About Time: You Discovered London’s Best Winter TerracesBy Francesca Brooking
Want to experience the magic of a festive winter terrace this Christmas? Check out our guide to the top winter terraces in London. From enchanted alpine lodges to spectacular panoramic views, it’s about time you discovered your new favourite seasonal hangout (and if you want more Christmas inspiration, have a look at our 12 Things To Do in London This December):
1. For an Enchanted Rooftop: Madison Enchanted Woods Winter Terrace
What: The Madison’s iconic rooftop terrace has been transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland from now until February for all those seeking a little fairytale magic in the capital this Christmas.
The Lowdown: Londoners are invited to come along to the Madison’s Enchanted Woods Winter Terrace and enjoy an evening of magic and merriment in the heart of the city. Indulge in festive winter warmer Belvedere Vodka cocktails while nibbling on a selection of sharing boards with the panoramic views of London below. Madison’s rooftop terrace has all the magic and enchantment to make it one of our top winter terraces in London to visit this Christmas.
Where: Rooftop Terrace, One New Change, St Pauls’ EC4M 9AF
2. For Luxury Cocktails: The Hari Winter Terrace
What: The Hari Winter Terrace is back with its partnership with Moët & Chandon. Here to bring a slice of alpine luxury to your winter festivities, the winter terrace is open from now until 3rd January 2020 for guests and private parties alike.
The Lowdown: Step inside The Hari Winter Terrace this year for a little Christmas magic in the heart of Belgravia. Draped in festive decorations, cosy throws and atmospheric lighting, the winter terrace certainly looks the part and guests can enjoy the holiday season sipping on Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial or Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. For a cocktail not to be missed, try the Figgy Fizz, a festive tipple expertly created by The Hari’s bar team. Combining Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial with vodka, hints of citrus, figs and cherries and a sprinkling of Christmas dust, the Figgy Fizz makes a merry addition to the Winter Terrace menu.
Where: 20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ
3. For a Whisky Celebration: Flat Iron Square Alpine Whiskey Lodge
What: Whisky fans should head over to Flat Iron Square’s Alpine Whisky Lodge this Christmas to enjoy a heavenly host of whisky specials including Marker’s Mark, Laphroaig and Highland Park from now until the end of January 2020.
The Lowdown: The Alpine Whisky Lodge at Flat Iron Square has an exclusive menu featuring cocktails from whisky greats such as Highland Park, the Orkney single malt with Viking Soul, Maker’s Mark, a handcrafted bourbon whiskey, and Laphroaig, a cold-smoked and polarising peated whisky. Don’t miss the Maker’s Mark S’mores Old Fashioned served with a toasted marshmallow, the Laphroaig Penicillin, a smoked concoction featuring Laphroaig, lemon juice, honey and fresh ginger syrup or the Highland Park Hot Apple Cider. Drop in and get involved in the seasonal events, including Acoustic Whisky Wednesdays or wander across the square and find London’s best street food vendors serving favourite hearty dishes guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart.
Where: 53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
4. For an Austrian Winter Terrace: Savage Schloss Après Ski Bar at Savage Garden
What: Savage Garden has launched its own Austrian Après Ski Bar, Savage Schloss, to transport Londoners to the excitement of the European ski season from now until March 2020.
The Lowdown: Savage Schloss is the destination for everything après ski. During the daytime, guests can enjoy a traditional cosy après ski atmosphere complete with gingham curtains, boozy hot chocolate and Austrian-inspired comfort food. At night, the bar is transformed into a bench stomping playground with Steins beer. Savage Schloss is designed to host private parties for up to 120 guests in reception style and 70 for a seated dinner. The Austrian ski lodge will also be available for pubic reservations on Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm until midnight.
Where: 12th floor, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Tower of London, 7 Pepys St, London EC3N4AF
5. For a Fondue Feast: Après 23 at Hilton London Metropole
What: A boozy, cheesy feast, Après 23 at Hilton London Metropole is one of our favourite winter terraces in London this Christmas and it’s open for private bookings for up to 100 guests from now until January 2020.
The Lowdown: Après 23 is a boozy alpine lodge that has everything from spectacular panoramic views of the London skyline to chocolate and cheese fondues, raclette, warming cocktails and for those who want to party – a Jägerbomb station. Choose from two party packages: the first comprises of a menu of sharing and mini plates and bottomless beverages for 120 minutes (£90 per person). For £100 per person, the second package comprises of an upgraded dining menu with alcoholic chocolate fondue and a premium drinks package, again with an unlimited serve for 120 minutes. Decked out in rustic wooden decor, snowflakes and an Instagrammable vintage ski-lift, it’s the place to be for office parties this Christmas.
Where: 225 Edgware Road, Paddington, London W2 1JU
6. For an Alpine Hangout: Winter Terraces at ME London
What: Head to ME London this winter for a festive winter hideaway located on the 10th floor full of seasonal delights and alpine decor from now until February 2020.
The Lowdown: What better way to celebrate winter in London than with a marriage of alpine atmosphere and a striking view of the River Thames. High up on the 10th floor, Me London’s Radio Rooftop’s terraces have been transformed into sky-high alpine-inspired lodges which make for a perfect destination to take you into the Christmas season and right through the beginning of the new year. Faux-fur throws, cosy blankets and flickering lanterns adorn luxurious lodges and transport guests to the picturesque French Alps where delicious food and warming cocktails can be enjoyed in this festive winter scene.
