A Waterside Winter Garden With Igloos And A Christmas Market Has Opened In Hackney

After a rather sobering Christmas 2020, many of London’s best winter markets are finally returning in 2021. Among them is the Wick Wonderland Market at Barge East, with cute market stalls lining the waterside in Hackney Wick. But that’s not all that Barge East have in store for this year, as the space has just turned into a giant, festive winter garden!

As you can see, there’s plenty to look forward to at the Barge East Winter Gardens. The area adjacent to the nearly 120-year-old Dutch barge has everything you could wish for on a Christmassy night out: beautiful riverside views, twinkling lights, delicious food, and a number of heated areas for you to cosy up in while sipping on mulled wine, cider, and boozy hot chocolates.

At the Wick Wonderland Market, you’ll find festive trinkets, seasonal sweet treats, and Christmas goodies from local east London and Hackney Wick businesses. It will be open every Saturday and Sunday from November 19 into December.After a stroll along the market stalls, you can kick back with a hot drink in the heated and covered winter gardens, on the terrace, or inside the spacious riverside winter lodge. For a more private experience, groups of up to six can reserve a cosy winter cabin, igloo, or ski gondola, all decked with furs, blankets, comfy cushions, lanterns, and adorable mini hot water bottles.

Of course you won’t go hungry either, as the Barge East Street Kitchen will be serving both classic street food and winter specials from their festive menu. Those looking for a more formal Christmas meal can book a festive dinner on the historic barge, where Head Chef Stefano Camplone will present his Christmas menu alongside holiday-themed cocktails from the bar.

On the weekends, Barge East are offering bottomless brunches on their heated riverside terrace, in their winter cabins, and in the homegrown gardens. Tuck into a hearty brunch and sip on unlimited bubbles, beer, or mulled wine — yes you read that right, bottomless mulled wine — from cute little teapots! The festive brunch is available from 11:00am to 4:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can book your spot in advance or try your luck when walking in.

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Aaand as if all of that wasn’t already enough, Barge East will also be selling real pine Christmas trees from their gardens, so you can really tick off all of your holiday needs there this winter!

Find more info on their website. Barge East, River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, E9 5EN.