15 Cosy London Fireplaces To Keep You Warm This Winter
It’s cold, it’s raining, it’s miserable… It’s the perfect time of year to curl up in front of a roaring fire. But real, working, open fireplaces are few and far between in London. So, when we want to warm the cockles, the only thing for it is to leave the house and head to one of London’s best pubs, restaurants or hotels to curl up fireside, drink mulled wine, and eat like we’re getting ready for hibernation.
From curling up with a Sunday roast at a gastropub to fireside cocktails at a hotel bar, we’ve rounded up our favourite London fireplaces to keep you warm, fed and watered all winter long.
Cosy London Restaurants, Hotels & Pubs With Fireplaces
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Luca
Sure, this fireplace may be outdoors, but that doesn’t stop it being one of the cosiest spots we’ve discovered of late. Luca’s secret garden terrace is foliage-filled, lit by candlelight, sheltered by a retractable cover and, most importantly, heated by a stunning open fire.
Book a table here as the days get longer and colder, and expect to tuck into British seasonal ingredients served through an Italian lens. Think Burrata with poached pear, Parma ham and salsa di noci; Scottish halibut with smoked mussels, Romanesco and sea herbs; and Parmesan gnocchi cacio e pepe with autumn truffle.
Where: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH
Website: www.luca.restaurant
Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore is widely known as London’s most romantic restaurant and we couldn’t agree more. Perfectly slotted in the heart of Covent Garden, the restaurant draws influences from country inns scattered across Tuscany and Provence aptly noted by the cherry blossom covered conservatory.
Of course, another show stopping feature is the gigantic fireplace dominating the main dining room that you’ll no doubt want to cosy up by as you dine the evening away.
Where: 33 King St, London WC2E 8JD
Website: www.closmaggiore.com
The Goring
Loved by the royal family, this hotel may be grand, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be toasty and warm. It keeps the fire in the dimly lit cocktail bar alight, serving a menu of exquisite cocktails, from the Rosehip Royale to The Goring Cup, incorporating liqueurs and spirits from fellow Royal Warrant holders.
It’s the perfect place to warm up in luxury five star surroundings.
Where: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
Website: www.thegoring.com
The Stafford
The Stafford, elegantly squirrelled away just off Green Park, unfolds into a labyrinth of drawing rooms and dining rooms as you make your way through the hotel to get from St James’ Place to St James’ Street and avoid the cold.
But as you go, make sure to stop to warm your hands on the open fires. There are two located at opposite ends of the drawing room, but we recommend popping into The Game Bird’s lounge. Here you can indulge in Afternoon Tea or a quick coffee break, complete with a cosy fireplace to warm you up in the cold winter months, and a mulled wine in hand for good measure.
Where: 16-18, St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
Scarfe’s Bar
This bar is full of lures for the discerning central London drinker, including snazzy décor, incredible caricature-inspired cocktails, and a roaring fire that will keep you warm all winter long.
Pull up a seat by the fire and indulge in a range of decadent bar snacks including crab and ginger spring rolls with coconut and yuzu dip; buttermilk fried chicken with curried lime dip; and wild boar and black pudding scotch egg with sage and Bloody Mary ketchup.
Where: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: www.scarfesbar.com
Zetter Townhouse
Whoever said less is more has clearly never been to the Zetter Townhouse. This popular London haunt is decorated with an eclectic selection of objet d’art and comfy armchairs that makes for the perfect cosy setting to escape to for a few hours.
Settle in, peruse the cocktail menu, or order their ever popular take on Afternoon Tea for two to enjoy in front of the fire.
Where: Clerkenwell / Marylebone
Website: www.thezetter.com
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy London welcomes guests into a warming festive wonderland with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree next to a charming seating area featuring a cosy fireplace.
The entire hotel is decked out for the festive season, creating a magical atmosphere from the moment you step inside.
Where: 1-8 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BE
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Cadogan Arms
There’s a lot to love about The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea – not least its delicious gastropub grub. But there’s every chance you’ll find us by the roaring fireside this winter, tucking into a Sunday roast.
The old pub has been fully restored in recent years, with many features that make it one of London’s prettiest. Think wood panelling, chandeliers, seasonal foliage, and an ornate bar that all combines to give this pub a unique charm.
Where: 298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG
Website: www.thecadoganarms.london
Curl up fireside, drink mulled wine, and eat like you're getting ready for hibernation.
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No 32 The Old Town
Overlooking Clapham Common, No 32 The Old Town boasts an all-day menu, from roasts to brunches, and in winter a roaring fireplace takes centre stage.
Sink into the plush sofas and unwind with a cocktail as you soak up the lively atmosphere.
Where: 32 The Pavement, London SW4 0JF
Website: www.no32theoldtown.co.uk
The Grazing Goat
The Grazing Goat is a gem in Central London’s pub scene. Beyond its traditional menu, featuring delicious Sunday roasts, the pub’s cosy atmosphere and private dining areas add to its popularity.
The standout feature come winter is the crackling fire, making The Grazing Goat a must-visit for a seriously cosy pub experience in Marylebone.
Where: 6 New Quebec St, London W1H 7RQ
Website: www.cubitthouse.co.uk
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Pan Pacific London
This hotel hideaway gets the thumbs up from us for its timeless glamour and gorgeous afternoon tea set in The Orchid Lounge. But add a real fire to that and you’ll understand why it’s hard to resist come winter time.
With views over the Plaza, the scene is set for a wonderful opportunity to sip, savour and enjoy afternoon tea treats curled up in your fireside seat.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
nhow London
Cool East London hangout nhow London has a predictably on-trend alternative to your common garden roaring fire… an LED water vapour fire.
Not only is it far cooler not having to shovel coal onto it, but the fire ensures that you remain cosy while you play a range of board games, ideally fuelled by the all-day dining menu and fully stocked bar.
Where: 2 Macclesfield Rd, London EC1V 8DG
Website: www.nhow-hotels.com
The Royal Horseguards
The Royal Horseguards Hotel’s welcoming fireplace gets more and more inviting as the colder nights draw in. The hotel’s lobby is a cosy refuge to unwind in front of crackling fire, before heading to One Twenty One Two restaurant for some warming winter food.
Where: 2 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2EJ
Website: www.guoman.com
The Den at St Martin’s Lane London
In the heart of London, The Den is a contemporary haven for decompressing after a day in the city.
Oozing with warmth and sophistication, the décor has a cheeky British charm, with irreverent art adorning the walls, plush leather sofas, and of course, a fire to bask in front of.
Where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
Website: www.book.ennismore.com
The New York Bar at The Rubens Hotel
A regal setting if there ever was one, The New York Bar at The Rubens Hotel is festive-coloured and cosy come winter. Renowned for its striking red décor, open fire, original artwork, and friendly ambiance, it blends traditional hospitality with innovative cocktails, gin-tasting experiences and live music.
Most importantly, there’s an inviting fireplace for the colder months, perfect for cosying up on date night over light bites and champagne.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
Website: www.rubenshotel.com
