Winter has well and truly descended upon the UK capital, and while it’s easy to retreat indoors with a warm cup of tea, oversized knit and roaring fire, the city’s hospitality scene is tempting us one festive pop-up at a time. With just a few weeks to go, discover our top list of hotels, restaurants and pop-ups worth heading to for a bit of holiday spirit.
The Glenlivet Glade | Rosewood London
Located at the heart of Holborn, the luxurious five-star Rosewood London is giving its courtyard terrace a festive facelist in partnership with world-renowned Scotch Whiskey, The Glenlivet. Tucked away from the Christmas crowds, the recently unveiled Glenlivet Glade promises to immerse guests into a magical woodland by way of sights, smells, sounds and an evocative night sky. On the menu will be comforting sweet and savoury treats from the Holborn Dining Room kitchen but the centrepiece, of course, is the whiskey. Showcased through a delectable modern menu of hot and cold cocktails, highlights include three renditions of the classic Old Fashioned, a Flying Scotsman made with homemade apple, cinnamon and clover syrup, and Speyside Coffee, an Irish Coffee reimagined with an orange, cinnamon and ginger foam.
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
Lodge D’argent at Coq D’argent, Bank
Inspired by the style and glamor that characterises the world-famous Courcheval ski resort, the Coq D’argent rooftop is once again being transformed into a winter wonderland with the return of Lodge d’Argent. The rooftop has been transformed to play host to two chalet-esque huts (now open for reservations for groups of up to eight) as well as plenty of fur blankets and festive decor, providing the ultimate setting to escape the busy city. Hosted in partnership with Hennessy, the menu features an assortment cognac cocktails, sharing dishes and light bites.
Coq d’Argent, 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Stop off for a post-Christmas shopping lunch at The Ivy Chelsea Garden where the front of the restaurant has been transformed into a life-size, festive, colourful (and partly edible) gingerbread house. Head out to the beautiful terrace which has been adorned with flickering candles, cozy rugs and a roaring central fire pit in the garden to shelter you from cold climes. Tuck yourself under a blanket and enjoy a creamy hot chocolate with buttered rum whilst soaking in the festive surroundings.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, 195-197 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ
Miracle at Henrietta Hotel
New York’s famous pop-up bar, Miracle on 9th Street, has made its way over the pond to London. First popping up in the East Village at Mace Cocktail Bar before reaching cult-status in the US and beyond, the Christmas-themed drinking den has been made famous thanks to its kitsch holiday decor, festive glassware and cleverly-themed cocktails. This year’s London rendition, located at Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, will take visitors on a nostalgic journey to a chalet-lounge-inspired room with alpine-esque snacks and a roster of delicious libations designed by Nico de Soto of Experimental Cocktail Club.
Henrietta Hotel, 14-15 Henrietta St, London, WC2E 8QG
The Boundary, Shoreditch
An impressive year-round spot with London City views and protection from the elements, The Boundary’s glass-enclosed Orangery is the place to go for a cozy winter evening. Perfumed with citrus and the sound of a wood fire roaring in the background, expect an alpine-inspired menu of baked cheeses, fondue and warming cocktails. Consider it aprés-ski without the snow, heavy boots and tired legs.
The Boundary Project, 2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD
Oxford Street Roof Garden
Located five storeys up, from 20 October – 6 January the John Lewis Rooftop will play host to an ice skating rink, a Sipsmith gin and tonic bar, a restaurant serving up pies, and two hideaway cabins for hosting groups of 6-12. At the MYPIE restaurant you’ll find the best kind of comfort food: sausage rolls, scotch eggs, chicken, pies, veggie pies and more. Drinks-wise, London’s pioneering gin distillery Sipsmith are serving up gin classics alongside winter-friendly options. There’ll also be a rotating schedule of live music, gin masterclasses and wreath-making workshops.
John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX
Dalloway Terrace
An Instagrammer’s hotspot, Winter at Dalloway is back for another year. A magical festive hideaway conceived by Nikki Tibbles of Wild at Heart, this year visitors can expect an all-encompassing installation of champagne-coloured foliage, icy-white magnolia, eucalyptus and more. Settle in, get cozy and enjoy the winter menu of truffle cheese fondue and winter warmer cocktails courtesy of Belsazar Berlin Vermouth.
Dalloway Terrace, 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Ski Lodge at the Montague Hotel
Dive into an alpine adventure and enjoy London’s take on après-ski at the Montague Hotel in Bloomsbury. Transforming with the seasons, the arrival of winter marks the return of the boutique hotel’s pop-up Ski Lodge complete with falling snow, reindeer, snowmen and garden views. Escape from the cold instead opting for enjoying a selection of warm drinks and bites including hot spiced cider, shortbread vodka and baked walnuts in icicle shaped cones.
The Montague on the Gardens, 15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BJ