London’s Cosiest Winter Terraces For 2024
By
1 month ago
From chic rooftop hangouts to snug pub gardens
It might be getting chillier outside, but that won’t stop Londoners enjoying the great outdoors this winter – and by the great outdoors, we mean pub gardens. The capital’s bar and restaurant scene gets a seasonal makeover around this time of year, which sees its gardens, terrace and rooftops transformed into cosy retreats, complete with twinkling lights, warming tipples and festive cheer aplenty. Don your warmest winter coat, find a friend or two and settle down for a cup of steaming mulled wine at one of London’s best winter terraces.
10 Outdoor Terraces For Winter 2024
The Berkeley
The Berkeley has become known for its seasonal pop-ups, which take place on the hotel’s rooftop. This November, the space is being transformed into an Alpine-inspired pop-up decked out with custom-made ski gondolas, trees and fairy lights. A special menu will include sharing dishes of Swiss raclette, tartiflette with freshly shaved truffle, milk chocolate fondue, and gingerbread s’mores, alongside winter cocktails like the Black Forest Espresso Martini. The cherry on the cake? Each gondola will feature its own ring for champagne bell to keep you merry all night long.
When? 14 November – 1 January 2025
Where? Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
BOOK: feast-events.com
Rosewood London
Transport yourself to sunnier climes at Rosewood London, which is launching a Mexican-inspired winter terrace in collaboration with Don Julio 1942. Located in the hotel’s courtyard, the space channels the agave fields of Jalisco, with a menu of festive tequila cocktails: the Sacred Wood, for instance, is made with gingerbread, Angostura and tonka tincture – plus a Mexican hot chocolate, served from a roaming cart. Pair with dishes like Baja-style fish tacos, and green seabass ceviche, and visit on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday to enjoy live music from DJs.
When? Until 10 January 2025
Where? 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
BOOK: rosewoodhotels.com
Dovetale
With its roaring fireplace, Dovetale’s terrace is one of the cosiest dining spots in London year-round, but it really comes into its own during the winter. This year, the space is being transformed into a whimsical winter village, separated into three woodland huts – one from Guinness, another from The Singleton Whisky and the third helmed by Dovetale itself. The latter will feature ski lodge decor (think birch trees and wool blankets), with each table featuring its own fondue set, with both sweet and savoury options. Also on the menu: Tom Sellers’ mince pies, bratwursts and roasted nuts, as well as tequila-spiked coffees and hot chocolate from Casamigos.
When? 12 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Where? 1 Dover Yard, London W1J 8NE
BOOK: 1hotels.com
Ham Yard Hotel
Once again, Ham Yard Hotel is opening up its rooftop – usually reserved for hotel guests – for a winter pop-up in collaboration with Sipsmith. The pretty terrace is being transformed into the ultimate snug retreat, with heaters, candles and hot water bottles, alongside a menu of both cold and hot gin cocktails. Milk Punch, for example, is a blend of Sipsmith London Dry Gin, lemon and Ham Yard’s bespoke tea, while the Hot Buttered Gin is a twist on the hot-buttered rum, made with Sipsmith Origin 1639 Gin with a berry twist. Diners can sip alongside seasonal snacks such as cacio e pepe black truffle flatbread, soy glazed mushroom skewers, and toasted s’mores with toffee apple and cinnamon crackers – all cooked to order from the Big Green Egg or wood-fired oven.
When? Until 31 December 2024
Where? 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
BOOK: firmdalehotels.com
Balcony Bar at BFI Southbank
Whether you’re catching a film or are simply looking for a central spot for some Christmas drinks, Balcony Bar at BFI Southbank is a great option. Located on the first floor, the open-air terrace is shielded from the elements, with views across the River Thames and beyond. From here, enjoy newly launched winter drinks, like the Chocolate Orange Martini, made with Grey Goose Orange Vodka, and the Chilli and Honey Margarita, which features Monte Alban Mezcal. Pair with small plates made by the Benugo chefs – there’s fried chicken, sweet potato fries, and crab fritters, plus mini handmade pizzas and charcuterie.
When? Open now
Where? Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
BOOK: benugo.com
Dalloway Terrace
Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, forever a Bloomsbury association, Dalloway Terrace is similarly elegant, poetic and quintessentially English. Its flower-covered outdoor space makes it one of the city’s most sought-after al fresco drinking spots across all seasons. This November, it’s been given a wintry makeover complete with snow-capped fir trees, frosted pinecones and foliage, alongside a menu of cocktails made using Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. The Mandarin Mimosa brings a winter twist to the classic spritz with flavors of mandarin and lavender, while the Bergamot Americano combines Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto with Beefeater pink strawberry gin and Lillet Blanc. Pair with warming mains like mushroom and artichoke risotto, massaman red curry or fresh crab linguine, followed by an espresso chocolate fondant.
When? Open now
Where? 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
BOOK: dallowayterrace.com
The Hawk’s Nest
Shepherd’s Bush hotspot The Hawk’s Nest is one of London’s most popular spots for al fresco drinks. Covered and heated, and offering plenty of space, it’s perfect for winter get-togethers with big groups, fuelled by wood-fired pizzas. Get there early to make the most of the margarita deal, where you can enjoy a margherita pizza and a margarita cocktail for just £12.50. Not a tequila fan? Fear not: there are an abundance of winter cocktails on offer, including a Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, alongside steaming cups of mulled wine. Look out, too, for weekly quiz nights, wreath making workshops, rugby screenings and more.
When? Open now
Where? Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London W12 8DF
BOOK: the-hawks-nest.co.uk
Boundary Shoreditch
Soak up panoramic views of the city skyline at Boundary Shoreditch this winter, one of east London’s most popular rooftop spots. The heated outdoor winter terrace is serving an Alpine-inspired menu featuring dishes like cheese fondue, tartiflette and pumpkin risotto, alongside sweet treats of sherry trifle and dark chocolate log. Of course there are plenty of warming drinks too: from homemade vin chaud (French-style mulled wine) to cocktails crafted by resident mixologist Costel Toma.
When? Open now
Where? 2-4 Boundary St, London E2 7DD
BOOK: boundary.london
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
Head to Covent Garden for some top-notch sushi on SUSHISAMBA’s terrace, set amid the world-famous piazza. This year the restaurant has partnered with Patrón Tequila on a series of seasonal cocktails, like a Chocolate Old Fashioned, made with Patrón Añejo tequila, Pineau de Charentes apéritif and Angostura and cocoa bitters. These are designed to be paired with the eatery’s signature dishes, like green bean tempura with black truffle aioli, crab taquitos, robata grills and sushi rolls. With its frosted Christmas tree and gold and silver archway, the space feels suitably festive too.
When? Open now
Where? 35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF
BOOK: sushisamba.com
Mercer Roof Terrace
Looking for somewhere for winter drinks in the City area? Head to Mercer Roof Terrace, Vintry and Mercer’s rooftop restaurant which offers views of London’s skyline – from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard. A number of igloos have popped up for the winter, featuring faux fur blankets, candles and fairy lights, perfect for private dining during the festive season. Cocktails come courtesy of Beluga Vodka, with highlights including the Off-Piste, a blend of peach liqueur, lemon juice and mint leaves, and the Beluga Gold Martini, made with caviar-infused Noilly Prat and Beluga Gold Line. The food menu, meanwhile, includes dishes like Yorkshire ham hock terrine, Hereford beef fillet tartare, and whole roasted Cornish John Dory with lobster sauce and chilli.
When? Until early 2025
Where? 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
BOOK: vintryandmercer.com
