in Shepherd’s Bush Market, it offers weekly quiz nights, ‘Marg & Marg’ happy hours, and festive events like Christmas Makers Markets and carol singing in a cosy garden setting. Swapping greenery for seasonal foliage, the venue has transformed into a winter oasis under the railway arches with a heated garden sprinkled in fairy lights, offering a magical respite from the city’s bustle.
Indulge in wood-fired pizzas like the spicy Nduja & Chilli or the exquisite Four Cheese, alongside limited-edition specials. Enjoy a Margarita Deal on weekdays and sip on curated cocktails, including the limited ‘Salted Caramel Smoky Old Fashioned’ and steaming mulled wine. With weekly Quiz Nights being hosted by comedian Jamie Allerton, there’s also live DJs, and Christmas Makers Markets with delightful gifts mark the festive season, get The Hawk’s Nest on your list this festive season.
Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer – The City
Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer has transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring igloos for eight and cosy cabins for four and offering an elevated private dining escape adorned with faux fur blankets and twinkling fairy lights. Cask Liquid sponsors this year’s terrace, presenting four exclusive cocktails, including ‘Cabins Old Fashioned’ and ‘St Paul’s Hurricane’ blending Black Tears spiced rum.
The menu celebrates British cuisine and offers stunning views of London’s skyline from the terrace, while visitors can indulge in modern English dishes like Charcoal Grilled Hereford Sirloin and BBQ Monkfish Tail. With daily festive menus and group dining options, Mercer Roof Terrace promises an ideal spot for gatherings amid a captivating winter atmosphere until early 2024.
Sabine Rooftop Bar – St Pauls
Sabine stands as a tranquil sanctuary, offering a secret garden away from the city’s chaos, featuring a glass-domed roof and a spacious al-fresco area bathed in natural light. The terrace, warmed in winter, provides plush seating with vibrant cushions while soft blankets ensure cosy comfort while marvelling at stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. The new winter menu boasts gouda and bacon doughnuts, baked camembert, whisky smoked salmon, Galician-style octopus, and spicy chilli and coriander beef short rib which all sound absolutely delicious, while vegan options include BBQ jackfruit Tostadas.
Complementing these delights are Sabine’s warming new cocktails like Foggy Solution and The Lost Villager. There’s also a delightful array of desserts like Sabine Winter Mess and assorted Mini Choux Buns for a truly decadent experience.
Aviary & Wagtail
As we head into Winter proper, London’s prestigious rooftop venues, Wagtail and Aviary have introduced their Nordic Nights Winter Terraces and Igloos in collaboration with Grey Goose Vodka. Guests will find themselves immersed in a Nordic wonderland on the rooftops with bespoke Grey Goose cocktails to sip on and plenty of tasty bites.
The venues’ wintry oasis, adorned with Nordic-inspired decor and light projections mirroring the Northern Lights, also have gorgeous private heated igloos which can host up to 12 guests, offering an intimate escape with splendid views of the city’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like The Shard and the Walkie Talkie building.
Heightening the experience, there’s expertly crafted Grey Goose vodka cocktails such as the Merry Dancer, Aurora, and the Northern Sky, alongside the warming Cool and Warm. The Nordic Nights Winter Terraces and Igloos are open at Aviary and Wagtail under the New Year so there’s plenty of time to experience these Scandi-inspired escapes!
London Bridge Rooftop
London Bridge Rooftop awaits your arrival for an unparalleled rooftop Christmas bash this festive season. With its new covered and heated Christmas terrace, this elevated hideaway offers winter cocktails, DJs, themed decor, and an exclusive Christmas Grotto.
With panoramic views of London Bridge, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the transformed venue boasts numerous Christmas trees, festive embellishments, mulled wine, twinkling lights, and a private winter terrace within the Christmas Grotto—an ideal setting for a distinctive celebration. There’s also a Winter Bottomless Brunch from November 25th offering a lively rooftop experience with bottomless drinks and a scrumptious feast. The Festive Food & Drink Menu from December 1st presents Christmas favourites and seasonal drinks.
Whether you’re a group of six up to 240, diverse sections are available for private events including The Grotto — an indoor bar with an outdoor terrace boasting spectacular Shard views, heated settings, entertainment, and bespoke packages. Online bookings until December 1st secure a free glass of mulled wine, and Sundays offer discounted mulled wine from 12-3 pm. Revel in stunning vistas, vibrant ambiance, and delectable offerings at this perfect Christmas retreat. Reserve now by clicking this link.
SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden have launched their winter terrace in partnership with Grey Goose Vodka.
The alfresco piazza terrace has undergone a gorgeous transformation, emerging as an ideal festive sanctuary for the upcoming season. Now a cosy winter retreat adorned with captivating LED cherry and maple trees, there’s blankets to keep you warm so you can really soak up the atmosphere in Covent Garden’s picturesque square. With a specially curated menu of hot and cold cocktails (for both drink-in and take-away enjoyment) the regular terrace food menu is also running.
