Just because the nights are darker and the air is colder doesn’t mean that London closes all its rooftops. Quite the opposite, actually, as the festive season sees London undergo a complete transformation – complete with some of London’s finest winter rooftops, cinemas, ice-skating, igloos and alpine feasting.
This winter, you’ll find us high above the city, feasting on mince pies and fondue, and sipping on mulled wine and hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a cosy winter’s night under the stars, these are the best winter rooftops to book for 2022.
Queen Of Hoxton
Head high up the slopes this winter as the famous Queen Of Hoxton rooftop transforms into the ultimate après-ski getaway, ‘Queen Of The Slopes’. Classic ski chalet décor takes centre stage (think plenty of cowhide and gingham) as you cosy up next to a roaring fire pit.
Alongside a selection of winter warmers and themed cocktails, the rooftop menu will feature a true taste of the mountains brought directly to the heart of Shoreditch, with everything from Alpine steak burgers with crispy bacon and beer-battered onion rings to bratwurst vegan hot dogs topped with sauerkraut and currywurst sauce. You can even warm your cockles with a serving of Poutine (fries, cheese and gravy) that’s sure to see you through the cold winter months.
Where: 1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX
Website: www.queenofhoxton.com
Wagtail
The newest rooftop on the block, Wagtail, has transformed their terraces into an enchanted winter wonderland, featuring two incredible luxury igloos that can be hired out for private dining or canapé receptions.
Enjoy delicious festive food, fine wines and expertly crafted Johnnie Walker cocktails as you take in twinkling night-time views of The Shard, Monument and Tower Bridge from your cosy heated igloo. They’ve got a late-night license and DJ for those ready to dance the night away.
Where: 68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR
Website: www.wagtaillondon.com
The festive season sees London's rooftops undergo a complete transformation.
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Skylight Tobacco Dock
Skylight at Tobacco Dock dramatically changes personality from season to season – going from summer rooftop sipping to a frosty winter wonderland, complete with igloos and wintery activities like ice-skating and curling.
The cosy heated igloos take up the top two tiers of rooftop space, guaranteeing fantastic views across East London and the city skyscrapers, and they come with table service, mulled wine, street food snacking and platters.
Where: Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF
Website: www.skylightbars.com
Holmes Hotel
With champagne, winter cocktails, and even a special popcorn menu, Holmes Hotel’s Winter Movie Terrace is unlike any other. Throughout November and December, there’ll be screenings of festive films like The Holiday, Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Miracle on 34th Street. You’ll have your own little cabin to enjoy the film from amongst fairy lights, Christmas trees, and fur throws.
Before being invited to the outdoor terrace, you’ll be treated to a delicious festive tasting menu at Kitchen At Holmes with a glass of Perrier Jouët Grand Brut or a drink from the winter cocktail menu.
Where: 83 Chiltern St, London W1U 6NF
Website: www.holmeshotel.com
This winter you’ll find us high above the city, sipping on champagne.
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Aviary
Back for another winter of rooftop festive fun, the skyline igloos are returning to Aviary in Finsbury Square, offering guests panoramic views of the city, specially curated cocktails and an array of delicious food platters to be shared.
These igloos at rooftop bar Aviary might be the most swanky of igloo offerings for the months ahead; there’s a choice of milk chocolate or Swiss cheese fondue on the menu, homemade mulled wine and cider to drink, and magnificent views. Good news if you like gin: they’re also serving Monkey 47 cocktails inside.
Where: Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Website: www.aviarylondon.com
A cosy winter’s night under the stars.
The Rooftop at Trafalgar Square St. James London
For the ultimate winter hideout, look to The Rooftop at Trafalgar Square St. James London.
Expect to find soaring views over Trafalgar Square and beyond waiting for you. Enjoy an evening of cocktails and tuck into European-inspired dishes to really make the most of this special spot.
WherE: 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, SW1A 2TS
WebsitE: www.trafalgarstjames.com
Jin Bo Law
Christmas is approaching fast, and with it comes a whole host of parties. So where better to get your rooftop fix than Jin Bo Law, known to throw exclusive, legendary parties?
Expect cosy, fluffy blankets and plenty of champagne as you gaze out over the twinkling lights of the city.
Where: 14th floor, 9 Aldgate High Street Dorsett City, London EC3N 1AH
Website: www.jinbolaw.co.uk
Twinkling night-time views of the city.
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Willows On The Roof
High above the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Willows on the Rooftop offers a moment of respite from its perch on top of John Lewis. It offers chalet-style cabins and igloo pods, as well as heated terrace seating and a number of private areas available for hire.
Head here to refuel during your Christmas shopping spree with Mexican street food and warm salads, alongside a festive cocktail or two.
Where: 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX
Website: www.willowsontheroof.co.uk
Where better to get your rooftop fix after a spot of Christmas shopping?
Angler
Perched at the top of South Place Hotel, the Angler rooftop terrace is one of the city’s hidden gems, and come Christmas time, it undergoes a beautiful winter transformation to celebrate the new season.
With views looking out across the capital and a retractable roof and heaters, you’ll stay warm and dry whatever the weather.
Where: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.anglerrestaurant.com
AllBright Mayfair
This festive season, Mayfair members’ club AllBright has partnered with BACARDÍ Rum to create El Coco Club: an art deco-inspired seasonal Winter Terrace with a tropical twist. Located on the fourth floor of the club’s townhouse, it promises a winter world of elegance with warming winter cocktails, exotic plants and luscious green faux fur blankets.
On the cocktail menu is a selection of five winter cocktails, including the Carmen Miranda with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, Chambord, Champagne and bitters; and the Hot Cuban with BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro and warm maple syrup. Food-wise, expect to tuck into a festive feast designed to complement the cocktails, including Coxinha (Brazilian chicken meatballs, tomato chilli and cucumber sauce); Acarajé (crispy bean and onion cake with sautéed king prawns); and a choice of potato croquettes.
Where: 24-26 Maddox St, London W1S 1PP
Website: www.allbrightcollective.com
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
Wrap up warm with sheepskin blankets and enjoy the Winter Terrace at The Sloane Club, where hearty winter dishes from the delicious European/Javanese menu can be indulged in alongside a seasonal cocktail menu from the team’s innovative mixology team.
Where: 52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BS
Website: www.sloaneplace.com