Where: The Strand, London WC2R 1HA
7. For a Festive Soho Haunt: 100 Wardour St Alpine Lodge
What: Soho’s famous 100 Wardour St is joining in the winter magic with an Alpine Lodge of its own. From now until January 2020, guests can pop in and warm themselves up against a mountain-themed backdrop.
The Lowdown: 100 Wardour St is one of our top winter terraces in London this year. The Soho haunt has been transformed into a cosy, après-ski hangout, complete with a festive sparkle courtesy of its collaboration with Möet & Chandon to inject some Christmas comfort into the capital this winter. Sit back, relax and let the alpine vibes wash over you as you indulge in the festive spirit.
Where: 100 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 0TN
8. For an Exclusive Seasonal Treat: The Curtain 12 Days of Christmas
What: From now until 23rd December, The Curtain Hotel & Members Club has given guests full access to its exclusive member’s only rooftop LIDO for the very first time for The 12 Days of Christmas, an eclectic mix of festive events.
The Lowdown: The Curtain’s LIDO has been transformed into an enchanted winter garden, adorned with seasonal foliage, fairy light canopies, feathers and faux fur. For a limited time only across 12 days, non-members will have special access to this usually exclusive rooftop space, where they can drink, dine and enjoy The Curtain’s Christmas rooftop cinema sponsored by Veuve Cliquot. On selected evenings throughout December, guests will be able to sip on a selection of warming cocktails, champagne or mulled wine and snack on Christmas favourites. For those wanting to get a bit more hands-on, there is a whole host of experiences to get involved with, including craft workshops, a cabaret performance and an afternoon tea collaboration with Penhaligons, inspired by the brand’s iconic fragrance Halfeti.
Where: 45 Curtain Rd, Hackney, London EC2A 3PT
9. For Something Different: Churchill Bar & Terrace Shades of Winston Churchill
What: For something different this winter, head to the award-winning Churchill Bar & Terrace for its new winter cocktail menu: Shades of Winston Churchill.
The Lowdown: If you’re in need of a little respite from the tinsel and twinkle of fairy lights, the Churchill Bar & Terrace’s Shades of Winston Churchill makes for an ideal winter refuge. Adorning the bar’s luxury winter hideout space is a cosy selection of faux fur rugs, blankets and tasteful nods to the man himself. Guests will be able to taste a range of exciting cocktails inspired by the different facets of Churchill and pair them with classic British dishes. The cocktail named after his heroic role leading the country, ‘Prime Minister’, is inspired by the iconic British flavour combination of egg and cress, and ‘The Traveller’ is a unique twist on the nation’s love of jacket potatoes and baked beans. For Winston’s famed penchant for painting, ‘The Artist’ cocktail delivers an innovative reinterpretation of the classic English breakfast tea and milk.
Where: Hyatt Regency, 30 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 7BH
10. For a Trip to the North Pole: Fish Market Arctic Terrace
What: Winter is coming and Fish Market’s North Pole-inspired Arctic Terrace is here to set the mood with bespoke hot cocktails created by Ketel One Vodka.
The Lowdown: Book your slot online for Fish Market’s Arctic Terrace and be transported to a winter haven filled with snow-dusted fir trees, warm flickering festoon lights festive snow-topped garlands of pine cones, baubles and faux fur. Icicle lights will be illuminating the scene with a little festive magic while a silver sleigh dressed with faux fur, warm blankets and cushions can be spotted at the entrance to the terrace. Warm yourself up on a selection of hot cocktails created by Ketel One Vodka. Tipples to enjoy include our favourite ‘Santa’s Spiced Peach’ – a delicious blend of Ketel One Botanicals peach & orange blossom, with chamomile tea, honey and clove. For something stronger, opt for the Forest Gateau Espresso Martini, a mix of Ketel One Vodka, cassis and coconut syrup. Fish Market is also serving a special edition of its famous seafood brunch, which includes delights such as smoked Peterhead Kippers with seaweed butter and sourdough toast and dippy eggs with trout roe.
Where: 6 New St, London EC2M 4TR
11. For a Russian Cape: The Gossip Garden at Rumours Mayfair
What: One of the most exciting winter terraces in London to visit this Christmas is The Gossip Garden at Rumours Mayfair. Launched on 3rd December, this winter terrace has married winter fashion with cocktails and a selection of mouthwatering dishes to create an unforgettable festive experience.
The Lowdown: The Gossip Garden is a snug 60-cover heated seating area which offers complete cover with beautiful low awnings and high partitions so you can enjoy your visit in comfort. Adding to the winter theme, guests will be able to wear bespoke capes designed by the Russian designer T Mosca. Each cape is made with faux fur and features a colourful silk-based lining in pink and silver grey, providing guests with stylish warm protection from the London chill. Indulge in a selection of hot cocktails ordered by strength Sergejs Summer Solace being the lightest (Pampero Especial Rum, raspberry, strawberry, mint, lemon, vanilla), followed by Heated Honeypot (Ketel One Vodka, lemon juice, honey, apple juice), Weston Lights (Jack Daniels, agave, lemon juice) and finally A Fallen Flower (Amaretto, lemon juice, vanilla, raspberry, blueberry). Food includes a spectacular sharing sweet platter, the Snow Queen, and other highlights to look out for include Truffle Arancini with Parmesan Sauce and Plant Based Burger with Sweet Potato Chips.
Where: 4 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BS
