London has some of the best terraces around the world, offering 180-degree (and more) vistas of everything from The Shard to the Millennium Eye. But Christmas is a time when the Big Smoke really pulls out all the stops, giving visitors and dwellers alike the chance to cuddle up on winter terraces for hot chocolates and marshmallows and smokey negronis with nibbles in candlelight.
Whether it's a rooftop in Shoreditch or a smart glass conservatory in Covent Garden, there's absolutely no need to give up your outside drinking simply because the weather has dropped 10 degrees this winter.
Here's our pick of the best winter terraces in London in 2023:
1) Snowbird at The Hoxton, Southwark
For the rooftop aficionados among us, you’ll no doubt already be au fait with Seabird’s status as one of London’s best-kept rooftop secrets. This year, in time for the festivities, the rooftop, which is nestled on the 14th floor of The Hoxton, Southwark, has been transformed into Snowbird, a 70s-inspired nostalgic hotspot filled with snowy Slim Aarons prints, wintry seafood fare and alpine-themed cocktails that are sure to guarantee a good time. At the top of our list are the Arctic Espressos, which are mini espresso martinis served in shot glasses made from ice and served in a giant shell. Sign us up.
14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NY; Sun-Thurs 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am
2) Acme Fire Cult, Dalston
Tucked away in a disused car park next to Dalston’s worst-kept sourdough secret, The Dusty Knuckle, is one of east London’s cosiest wintry terraces, Acme Fire Cult. Founded by cult Shoreditch restaurant St. Leonard's alum, Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, the outdoor spot serves charred food, prepared outside on its wood-fired grill, on long, alpine-inspired tables that are covered in heated hanging lights, making it the perfect winter spot. With a wine list curated by ex-Noble Rot wine expert Holly Willocks and the most succinct of cocktail menus, Acme Fire Cult is perfect for warming the cockles and getting you in the festive spirit.
Abbot St, London E8 3DP; Tues-Wed 5.30-10pm, Thurs-Fri 12-3pm, 5.30-10pm, Sat 1-3pm, 5-10pm, Sun, 12-4pm
3) Yauatcha City, Bishopsgate
To celebrate 200 years in the whiskey business and their new limited edition Blue Label bottles, Johnny Walker has partnered with Yauatcha City to transform their terrace into a ‘Cities of the Future’ themed winter extravaganza. With projections, frosty LED lights, postcards, heaters and blankets, guests are teleported to the cosy Christmas future. Enjoy some of the best cocktails you’ll ever taste while indulging London’s finest dim-sum, including signature dishes like venison puff, lobster dumpling, and crispy wild mushroom and bean curd cheung fun.
If you’re vegan, Yauatcha has got your back with a plant-based options, featuring dishes like foraged mushroom bao, edamame truffle dumpling, and stir fried long bean. They also do a killer brunch on Saturdays if you want to start your weekend with a bang. Make sure to save room for dessert, too – our favourites are the yuzu and matcha macaron, their mandarin and ube gateaux, and the pecan, chocolate and caramel brownie. Yum.
Broadgate, London EC2M 2QS; Mon-Wed 12pm-10pm, Thurs-Sat 12pm-10:30pm (closed Sundays)
4) Madison, City of London
Madison’s buzzing rooftop restaurant has partnered up with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to enchant guests with a nostalgic winter wonderland that provides views of London’s iconic skyline. Unwind with a cocktail menu full of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar-inspired cocktails including the Cuban Dream, which is a blend of Havana Spiced Rum, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Double Cream. Sign us up.
Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF; Mon-Sat 12pm-1am, Sundays 12-10pm
5) The German Gymnasium, King's Cross
The Germans do Christmas right. But there’s a whole lot more out there than Christmas markets! The German Gymnasium’s new winter terrace offers everything from steins of ABK Beer, as well as traditional dishes like sauerkraut and classic German sausages. You’re guaranteed to feel ever so gemütlich (cheerful and comfortable) here.
1 King's Blvd, London N1C 4BU; Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-10pm, Sundays 10am-9pm
6) Coq D’argent, Bank
If you can’t make it to the French Alps this holiday season, Lodge’d’Argent’s winter wonderland terrace is undoubtedly the next best thing. Take in the sparkly lights of London while surrounded by scenery straight out of a festive postcard. The pop-up, in collaboration with Rémy Martin, offers up five cocktails inspired by ski chalets and the surrounding picturesque villages.
No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ; Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm and 5:30pm-12am (closed Sundays)
7) Le Pont De la Tour, Southwark
Spend the festive season enjoying two of the highest luxuries – champagne and seafood – while your eyes feast on a truly spectacular view of Tower bridge from the comfort of a heated terrace. The setting looks like something straight out of a Christmas movie, reminding you just how magical the Metropolis can be this time of the year. Pair your choice of Laurent Perrier champagne with mouth-watering crustacea, including oysters, fruits de mer, lobster, and Cornish crab.
