The Prettiest Winter Terraces To Get Cosy In This Year
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year again in London, and with it comes an abundance of winter terraces. Yes, they may be outside in the cold British winter weather, but don’t worry – sheepskin blankets, hot cocktails and heaters are aplenty.
Here are London’s best winter terraces to get you all (even you Grinches) into the spirit.
London’s Best Winter Terraces For 2023
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
You know winter is coming in London when Thames-side restaurant Coppa Club launches their famous winter igloos. Coppa Club’s igloos have become an institution, capturing the hearts of Londoners with their beautiful aesthetic, candles, sheepskin rugs and killer views overlooking Tower Bridge and The Shard.
Diners can enjoy table service from Coppa Club, but in their own private pod, decked with winter foliage and protected from the elements.
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
Website: www.coppaclub.co.uk
The Winter Garden at Corinthia London
An oasis in the heart of the city, The Corinthia’s Winter Garden was made for warm and comfortable alfresco dining. Flipping from their summertime persona as a Mediterranean-inspired outfit, they’ve now switched to a seasonal wintery offering complete with elegant planting, festive lights, warm blankets and hot water bottles, as well as two cosy fireplaces.
There’s also a hearty Italian-Alpine menu to tuck into, with warm Raclette; Creamed Polenta with Roasted Wild Boar Sausage; and Pizzette with Crème Fraîche, Wild Mushrooms, Thyme and Smoked Bacon among the dishes. Drinks-wise there’s winter negronis, mulled wine, and our favourite – boozy hot chocolate.
Where: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
Website: www.corinthia.com
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
On Portman Square, the Churchill Bar & Terrace is a wintery escape from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
At the heart of their seasonal menu is the Merry Cherry cocktail, a festive twist on the classic whisky sour, featuring a spiced red wine reduction infused with hints of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, – a true taste of Christmas. Unwind on the elegant terrace and enjoy festive greenery, twinkling lights, and cosy fire-lit corners after a Christmas shopping spree.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.thechurchillbar.co.uk
The Ski Lodge at The Montague On The Gardens
If you’re looking for a unique way to embrace the festive season in London, the Montague Ski Lodge is the destination. London’s original ski lodge and winter party venue, the venue is magically transformed into a ski lodge wonderland every winter, with pine trees, snowfall, reindeer, ski racks, and twinkling fairy lights.
While you’re there, treat yourself to candied pecans, mulled wine, hot spiced cider, steaming hot chocolate cocktails, while cosy woolly rugs keep the chill at bay. The Ski Lodge is available for exclusive hire or hotel residents only, with limited walk-in options for the public, and bookings for 10 or more guests.
Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
Dalloway Terrace
Year after year, Dalloway Terrace transforms into a beautiful frosty floral hideaway, and they never disappoint. This year, they’ve unveiled a new partnership with Perrier-Jouët to bring the magic from the renowned Maison Belle Époque to Bloomsbury.
The thoughtful design of the display is mirrored in the new menus, and guests can enjoy a range of autumnal dishes, featuring a fillet of Gigha halibut with pommes Anna, spinach puree, and seaweed butter; turkey Milanese with smoked mash, winter vegetables, and red currant wine jus; and a decadent dark chocolate and chestnut torte for dessert. The perfect spot to enjoy the most magical time of the year.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Website: www.dallowayterrace.com
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Expect seafood galore when you head to Bentley’s all-weather heated terrace. Completely covered and heated to keep you snug, you’ll stay firmly protected from the elements as you tuck into oysters and peruse the champagne list at one of London’s oldest and most loved establishments.
Where: 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG
Website: www.bentleys.org
The Sipping Room
Escape to a winter wonderland with The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan’s winter terrace and its three festive igloos overlooking the water at Canary Wharf. With evergreen woodland wreaths and twinkling lights, the new igloos (seating 10 guests) are the perfect spot to eat, drink, and be merry regardless of the weather.
Raise a glass with limited-edition Grey Goose cocktails including Berry Kisses Fizz and Sipping In The Garden. Diners can also enjoy a range of festive dishes.
Where: West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AX
Website: www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Isla At The Standard
Isla at The Standard is open all year round and will keep you warm and dry whatever the weather with its retractable awning. Enjoy the serene garden terrace this winter while munching on their seasonal menu with light proteins and a minimal-intervention wine list. Ideal for lounging fireside on a winter’s evening.
Where: 10 Argyle St, London NW1 2ST
Website: www.standardhotels.com
Le Pont De La Tour
Keep the festive spirit alive this winter and feast alfresco style while wrapped up in furs and blankets on Pont De La Tour’s covered and heated terrace. With views of London’s iconic Tower Bridge from your Thameside table, you’ll be treated to bespoke winter menus paired with the perfect wines.
Where: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
Website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Acme Fire Cult
This vegetable-focused Dalston restaurant is all about live-fire cooking, and come winter, the terrace is enclosed with heat lamps, sheep skins, and wool blankets at the ready – perfect for alfresco feasts. Vegetables will be at the heart of the seasonal menu, alongside rare and native breed meat from regenerative farms and dayboat fish from sustainable suppliers.
There’s also ten beer taps pouring fresh beers brewed on site and a wine list from ex-Noble Rot’s Holly Willcocks.
Where: Abbot St, London E8 3DP
Website: www.acmefirecult.com
OXO Tower
The outdoor terrace at the OXO Tower is one of London’s largest and most impressive locations to dine al fresco come winter time. With a view over the Thames and St Paul’s, it’s widely regarded as one of London’s best, and the perfect place to enjoy coffee, cocktails and mulled wine as you take in the sweeping city views.
Blankets are available to cosy up in, and the terrace becomes quite magical as the sun goes down. There’s nothing quite like sipping a hot mulled wine, surrounded by twinkling Christmas trees to get you in the spirit.
Where: Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Website: www.oxotowerrestaurant.com
Scott’s Richmond
This winter, Scott’s Richmond’s elegant riverside terrace transforms into a stunning gilded wonderland with twinkling lights and Christmas trees decorated with golden fish, in collaboration with Perrier-Jouët, Plymouth Gin, and Chivas.
Expect a magical atmosphere, and a special menu of premium oysters and roasted shellfish platters paired perfectly with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut N.V. Limited-edition Christmas tipples will also be available, including the Frosty Sour, made with Plymouth Standard Gin, Plymouth Sloe Gin, apricot brandy, lemon, Peychaud’s Bitters and miraculous foamer; and the Christmas Buck, with Chivas 15, Chivas 12, ginger and cinnamon syrup, lemon and ginger beer.
Where: 4 Whittaker Ave, Richmond TW9 1EH
Website: www.scotts-richmond.com
Stanley’s
Inspired by the quintessential English country garden, the Chelsea terrace has been decked out for the festive season. Wrap up under a blanket, with no fear of rain thanks to the fully covered canopy.
Relax with a glass of mulled wine, and tuck into their best of seasonal British produce, like Smoked Haddock & Spelt Arancini or Dark Chocolate Ganache, Roasted Plums with Pistachio.
Where: 151 SYDNEY ST, SW3 6NT
Website: www.stanleyschelsea.co.uk
