‘Tis the season to be chilly, but thankfully London is home to lots of heated terraces, gorgeous gardens, and stunning rooftops for alfresco dining – many of which serve incredible food and legendary cocktails, we might add. Think open fires, space heaters, warm blankets, twinkling fairy lights and flickering candlelight. Pretty romantic, we like to think. Here are our 20 favourite bars and restaurants for alfresco dining, including some warm and toasty spots with heated terraces:
1. Near and Far, Camden
This lively cocktail bar is one of Camden’s best kept secrets. Spread across four floors, the Palm Springs-inspired spot has its own heated roof terrace, clad in palm trees, bright lights and even flamingos! Well, you are just around the corner from Regent’s Park and London Zoo. They sell a whole host of glitzy cocktails, as well as gluten-free Mexican food, bottomless brunches and burgers. There’s also a sister venue in Peckham which is currently offering two hours of bottomless brunch with DJs, a choice of Caribbean, Italian, Indian or West African fare and even the chance to get your hair blow dried! Why not really feed your food, soul and hair hey?!.
Level 6, 95A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
2. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
Dalloway Terrace may just win the award for the most Instagrammable restaurant in London (or England for that matter). Who doesn’t love a seasonal flower wall, colour-coordinated decor and insanely delicious food? The terrace has been transformed into an enchanting autumnal woodland with hints of winter wonderland whimsy – ideal for some festive fun! As for their menu, the real question is ‘what don’t they serve?’. Everything from Autumn squash risotto to good old fish and chips can be found here. Whether you’re opting for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, dinner or drinks, you’re in for a real treat. Read all about it here.
16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
3. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
Vinegar Yard is a crowd favourite all year round and for good reason. This quirky outdoor garden boasts views of London’s stunning skyline and an array of street food options courtesy of Baba G’s, Nanny Bill’s, and Sugo & Nik’s Kitchen. To keep us nice and toasty this winter, they have installed several heaters, a canopy cover, and lots of fairy lights to set the mood. This may just be the best spot in town for some magical dinners, drinks, and dates. And their homemade mulled wine and hot apple cider will definitely warm you up from the inside out – beats a hot toddy any day. Find out more here.
72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QU
4. Double Standard, King’s Cross
The Double Standard, located on the ground floor of The Standard Hotel in Kings Cross, is easily one of the chicest bars in London. With ’70s-inspired decor and designs that mimic London’s Underground aesthetic, no one can say this venue doesn’t have character. And fortunately, their terrace has been transformed to accommodate for the colder months ahead. It is now complete with a fire pit, retro-style chimney, sheepskin furs and of course, fairy lights. Their menu is packed full of goodies – from blue cheese and bacon sandwiches to moules frites. They also serve craft beers, delectable cocktails and gallons of wine! The standout though is the rooftop bar which is definitely worth checking out if you’re here. Discover more here.
10 Argyle Street, London WC1H 8EG
5. Boundary Rooftop Bar and Grill, Shoreditch
In the heart of Shoreditch, you’ll find the Boundary Rooftop Bar and Grill. If dinner with a view is on the cards, this really is the place for you. East London’s skyline is a tough view to beat and here you have the added bonus of gazing into the sunset over a hearty and warming meal. This heated terrace is a sight for sore eyes and their menu is really just the icing on the cake. Grilled meat and fish dishes are their specialty, but you can’t go wrong with their unbelievable cheese fondue and melting raclette which will make you feel like you’re on a ski holiday. If the heaters don’t warm you up, their hot cocktails definitely will. Check out their website for more information.
2-4 Boundary Street, Hackney, E2 7DD
6. Bar Elba, Waterloo
This Napoleon-themed bar in London Waterloo is all about the cocktails during the summer months, but come the winter, it’s all about the festive fun with a side of mulled wine. They’ve decked out the halls with all the bells and whistles, including bright lights, heaters, blankets and Crimbo decorations to really put you in the mood for alfresco dining. You can sip your way through a range of different cocktails including ‘Winter Bellini’, ‘Festive Negroni’, ‘Sub-Zero’ and ‘Elban Mulled Wine’, and you can also fill your boots with burgers, tacos and hot dogs. They’re also doing a regular and an Aussie-themed bottomless brunch, and if you’ve been naughty not nice, they’ve even got a ‘Bad Santa’ sing-a-long. Head to their website for more details.
Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL
7. Stanley’s, Chelsea
This spacious courtyard is the perfect oasis of calm when you’re in need of some tranquility and alfresco dining. Stanley’s is decked out with beautiful flowers, helping to create the calming atmosphere that guests know and love. And if (or should I say, when) the heavens open in London, there are plenty of canopies to keep you dry and space heaters to keep you nice and warm. Their all-day menu truly has something for everyone, with several small plates, mouthwatering mains and indulgent desserts on offer. They also do a mean brunch – if you’re partial to a poached egg, salmon and a mimosa in the morning, Stanley’s is the place for you. Head to their website for more details.
151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT
8. Allegra, Stratford
Allegra’s bar and terrace is where elegance meets comfort, and beauty meets relaxation. This heated terrace is located on the seventh floor of The Stratford Hotel and you won’t ever want to eat inside after dining here. A sea of wildflowers, large exotic plants, water features and fluorescent floor lighting will be the backdrop to your evening. Oh, and let’s not forget about that view of the London skyline, hey?! They also have an impressive twelve-page drinks menu with just about anything you could ever wish for – think fine wines, vintage champagne and signature cocktails. If you work up an appetite, there are light bites such as oysters and blood pudding muffins to devour. Check out their website for more details.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD
9. The Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd’s Bush
Nestled inside Shepherd’s Bush Market is The Hawk’s Nest. This former railway arch was recently converted into a heated wintery woodland garden and it has been a popular hangout spot for Londoners ever since for alfresco dining. It’s got an incredible selection of artwork on show, and you’ll also find some of the best Italian street food and cocktails in town here. Expect gourmet sourdough pizzas, antipasti, calamari and all the gelato you can consume. There’s also a seasonal wine list, mulled wines and ciders, warming cocktails and plenty of craft beers to work your way through. Win win.
Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London W12 8DF
10. The Rooftop St. James, Trafalgar Square
This luxurious rooftop was designed for alfresco dining and drinking all year round. The rooftop is on the seventh floor of the Trafalgar St. James’ Hotel and boasts 360-degree views of the iconic London cityscape – what could be better?! Their menu features melt-in-your-mouth dishes, from grilled salmon served with sorrel cream to a grand sardo cheese wheel with bacon and linguine. You’ll be pleased to hear that their signature cocktails are just as impressive. Try the ‘Spiced Twilight’ for an orange zest infused bourbon cocktail with a winter spice liqueur or go for the ‘Oslo Coffee’ to warm the cockles with coffee, whipped cream and aquavit. Find out more information here.
7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’, SW1A 2TS
11. Skylight, Tobacco Dock
Skylight London is known for its legendary canalside igloos and they are back with a bang this winter. If you’re after a new and exciting way to wine and dine with mulled wine (see what we did there?), these space-aged domes may well just be the answer. Inside your igloo, groups of up to ten people can enjoy delicious cocktails, sharing platters and street food from an Alpine-inspired food menu – what better spot to while away the hours with a group of pals and copious amounts of booze?! They’ve also got igloos and booths on the roof so you can enjoy views of the city as you gorge yourself silly, as well as heated tables and even a bloody ice rink! The best part of all is there’s a cinema which is showing Crimbo classics with scrummy snacks and glasses of wine. Cop your tickets here.
Tobacco Dock, Pennington St. entrance, St. Katharine’s & Wapping, E1W 2SF
12. Flat Iron Square, London Bridge
Flat Iron Square may be the answer to all of our alfresco dining prayers. Here you’ll find a series of heated outdoor spaces complete with dazzling lights, 40 pine trees and plenty of canopies to keep the rain (or snow!) at bay. This square is truly the gift that keeps on giving, serving light bites, winter cocktails and plenty of beer, mulled wine and cider. It is home to three restaurants, eight street food vendors and probably a partridge in a pear tree at this rate! This year they’ve also teamed up with French vodka brand Cîroc for this season to turn their iconic Aprés Lodge into a real life ski chalet. À votre santé! Get your Christmas on here.
