The Best Festive & Foodie Pop-Ups To Know This December

Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London, has transformed into an “Enchanted Wonders” celebration this month. Book the Season of Wonders afternoon tea on Level 35, a festive pop-up experience featuring handcrafted pastries, cranberry scones, and skyline views. Plus, throughout December, GŎNG Bar will serve three limited-edition Japanese-inspired festive cocktails, available only for the season.

where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
website: www.shangrilaexperiences.com

Café Ciel

Café Ciel is a hidden gem located within The OWO that can take you from day to night. During the day, enjoy seasonally inspired brunch plates, artisanal pastries and sweet treats. And as the sun sets, you can enjoy cocktails and light bites, perfect for golden hour. Signature dishes that you must try are the caramelised French toast, mushroom croque monsieur and creamy honey toast, along with some fabulous matcha.

Where: The Grand Courtyard at The OWO, 7 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2EU
website: www.cafeciel.co.uk

Skuna Boats

From stepping on board and getting cosy, to gliding out onto the water with your skipper before settling in for molten fondue — your choice of rich cheese or silky chocolate, this is winter done in a truly special way. A world-first experience made for festive moments, group hangs, and unforgettable nights on the water, Skuna Boats igloo experiences are a seriously cool way to enjoy winter on the water.

Skuna Boats igloo experiences are a seriously cool way to enjoy winter on the water.

where: canary wharf, London E14 4AL
website: www.skunaboats.com

Fulham Pier Christmas Market

Tucked away in a green oasis right on the River Thames, Fulham Pier has been transformed into a “magical cabin in the woods” this Christmas. It’s a calm, riverside refuge from London’s festive rush: the perfect place to slow down, warm up, and make merry from morning until night. Don’t miss the pop-up Christmas Market on 13th and 14th December, where you can explore handcrafted gifts, delicious treats and last-minute treasures made with love by local makers.

where: Stevenage Rd, Fulham
London SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.com

Searcy’s champagne masterclass

Led by Searcy’s Head of Champagne, Martin Dibben, this seasonal masterclass will take you on a journey through five exceptional Cuvées, each one showcasing the magic and diversity of Champagne. Thoughtfully paired with delicious light bites, each tasting is designed to enhance the flavours and elevate your experience. Taking place on 13th December from 5 to 6:30pm, the event is perfect for the festive season.

where: St Pancras International, Euston Road, London, N1C 4QL
website: www.searcys.co.uk

Theo’s on the Terrace

This Winter, Theo’s on the Terrace has opened at InterContinental Park Lane, offering an alpine escape in the heart of Mayfair. Chef Patron Theo Randall is serving alfresco Italian feasting dishes, all designed to make you feel warm and toasty. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to visit with friends or a date night terrace, this one’s always special.

where: 1 Park Ln, London W1J 7QY
website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com

The Ivy Collection’s Naughty Elves Breakfast

This festive season, The Ivy Collection restaurants are inviting guests to join in the festive fun with the Naughty Elves Breakfast. Taking place on December 14th, 21st and 23rd, the bookable experience combines festive dining with entertainment for the whole family. The menu features festive dishes such as Santa’s workshop pancakes with butter and maple syrup, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat dusted with pine sugar and served with seasonal preserves.

where: across london
website: www.ivycollection.com

Warm Up in Fitzrovia Quarter

If you find yourself in Fitzrovia this season, make a beeline for Market Place, where Fitzrovia Quarter is handing out complimentary hot chocolates from their festive hot chocolate bar from 4–7 pm on December 3, 10, and 17th — a very welcome treat on a cold December night. Sip as you wander through the neighbourhood’s independent shops, galleries and studios, many of which are running festive events, workshops and one-off experiences for the season. It’s low-key, cosy, and a lovely way to ease yourself into December with something a touch more charming than your usual post-work dash home.

