London’s top 10 alfresco and winter bars that are perfect for Christmas

In the run-up to the holidays, we can excuse a bit of extra merriment. Especially when old friends are popping out of the woodwork looking for catch-up drinks here, there, and everywhere.

This always leads to the most important question: which bar? Checklist is here to help. We’ve compiled this list of 10 great pubs, clubs and bars for terraced drinking in style this winter. Whether you’re out with some mates, taking the folks out or on a festive date with your partner, we’ve found the bar for you.

1. Yauatcha Ice City

Yauatcha City has now launched its winter terrace, Ice City, in collaboration with Champagne Moët & Chandon.

Open until March 2022, Yauatcha Ice City sees the terrace’s two covered and heated floors decked out with faux fur rugs under hanging chandeliers and fairy lights, where Moët Brut Imperial and Moët Brut Imperial Rosé will be served by the glass and the bottle.

In addition, three brand new cocktails will be available, named the Golden Spice Warmer, the Harbin Royale and the Gingerbread Espresso Martini.

Find out more at yauatcha.com

2. Sushisamba Heron Tower’s luminescent tree terrace

Sushisamba Heron Tower has transformed into an immersive Sambazonia experience, full of magnificent colour, glistening lights, and the spirit of Christmas.

The iconic Tree Terrace has been decked out with 6,200 individually controlled pixel lights, neon orbs, and immaculate ornaments to create a dream-like routine, where new festive cocktails are served such as the Naughty List Negroni and Santa’s Holiday.

Find out more at sushisamba.com

3. Willows on The Roof

Willows on The Roof, a venture from the Night Tales team, has undergone a complete transformation into one of London’s most magical winter wonderlands.

Located on the rooftop of John Lewis Oxford Street, Willows on The Roof provides the ultimate sanctuary from the mayhem of Christmas shopping.

Sit back and indulge in an array of festive cocktails including the Gingerbread Sour and Night Tales Mulled Negroni accompanied by Giz’n’Green’s famous pizza pies.

Find out more at willowsontheroof.co.uk

4. The Botanist Gin at Bar 31

This winter, The Botanist Gin has teamed up with The Shard’s Bar 31 to launch Hütte 31, an alpine themed winter terrace offering Londoners authentic outdoor chalets.

Those looking for a cosy spot can look forward to soft blankets and ‘snow’ in the wintery hideaway and enjoy traditional Austrian delicacies. They are also offering a special selection of cocktails such as The Botanist Martini made with The Botanist Gin, Dry vermouth and orange bitters.

Find out more at bar31.com

5. River Hay’s Festive Cointreau Pop-up

Step into Christmas with a Cointreau Margarita in hand at River Hays’ winter wonderland. Decked out with giant Christmas Trees, larger-than-life baubles, twinkling lights, and plenty of snow, the team at River Hay’s have truly decked the halls of Hays Galleria with their heated and covered winter pop-up.

Guests can escape into an unexpected hyper-seasonal pop-up, and sip the cold months away on Cointreau Margarita cocktails, including the festive favourite Cointreau Mulled Cider.

Find out more at hays-galleria.com

6. Brother Marcus

This Christmas, Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Brother Marcus have teamed up with Greece’s most loved amber spirit Metaxa. Experience a festive Greek dining experience with sharing plates, a showstopper Flaming Metaxa Christmas pudding and hot toddy’s.

Tucked inside bustling Spitalfields market, guests visiting Brother Marcus’ restaurant will be transported to a cosy winter taverna seated under hanging botanicals and golden wicker lampshades, on rustic wooden tables.

Find out more at brothermarcus.co.uk

7. Mr Fogg’s Secret Garden

Mr Fogg’s Secret Garden has transformed into a wondrous winter hideaway. Offering the most intimate outdoor experience, the Victorian walled garden has been adorned with twinkling lights and is now covered and heated to protect guests against the elements.

A selection of winter garden cocktails have been created, shaken and stirred with merriment in mind. Among the seasonal menu and in keeping with the festive months, patrons will find warm serves including Mulling Over Mischief, Tanqueray London Dry Gin and mulled cider.

Find out more at mr-foggs.com

8. Skylight Venues

Featuring your own rooftop bubble ‘igloo’ and a range of classic and specialty cocktails, Skylight Venues are not a bar to miss this festive season. With locations in Peckham and Tobacco Dock, there’s no reason not to give the Skylight experience a try.

Leave reality behind and set your imagination free with their extraordinary views and sparkling décor, hosted in your own bubble of privacy.

Find out more at skybars.co.uk

9. Bar Elba

Skate around this rooftop bar in style with Bar Elba. Featuring a specialty winter cocktail menu and scenic views of the London skyline, bring your friends for happy hour and two-for-one cocktails this December.

Themed around Napoleon’s exile to party island Elba after the Battle of Waterloo, the usually-summery bar is completely transformed in the colder months. With twinkling fairy lights and festive decorations galore, Bar Elba is a true winter wonderland.

Find out more at bar-elba.co.uk

10. No 32 The Old Town

Of course, we had to mention Clapham’s premier terrace bar, No 32. With homely and traditional pub aesthetics combined with modern sounds systems and conveniences, this rooftop bar is one for those with a love for the traditional pub aesthetic.

Offering an impressive array of cocktails, draught beers, and spirits, The Old Town is ideal for post-work drinks and late nights hitting the town.

Find out more at no32theoldtown.co.uk

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