53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
13. Radio Rooftop Bar, The Strand
The Radio Rooftop has both north and south facing terraces – it’s the best of the both worlds. And thanks to their space heaters and cosy atmosphere, you won’t want to leave in a hurry. This year they’re offering a ‘Sky-High Winter Bubbles’ package where you can rent out your own luxurious hideaway, decked out in faux-fur throws, cosy blankets and even fireplaces! As for drinks, you can look forward to bespoke cocktails, champagne and beers, wine and more spirits than you can shake a stick at! This iconic venue overlooks the River Thames and Covent Garden and offers enviable views from sunrise to sunset. Find out more on their website.
336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
14. Le Pont de la Tour, Shad Thames
Le Pont de la Tour’s beautiful terrace is nothing short of magical for alfresco dining. From their winter garden, you’ll have an enviable view of Tower Bridge and the River Thames to admire while you dine on caviar(!) and sip on Laurent-Perrier champagne. Furthermore, their sheepskin blankets, magical lights and fabulous French delicacies will have you thinking you’re in the middle of Paris in no time. Who needs the Eurostar when you have Le Pont de la Tour? Find out more info on their website.
36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
15. Skylight, Peckham
Perched atop the esteemed Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in SE15, this neat little spot affords views of The Shard, the 02 Arena and the iconic Walkie Talkie. The second in Skylight’s roster after Tobacco Dock, this one offers bottomless brunches, a 90s RnB and hip hop brunch party and festive igloos which offer table service, bottles of prosecco or wine, and spectacular views of the London skyline. If you’re looking to go all out, why not indulge yourself in some Moët & Chandon champagne with oysters? Oh darling!
120 Peckham Hill Street Theatre Walk, London SE15 5JT
16. London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge
This may just be the most magical rooftop London has to offer for alfresco dining, and it’s just a stone throw away from London Bridge. To keep you nice and toasty on those chilly winter evenings, there will be heated tables, hot toddies and lots of mulled wine as well as Christmas trees, DJs, twinkling lights, ‘Ginger Pig’ burgers and ‘Moving Mountains’ vegan burgers. You can also soak up magnificent views of the London skyline, including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and, of course, The Shard which during the festive season is illuminated in Christmas themed lighting.
Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, London SE1 2SX
17. Coq d’Argent, Bank
Planning a lunch, dinner or weekend brunch? Head to Coq d’Argent for the most exquisite French cuisine, panoramic views of the Big Smoke and an experience to remember. Caviar, escargot and black truffle risotto are a few delectable bites from their menu that cannot be recommended highly enough. Thanks to their heated terrace, fur throws and extra large canopy, you can enjoy their fine wines and French delicacies whatever the weather – rain, wind or snow. Bon Appetit! Find out more here.
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
18. Alice in Winterland at the Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
The rooftop at Shoreditch institution the Queen of Hoxton is now decked out in its annual Alice in Winterland theme – think a covered wigwam, fire pits aplenty, piping hot drinks, signature cocktails, burgers and a hell of alot of magic. It’s a mix of sit down spots and standing, so you’d be wise to book ahead to enjoy the alfresco dining at a table. Dive in and join in with the fun – curiouser and curiouser!
1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX
19. Big Chill Bar, King’s Cross and Brick Lane
The twin terraces of Big Chill Bar in both King’s Cross and Brick Lane are transformed each festive season into a winter wonderland, with warming heaters, bright lights and lots of different nooks and crannies for you to shelter from the elements. There’s also always a banging playlist playing, loads of different beers on tap, burgers with loaded fries and generally a feel-good time. Find out more via their website here.
257-259 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL or Dray Walk, Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
20. Madison, St. Paul’s
London favourite Madison is once again transforming into an alpine wonderland for the winter season, billed as ‘A Miracle on the Rooftop’. Sit down in one of their many chalets filled with faux fur and tartan blankets, and warm up with a boozy hot chocolate or some mulled wine. Take in the stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral before tucking into some festive fodder, which includes roast Norfolk turkey, teriyaki salmon fillet and pumpkin gnocchi. This year they’ve also paired up with Bulleit Bourbon to offer a range of cocktails to warm the cockles – including ‘Christmas Spirit’ – a mix of vanilla and orange-infused port, Bulleit rye, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup and egg white. Chin, chin. Find out more via their website.
One New Change, London EC4M 9AF