The best winter terraces in London
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Despite the unpredictable weather the British Isles are so well known for, we Londoners can be outdoorsy. In fact, you'll find that winter terraces in London are the places to be as rooftop bar season ends and the mercury plummets. Across the capital, there are cosy corners glowing in the light of heaters putting in a hefty shift, firepits for gathering around, and several hideouts that come alive in the lead-up to Christmas, illuminated by twinkling lights and festive decorations. These are our favourite winter terraces in London – pull on those woollies and settle in for a cocktail or two. If you're a fan of some more substantial fare alongside those tipples, head to one of the best outdoor restaurants in London.
Jonathan Bond PhotographyJumera Winter Garden at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia
Step inside the opulent Fitzrovia boutique hotel, The Mandrake, and prepare for delight. The chaotic mix of fabric, textures and colour is a feast for the senses, with a joyful eclecticism that carries through to the appropriately botanically-themed terrace. This year, Moët Hennessey brands Belvedere, Veuve Clicquot and Terrazas de los Andes are the fizz partners, and a giant glasshouse has been erected to keep guests toasty. Windy plants curl liberally around wooden beams – who needs fairy lights? – giving the space an ethereal feel that nods to its hallucinogenic namesake. There’s not a mince pie in sight, but plenty to order from the restaurant’s South American menu, which includes the likes of grilled octopus dusted with smoked paprika, scallop ceviche and seared sirloin finished with a dollop or two of Pebre Salsa. Charley Ward
Address: The Mandrake Hotel, 20-21 Newman St, W1T 1PG
Website: themandrake.com.jpg)
Milo BrownDalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
As winter arrives, Dalloway Terrace transforms into a glamorous winter wonderland. Perrier-Jouët Champagne is the sparkling partner this year, and the history and elegance of Maison Belle Époque, the home of Perrier-Jouët in Epernay, is the inspiration behind the space's makeover. Celebrate the spirit of the historic Maison through the medium of floral cuvées and fizzy cocktails, or dive into the winter menu; hearty plates include fillets of organic salmon, chicken Milanese, and Thai green vegetable curry that'll warm you right through. The winter terrace, designed by Princess & Ko, is cocooned in deep red Virginia Creeper, gilded anemones, berries and twinkling fairy lights. In other words, it's one of the best Bloomsbury spots for those envy-inducing grid posts.
Address: Dalloway Terrace, 6-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
Website: dallowayterrace.com
Jack Lewis WilliamsThe Laundry, Brixton
The Laundry has long been a favourite among fans of a slap-up Sunday roast. Now, it’s one of the best spots south of the river for an al-fresco session. The Parisian-inspired terrace is stocked with snug blankets, rattan chairs and bistro tables – overhead heaters keep the chill at bay. On a sunny weekend, head here for brioche sausage baps smothered in bloody Mary ketchup and people-watch the morning away.
Address: The Laundry, 374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL
Website: thelaundrybrixton.com
Zac+ZacThe Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair
Extensive breakfast, lunch and supper menus mean The Beaumont Hotel’s Le Magritte Bar & Terrace is arguably more of an outdoor restaurant. However, while the devilled egg sandwiches and platters of Jersey Rock oysters are tempting, it’s the winter cocktail menu that often draws us here. There’s a concise wine list and a couple of Champagnes served by the glass, plus a handful of non-alcoholic tipples. It’s also for walk-ins only, so try your luck and snuggle in after a stroll around Mayfair’s leafy streets.
Address: The Beaumont, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair, London W1K 6TF
Website: thebeaumont.com
Raitis PetrovsThe Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd's Bush
For those that stumble inside on a whim, The Hawk's Nest is a gem of a drinking venue that, if anything, is an even more delightful al-fresco space during winter. Most of the bar space is hidden inside a converted railway arch, a stone's throw from Shepherd's Bush. In the 300-cover garden, wood-fired sourdough pizzas adorned in pepperoni fly out of the oven before they're drizzled in spicy honey while steaming arancini balls and bowls of olives come from the kitchen. In the lead-up to Christmas, discover a series of makers' markets and wreath-making classes alongside wallet-friendly midweek food and drink deals.
Address: The Hawk’s Nest, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush Market, London W12 8DF
Website: the-hawks-nest.co.uk
Skylight at Rooftop Tobacco Dock, Wapping
When log cabins, open fires and igloos were considered enough, Skylight decided to put a fully functioning ice rink on the rooftop at Tobacco Dock. For unobstructed views of London's skyline, take a spin on those skates and dance along to the numerous DJs spinning their tracks in the car park below. Fondue and mulled wine are on offer for those who want a taste of the Alps in East London until January. Meanwhile, the New Year's Eve party here is one of the hottest tickets in town.
Address: Skylight at Rooftop Tobacco Dock, Pennington St. Car Park entrance, Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Website: skylightlondon.com
Double Standard at The Standard Hotel, King's Cross
We spent all summer with an Aperol spritz in hand at Double Standard, the first-floor bar at the quirkiest hotel in King’s Cross. But, as it gets chillier, The Standard turns their versatile terrace into the perfect tonic for London's increasingly cold weather. Expect strings of fairy lights, sheepskin furs, and a homely fire pit with a retro-style cone chimney that guests fawn over. Their regular US-influenced menu is still available – think burgers, mini hot dogs, chicken sliders and salty fries – with a few extra-special wintery additions. For the ultimate indulgent evening, settle into a cosy corner and tuck into the sticky toffee pudding served with vanilla ice cream.