36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE; Mon-Frid 12-2:30pm and 5:30-10pm, Saturdays 12-3pm and 5:30-10pm, Sundays 12-3:30pm and 5:30-9pm
8) God's Garden, Marylebone
On the grounds of One Marylebone Church lies this brand new heated winter garden. Open Wednesday to Sunday, God’s Garden offers authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails from the legendary Soul Shakers. Whether you want to relax with drinks after work, let loose with their après ski themed brunch parties on Saturdays, or experience live music on Sundays, this is the perfect setting. They’ll also be showing all England matches on large screens. Score!
1 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 4AQ; Wed 5-10:30pm, Thurs 5-11pm, Fri 5pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-8pm (closed Mon-Tues)
9) Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
As has become its tradition, the Queen of Hoxton pulls out all the stops for its winter terrace. Previous themes have included Grimm's fairy tales, with a heated wigwam and lanterns to light the cosy space, and the Moroccan Medina.
This year's spectacle is Queen's Masquerade Winter, so expect their iconic wigwam to be transformed into a gothic Venice-inspired space.
1-5 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX; 4pm till 10pm Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays)
10) Golden Bee, Shoreditch
A rooftop terrace with a glittering city view is always a good thing and, this season, the Golden Bee should be your go-to. Once the chill sets in, the canopy comes down and the heaters and blankets come out, providing a fully-heated, cosy winter paradise. There's even a fire pit to keep you 100% toasty. Wrap up warm, take your glass of fizz upstairs and huddle by the flickering fire.
EC1V 9DD; Tues-Thurs 5pm-late, Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 5pm 3.30pm, Sun and Mon closed. Rooftop closes at 11pm
11) Boundary Rooftop Bar & Grill, Shoreditch
This old Victorian warehouse has been lovingly converted into restaurants, bars, hotel, and a British food store, but the big draw here is the beautiful rooftop space.
With a weatherproof pergola, a canopy of grape-producing vines, working herb and kitchen gardens and two 100-year-old olive trees, it's pretty special.
2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD. Open Everyday 10-11:30pm
12) Toy Roof, Courthouse Hotel Soho
Sip mulled wine on this festive ski terrace with views over Liberty and the Regent Street Christmas decorations. It may be a bit breezy up there, but just snuggle under the faux-fur blankets by the twinkling fairy lights, lanterns and outdoor heaters.
19-21 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HL; Tue-Sun 3pm-10:30pm (weather permitting)
13) Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London Hotel
The Radio Rooftop Bar is one of the most scenic in the capital. Up on the tenth floor of the hotel, you get twinkly night-time views over St Paul's, The Shard, the Gherkin and the London Eye.
336-337 The Strand, WC2R 1HA; Mon-Weds Midday-1am, Thurs-Sat Midday-3am, Sun midday-midnight
14) The Parlour, Canary Wharf
Set in the Park Pavilion on Canada square, The Parlour serves food and drink all day long and hosts live music at night. You can get your outdoor kicks all year round on the huge terrace, sheltered by giant umbrellas and warmed with fire pits, heaters and woollen blankets.
The outdoor bar whisks up the best winter cocktails, including the Festive Pop (made with Duppy Share Blanco Rum, Disarono, popcorn syrup and lemon) and the Jingle Belle of the Ball (Ketel One vodka, chocolate liqueur, mandarin puree and double cream) along with all the classic cocktails.
40 Canada Square Park, E14 5FW; Mon-Weds 8am-11pm, Thurs, Fri 8am-late, Sat 9am-Midnight, Sun 9am-7pm
15) Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
It's hard to argue with the 'London's Most Romantic Restaurant' award handed to Clos Maggiore by Harden's Restaurant Guide in 2019. In the summer, the glass conservatory is festooned with blossom and in good weather, its fully-retractable roof allows for the full al fresco experience. Winter is equally captivating, as the conservatory is warmed by a roaring log fire, and lit by flickering candles. Expect the best of contemporary French cuisine and a winter-warming collection of rare brandies and cognacs.
3 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD; 020 7379 9696; Mon-Sat Midday-2.30pm and 5pm-11pm, Sunday Midday-2.30pm and 5pm-10pm
16) Bluebird, Chelsea
Should you find yourself in SW3 fancying a festive tipple, then head to the Bluebird, which has joined forces with English sparkling wine company, Nyetimber, to create a winter wonderland on its terrace. Not only is the sparkling wine worryingly more-ish, but the festive menu's highlights include doughnut fondue (yes, really) and truffle fries and arancini — need we say more? We recommend ordering a bottle of the Blanc de Blancs 2015, a few plates of your favourite nibbles and nestling yourself in on the cosy festive terrace.
350 King's Rd, London SW3 5UU; Mon-Sun 11am-11pm
17) Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Martini lovers, rejoice! Central London's best-kept secret rooftop at the Ham Yard Hotel has joined forces with Sipsmith Gin on a wintry garden with a menu full of, you guessed it, martinis. The garden's signature hybrid of a paloma and a martini - deftly named a 'Paloma-tini' - is so drinkable you'll be drinking multiple of them at breakneck speed while snuggled up next to the terrace's outdoor heaters. A true winter haven.
1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT; from 20 December - 24 February, 4pm-9pm
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Naomi May is a freelance writer and editor with an emphasis on popular culture, lifestyle and politics. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard as its Fashion and Beauty Writer, working across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Acting News Editor at ELLE UK and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others.
