13 Festive Pop-Ups
In winter, it can be hard to socialise, you want to hibernate, you want to get your hygge on and cosy down with a big knit and a candle or two. You need to socialise though to beat the winter blues, so prise yourself off your sofa and head to one of these winter pop-ups, drink cocktails, snuggle up under heaters and feel all warm and festive – you can hibernate another time.
Nordic Yulefest
Scandinavian Hideaway
Queen of pop-ups Meredith Collective is back with Nordic Yulefest: a cavern of evergreen archways, a world of antlers, taxidermy and sheepskins. With a Scandinavian theme, there’ll be more revelry this year with the introduction of the Chamber of Bravery where you can attempt to eat Swedish delicacies -which don’t sound that delightful to us…Try your hand at the Wheel of Fortune and watch out for the grizzly bears that lurk at the photo booth. Feast on the likes of barbecued reindeer, smoked Norwegian beef tartare and of course well as free-flowing gluhwein. They’ve also just announced that there’ll be snow blizzard at the pop-up but not some gimmicky white shredded polystyrene, nope alcoholic snow infused with pear and cinnamon… much better.
Where: 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP
Website: http://www.nordicyulefest.com
Vauxhall Winter Village
Alpine Winter Village
This month a winter village is launching in Vauxhall. Yep an alpine ski village will be popping up, as they do. Much quicker to get to than the Alps and you can Uber home…ideal. Watch winter sports at the bar; feast on churros, smores, hot pies and mince pies at the street food stalls and cosy up in the alpine cabin booths. To drink there’ll be egg nog, Champagne and spice cocktails. Oh and there’ll be a retro ski wear rental – you have to look the part of course. Capture the moment in the cable car photo booth…
Where: 6a South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP
Website: http://www.vauxhallwintervillage.co.uk
The Lodge
TV Chef Jimmy Garcia's Winter Pop-Up Restaurant
TV chef Jimmy Garcia returns to London for the third time with his popular edition of the Autumn/Winter alpine restaurant pop up. Running right through to the end of February 2017, The Lodge’s menu features seasonal small and sharing plates from Michelin star chefs plus signature fondues and drinks like hot cocktails, Swiss wines and Morand Liquors.
Where: 409 Clapham Road, Clapham, SW9 9BT
Website: http://www.thelodgeclapham.com
Pop Brixton
Warming Specials and a Weather-Proofed Site
Popular shipping container village Pop Brixton temporarily closed for 3 days to winter-proof itself, reopening with a huge ‘Big Top’ tent across the main square and alleyways, keeping al fresco guests rain-free. Gas heaters will keep everyone warm while a giant Christmas tree will add that festive touch. Pop’s regular roster of food and drink vendors will be welcoming the winter months with a host of brand new seasonal specials.
Where: 49 Brixton Station Road, Brixton, SW9 8PQ
Website: http://www.popbrixton.org
The Wonderland Collective
An Indoor Market from Eat Me Drink Me
Running until Christmas eve, the indoor market will host a pre-launch event at The Drapers Arms on 12th November showcasing products from London and beyond making it a one-stop shopping destination to source quirky gifts. The main event kicks off at Ealing Christmas Market on 18th November housed in a festive, traditional wooden Christmas cabin outside the shopping centre with stalls changing on a weekly basis.
Where: Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, Ealing, W5 5JY
Website: http://www.eat-me-drink-me.co.uk
Little Feast
English Winter Inspired Garden
Feast in style as the quirky English Winter Garden welcomes brand new street food kitchens like La Bao and Claw as well as some returning friends from last year’s Scandinavian winter wonderland like Cheeky Burger and Nanny Bills. Huge Christmas trees will decorate the garden, adorned with thousands of sparkling fairy lights with glittering golds, reds and greens.
Where: Shepherds Bush Yard, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8HA
Website: http://www.wefeast.co.uk
Christmess!
A Debaucherous Banquet in the Underground Tunnels of Waterloo
Inspired by the soul food and culture of Louisiana, Slap Ya Papa promises decadent feasts – think candied yams and truffled sprouts – accompanied by deliciously naughty cocktails and fine wines. Each weekend, Marble & Ware will host a ‘bizarre bazaar’ where independent artisan traders will have their goods on offer. There’ll be live music and a Santa’s grotto, as well as a secret absinthe bar which is bound to get you on that dance floor.
Where: Leake Street, Lambeth, SE1 7NN
Website: http://www.slapyapapa.co.uk
sketch
Floral Wintry Wonderland
This Christmas, sketch has employed some of London’s favourite local florists, transforming the already magnificently-designed venue into a Christmas wonderland. Titled ‘The Night Before Christmas’, visitors will be invited to make their way through the eclectic venue passing through individual installations each representing a chapter of the much-loved Christmas tale. The art and installations will be brought to life by the live choirs and carollers performing throughout the venue. Sounds much better than the grey winter London otherwise offers…
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
Website: http://www.sketch.london
York & Albany
Gingerbread Inspired Everything
Inspired by the festive tradition of crafting gingerbread houses, York and Albany, part of the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant group have transformed their townhouse courtyard into a gingerbread cabin. There’ll be gingerbread inspired canapés, cocktails and an afternoon tea. The cabin has been festively decorated while the Christmas tree is adorned with countless gingerbread men. Where else would you want to get your gingerbread fix?!
Where: 127-129 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PS
Website: http://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Coppa Club
Those igloos
Everyone has now heard about Coppa Clubs igloos which popped up near Tower Bridge a few weeks ago. Overwhelming popularity has meant the restaurant has had to hire 6 extra people to help answer the phones so bookings are being restricted but some are still set aside for walk-ins so try your luck, make yourself at home and get cosy under a sheepskin blanket. Not too cosy though, remember everyone can see you…
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, Tower Bridge, EC3R 6AH
Website: http://www.coppaclub.co.uk
Sanderson Hotel
Smith & Sinclair at Purple Bar
Smith & Sinclair are rather like the Willy Wonkas of cocktails, with edible cocktails and alcoholic concoctions. Next week their winter pop-up is launching at the Purple Bar at Sanderson, where you can play with your cocktails and eat your drinks. You’ll find the likes of Violet You’re turning Violet a cocktail made from gin, maraschino liqueur, triple sec and violet liqueur which changes colour as your drink it! Other creations include scented lollipops with alcoholic dib dabs, festive-infused vapours and edible perfumes which you’ll be able to buy to take home – ideal stocking fillers!
18th November -24th December
Where: 50 Berners Street, London, W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
Website: www.sandersonlondon.com
Want to see more festivities? Check out our Christmas page.
Want more pop-ups? Look at our pop-ups page.