Broadwick Soho

Broadwick Soho has joined forces with Moulin Rouge! The Musical for an exclusive collaboration that brings the show’s glamour, passion, and theatrical spirit into the heart of Soho. Guests can expect a fully themed experience – from show-inspired cocktails and festive décor to pre-theatre dining and bespoke stay packages. The hotel has been transformed into a Bohemian fantasy, with four signature cocktails across Bar Jackie and Flute.

where: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
website: www.broadwicksoho.com

The Great Christmas Feast

Travel back in time to Victorian London for The Great Christmas Feast, an award-winning one-man staging of ‘A Christmas Carol’, woven through with cinematic live music, and accompanied by a three-course Victorian feast and authentic Victorian-era drinks. One of London’s most memorable immersive experiences this festive season, tickets are selling quickly, so make sure to book yours soon.

where: 7-9 Beaumont Avenue, London, W14 9LP
website: www.christmasfeast.thelostestate.com

Bluebird Chelsea’s Winter Lodge

Bluebird Chelsea has a cosy winter lodge this month, launched with Singleton whisky. Enjoy hot toddies, cheese boards, plush blankets, and flickering lanterns – perfect for a lovely evening out this winter.

where: 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU
website: www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

Coppa Club igloos

The iconic Coppa Club igloos at Tower Bridge have been reimagined for winter as glittering snow-globes, offering guests an immersive winter escape with guaranteed snowfall every 15 minutes. Thoughtfully redesigned for the colder months, each snow-globe igloo is wrapped in soft winter whites and sparkling lights, with a central display of seasonal foliage. Expect floor-to-ceiling views of Tower Bridge in one direction and a view of The Shard in the other, making it all the more special.

where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, London. EC3R 6AH
website: www.coppaclub.co.uk

Fiume

Inspired by the warmth and flavours of Southern Italy, Fiume brings riverside dining to life at Battersea Power Station, with rustic recipes, vibrant ingredients, and a true Italian welcome. Especially for the season, there’s a mobile outdoor bar serving Amaretto hot toddies to Christmas shoppers and ice skaters.

where: Sopwith Way, Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station SW8 5BN
website: www.fiume-restaurant.co.uk

Christmas carols at Bar 190

A merry evening of Christmas carols awaits at Bar 190, nestled within the quintessentially British hotel of The Gore London. Sip on mulled wine or English sparkling wine, savour homemade mince pies, and gather for a live performance led by a charming choir. Situated on the doorstep of the Royal Albert Hall, an icon of London’s rich musical heritage, Bar 190 offers the perfect festive setting for a night of song. No ticket is required, but booking a table is essential to join the celebration. Performances take place on 19th and 20th December at 6pm.

where: 190 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX
website: www.collezione.starhotels.com

Sanderson London

This December, Sanderson welcomes the Dan Merriman Supper Club, an exclusive two-night culinary experience taking place on Thursday, 4th and Friday, 5th December. Expect a creative, ingredient-led menu and an intimate atmosphere that brings together food lovers for an unforgettable evening in the heart of London.

where: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
website: www.morgansoriginals.com/sanderson

The Ivy Asia

Head to The Ivy Asia to enjoy a festive special menu which includes highlights like the luxurious wagyu beef tataki with black winter truffle, ponzu and chives, the bold and fiery Kung Pao monkfish with toasted cashew nuts, chilli and green onions and the lobster rendang, an Indonesian curry with lychees, water chestnuts and curry leaves, served with steamed jasmine rice. Plus, don’t miss the delicate dark chocolate mousse and clementine sorbet.

where: across london
website: www.theivyasia.com

Hash Hut at Blue Boar Pub

Every Friday from 14th November, you can enjoy a special seven-week collaboration with cult street food favourite, Hash Hut at Blue Boar Pub. Expect bold flavours and indulgent toppings – from caviar and crème fraîche to soy-braised beef cheek with crispy chilli – all served on their iconic golden hash browns. 

where: Blue Boar Pub, 45 Tothill Street, London
website: www.sevenrooms.com