Passing through a decorative archway, you’ll get to take in the bespoke limited edition cocktail menu featuring seasonal twists on classics like the ‘Snowball Margarita’ and ‘Hazelnut & Fig Toddy’. Additionally, why not go for the Gingerbread Latte or the ‘Snowplow Espresso Martini?!’ SUSHISAMBA’s terrace food menu showcases signature dishes like Crispy Lobster Taquitos, Wagyu Gyoza, and Rock Shrimp Tempura, alongside Robata grill selections such as Black Cod, Pork Belly with butterscotch miso, and Lamb Chop. Simply divine.
Queen of Hoxton
The Queen of Hoxton rooftop terrace in East London has become Gothic Venice this Christmas with the unveiling of the Queen’s Masquerade Winter Terrace, in collaboration with Absolut. Ready for the festive season, the renowned wigwam returns, adorned with feather masks, candelabras, chandeliers, silk drapes, and hand-drawn murals, creating a fantastical ambiance. The Winter Terrace presents hot cocktails and Venetian-style cuisine for alfresco enjoyment or within the snug and heated wigwam. Gondola seating around the outdoor fireplace is complemented by iconic Shoreditch vistas, crafting a magical winter vibe!
Feast upon an Italian-inspired menu featuring arancini balls and themed burgers while signature warming cocktails like Hot Buttered Rum, invite cozy moments under blankets by a roaring fire. This enchanting, moonlit setup evokes an eerie, magical winter night in medieval Italy. Open Wednesday through ’til Saturday until 9:30 pm, the festivities continue downstairs into the late hours.
Skylight Tobacco Dock
Skylight at Tobacco Dock welcomes back the festive spirit with a unique winter wonderland and a breathtaking real-ice rink. Featuring cosy igloos, exhilarating skating experiences, festive dining, lively DJs, and stunning city vistas, Skylight offers an all-encompassing Christmas extravaganza! Whether you desire a snug evening in the igloos with delightful seasonal drinks or an ice-skating adventure accompanied by your cherished Christmas tunes, the options are yours to embrace! Book here.
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan x Grey Goose
Experience the enchanting Alpine Igloos at The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan x Grey Goose. Nestled at Canary Wharf, three festive igloos provide a scenic view of the water. Adorned with evergreen woodland wreaths and sparkling lights, the igloos can accommodate up to 10 guests each and offer an ideal setting for merriment regardless of the weather. Indulge in exclusive Grey Goose cocktails like Berry Kisses Fizz and Sipping In The Garden. Revelers can also relish a delightful array of festive starters, mains, and delectable desserts.
Gaucho Canary Wharf
Embrace opulent festive dining amidst the twinkling riverside skyline at Gaucho Canary Wharf’s Snow Globe Dining Pods. These enchanting winter pods, in collaboration with Grey Goose, offer a luxurious experience. Heated and adorned with snug sheepskin throws and blankets, guests can relax while savouring cocktails like the Berry and Bright and a selection of seasonal delicacies. Enhanced with ambient lighting and Sonos speakers, these pods provide an ideal setting for intimate Christmas celebrations. Available for reservations now.
You can also enjoy the Terrazas Patagonian Terrace at Gaucho Piccadilly – a heated terrace with twinkling lights and cosy blankets plus a seasonal Terrazas wine menu featuring mulled Malbecs and new South American dishes.
Isla Terrace at The Standard London
Set within The Standard, London’s tranquil garden terrace Isla is kicking off the festive season with an irresistible treat: S’mores Galore! From November 18th, guests can relish the ultimate fireside delight – table-top S’mores, skillfully prepared with house-made Graham crackers, Marshmallows, and dark chocolate, perfect for toasting over a smokeless flame.
Each S’mores Kit, crafted for two, is priced at £9, ideal for couples or friends sharing a nostalgic and sweet experience. Exclusive to Saturdays and Sundays, S’mores Galore offers a tranquil escape from daily hustle, inviting guests to savor the delightful ambiance of Isla Terrace. Elevate weekend gatherings with warmth and the indulgence of chocolatey sweetness. Available every Saturday and Sunday.
Tattu London
Award-winning fusion restaurant Tattu London warmly welcomes the festive spirit with The Great Snow – a tribute to winter’s silvery serenity and reflective pause as the Northern Hemisphere glistens in white and silver. Until December 31st, Tattu London metamorphoses into an icy haven, offering fresh menus, immersive dining encounters, and a suitably festive outdoor Winter Terrace.
Embracing the Chinese calendar’s symbolism of winter emulating still beauty and purity – Tattu adorns its iconic cherry blossom trees in crystalline blue, evoking a wintry ambiance inspired by China’s northern provinces. The Winter Terrace, adorned with plush furs and sparkling lights, offers a snug escape against London’s iconic skyline.
Renowned chefs craft snow-inspired dishes for social dining, complemented by limited-edition cocktails like The Great Snow and Zhanshi. Indulge in seasonal delights like the Frozen Cherry Blossom and Snow Leopard desserts, exclusively available for winter. Lush DJ beats and immersive visuals further elevate Tattu’s contemporary Asian dining experience.