Address: Double Standard, The Standard Hotel, 10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG
Website: standardhotels.com
The Terrace at Orrery, Marylebone Village
The Orrery’s terrace in Marylebone Village is a little-known-about winter wonderland that we're tempted to gatekeep. However, thanks to a hearty a la carte menu and some spectacular pop-ups in recent years, it's only fair to share the love. Should the starry skies dampen and things turn a little blistery, there's an indoor restaurant and bar to discover, plus Orrery’s Epicerie for light bites, sandwiches and sweet treats in the morning.
Address: The Terrace at Orrery, 55 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5RB
Website: orrery-restaurant.co.uk
Aqua Kyoto, Soho
Aqua Kyoto's (partially) covered and heated rooftop terrace is open daily for walk-ins and reservations. It might take you a few U-turns on the street below to uncover the entrance on your first visit, but it'll soon become a new favourite. Peep over the balcony edge to watch the Christmas lights twinkle below as chefs rustle up light bites and mixologists shake and stir inside.
Address: Aqua Kyoto, 30 Argyll Street, W1F 7EB, London W1B 3BR
Website: aquakyoto.co.uk
The Boundary, Shoreditch
If you're more familiar with Shoreditch's Redchurch Street at people-gawping pavement level, this gives you a fresh new angle. Placed atop Sir Terence Conran's warehouse project – hotel rooms, bar, restaurant and bakery – it's an expansive space perfumed with Provençale herbs and the nostalgia-tugging scent of a wood fire. Conran's been in thrall to the Med since the days when a garlic press was an exotic object of desire – and the romance endures. The covered orangerie is cosy inside, unless there's a mistral blowing outside.
Address: The Boundary, 9 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E16
Website: theboundary.co.uk
The Rooftop St. James
There are two terraces on The Trafalgar’s rooftop – one remains open to the elements, replete with heaters and blankets, with views over Trafalgar Square and its famous lions, while the other is covered and filled with cosy, shaggy seats and buckets of iced bubbles. We would start at the former, admiring the twinkly lights of London before we retreat inside to be warmed by delicious fondue (tip: request extra bread) and mushroom pie. The cocktails are sweet and strong, but you may prefer to stick to Champagne in a setting as opulent as this.
Address: The Trafalgar St James, 2 Spring Gardens Trafalgar Square, London SW1A 2TS
Website: trafalgarstjames.com
Aviary London, Shoreditch
As Autumn descends upon the city, East London's Aviary turns into one of the cosiest winter terraces in London thanks to the arrival of the igloos. For 2023, Aviary has announced its Nordic Nights Winter Terraces and Igloos in partnership with Grey Goose Vodka. Step inside a frosty wonderland, sip on punchy vodka cocktails and feel transported by the Nordic-inspired decor. Light projections across the winter terraces that resemble the Northern Lights are the immersive touch drawing in discerning diners this year – private heated igloos seat up to 12 people and offer shelter from the unpredictable elements.
Address: Aviary Bar, Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Website: aviarylondon.com
Ski Lodge at The Montague Hotel
The Montague's take on an après-ski wonderland makes for one of the best winter terraces in London. However, you'll need to round up the troops and make an evening of it, as it's only available for exclusive hire. Groups larger than ten people are treated to steaming hot chocolate cocktails, hot spiced cider, and candied pecans. Enjoy the treats under heaters, swaddled in blankets under the fairy lights.
Address: The Montague Hotel, 15 Montague Street, London, WC1B 5BJ
Website: montaguehotel.com.jpeg)
Matt SillsRosewood London
Rosewood's winter terrace is the final chapter of the London hotel's 10th-anniversary celebrations, Rosewood X. To mark a decade of impeccable hospitality, the hotel has joined forces with British jewellers Gerrard and Ruinart Champagne to create a glittering al-fresco pop-up. Reimagined interiors are inspired by the brand's iconic Wings collection, from the dazzling Christmas tree to the sparkling decorations that adorn the walls. Sip on a fizzy flute, visit for afternoon tea, and take a box of wintery treats home – the Christmas hamper created by Holborn Dining Room is stocked with a roster of indulgent goods and priced at £265.
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
The Prince, West Brompton
The brainchild of the team behind Pergola on the Roof is actually a chain of connected venues housed in what was once a street of buildings that fell into disrepair. Each of The Prince's three restaurants and two bars leads into a secret woodland. Get a round in before turning your eyes to the menus. Pick up pub classics from The Prince Kitchen, pizzas fit for the Gram from Crust Bros, or insane waffle creations from the team at Utter Waffle.
Address: The Prince, 14 Lillie Road, London, SW6 1TT
Website: theprincelondon.com
Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
East London rooftop The Queen of Hoxton is back in business for winter following its transformation into a Gothic Venitian hideout. Expect fantastical feather masks, candelabras, chandeliers and drapes of silk rippling in the breeze alongside hand-drawn murals. Sip on steaming hot cocktails and flutes of Prosecco, and dine on burgers and oozing chestnut mushroom arancini next to a roaring fire.
Address: Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX
Website: queenofhoxton.com
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Hyatt Regency Churchill’s elegant bar and terrace has donned a festive new outfit for the season. The sleek haunt has been bedecked with strings of twinkly lights, and a selection of shaggy rugs and blankets slung over each chair helps stave off any post-shopping session chill. The bar snacks are generously sized and tasty, running the gamut from lamb koftas to caviar. You must also try the bar team's new Christmas cocktail; a comforting whiskey-based number pepped up with cinnamon, cloves and star anise – recommended.
Address: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.thechurchillbar.co.uk