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 festive winter terraces to get you all (even you Grinches) into the spirit.
Vinegar Yard
Good news for street food fans as Vinegar Yard’s cosy igloos are coming back for winter from the 11th November.
Expect twinkly lights, comfy sofas, fur rugs, and all-new Grey Goose drink packages – plus food from all their vendors delivered directly to your igloo so you can stay snug as a festive bug in a rug.
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: 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX
Website: www.vinegaryard.london
The perfect spot for a seriously cosy winter warmer.
Where: Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Website: www.oxotowerrestaurant.com
The Sloane Club
Wrap up warm this winter with sheepskin blankets and enjoy the Winter Terrace at The Sloane Club.
Tuck into hearty winter dishes from the delicious European and Japanese menu and indulge a seasonal cocktail menu from the team’s innovative mixology team.
Where: 52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BS
Website: www.sloaneclub.co.uk
Blankets, cocktails and heaters are aplenty.
The Green Room
Twinkling lights and snuggly blankets at the ready – the legendary Green Room garden and its magical central London location have been given a wintery makeover ahead of the festive season. With its full-stretch tent covering, heaters, blankets and even hot water bottles, there’s no chance of the weather ruining your outdoor experience.
This year’s winter wonderland makeover promises a soul-warming menu, mulled wine, hot cocktails, seasonal tunes, and a truly unforgettable vibe.
Where: 101 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP
Website: www.grlondon.co.uk
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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 imaginations 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 new Alpine menu, with Raclette, Beef cheek bourguignon, Bakes spâtzle with wild mushrooms, and Tarte flambé among the dishes. Drinks-wise there’s hot cocktails like a 3 Mint Toddy, mulled wine, and our favourite – boozy hot chocolate.
Where: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
Website: www.corinthia.com
The Montague On The Gardens
This year, The Montague On The Gardens terrace will be transformed into an elegant all-white log cabin. An atmospheric space to enjoy a drink in front of a flickering fire, the Log Cabin will be completely transformed with a Lanson Champagne bar, a Christmas tree, cosy armchairs and sofas, and beautiful white centre pieces.
It’s worth noting that the Log Cabin is for exclusive hire for hotel residents only (so 100% worth making the most of it and booking a festive escape here too), but public walk-ins may be available on the day if you’re lucky.
Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
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
Dalloway Terrace
Year after year, Dalloway Terrace transforms into a beautiful frosty floral hideaway, and they never disappoint.
This year they’ll be offering up a festive lunch menu available from the 14th November, including Caldecott farm free range bronze turkey, stuffing with all the trimmings and cranberry sauce, wild mushroom risotto with Twineham grange cheese and autumn truffle, and Cru Virunga chocolate fondant with honeycomb and crème fraiche. The perfect setting to settle in with a drink and hot water bottle – it’s going to be pretty special.
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 Happenstance Enchanted Forest Terrace
Nestled next to St Paul’s Cathedral, head to The Happenstance this winter to check out their new Enchanted Forest terrace. The all-weather heated terrace is dressed top-to-toe with vibrant green foliage, twinkling lights and enchanting décor, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing those all-important insta-worthy moments.
Thoughtful details like comfy cushions, blankets, glowing lanterns, hanging planters and intricate wooden fungi décor bring the charming woodland escape to life. This year, you can enjoy limited-edition cocktails and hot toddies alongside warming autumnal dishes like wild mushroom arancini, pumpkin & sage ravioli and a delicious vegan mezze board.
Where: 10 Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DX
Website: www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Lilly’s Winter Terrace
Lilly’s introduces its Winter Terrace this month, located on Covent Garden’s pretty piazza and complete with a brand new fondue and hot cocktails menu. The menu includes an indulgent Swiss Gruyere Fondue, created by foreigner Claridge’s executive pastry chef, Kimberley Lin. It’s everything you could possibly want from a melted pot of cheese, made up of a gooey blend of Swiss Gruyere Cheese, Swiss Emmental, white wine and a touch of brandy, served with cubes of bread and warm new potatoes.
There’s also mulled wine on offer, as well as sparkling Christmas cocktail the Sleigh Ride, made with cognac, Cointreau, orange and cranberry juice, topped with Champagne and garnished with rosemary. Heated seats and blankets will keep you warm and cosy as you people-watch on the piazza.
Where: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU
Website: www.lillys-cafe.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
The Richmond Club
Let The Richmond Club keep you toasty this winter with the perfect combination of a cosy heated pagoda and warming mulled wine. Their garden also offers a fire-pit with surrounding sofas and a host of comfy blankets for the ultimate winter terrace meeting spot in the heart of Richmond.
Not a member? Day passes can be purchased for just £25.
Where: 115-117 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PN
Website: www.therichmondclub.uk
Home House
Home House’s Winter Terrace overlooks their popular garden, which is once again transformed into the ‘Arabian Nights’ inspired Winter Garden Lounge, transporting members and guests on a fantastical journey via opulent furnishings, low daybed seating and exotic objets d’arts.
Get into the festive spirit with their spiced mulled wine served from a vintage Samovar in the Winter Garden Lounge – the perfect spot for seriously cosy dining and winter warming sips.
It’s accessible to members only, but you can get around that by booking a room and staying the night – trust us, you won’t regret it.
Where: 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
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Isla At The Standard
Isla at The Standard is open all year round and will keep you in the festive spirit with its retractable weather-proofed awning. Enjoy the serene garden terrace this winter while munching on their seasonal menu with light proteins and a minimal-intervention wine list. Isla at The Standard is a great restaurant for any time of day with a range of al fresco meals and a breakfast menu.
Where: 10 Argyle St, London NW1 2ST
Website: www.standardhotels.com
