Ready to get into the Christmas…spirit?
If ever there’s a time of year to branch out and explore more of London, it’s the festive season. The air might be cool and the night might be dark but there’s always a guarantee that fairy lights a-plenty will keep the atmosphere warm and your feet marching on. So next time you’re meeting a friend for a catch up or want to unwind after work, take it as a chance to step into a place that you might not have visited before. If you hadn’t guessed it, we’re here today to show you why Canary Wharf should be next on your “must-visit for drinks” list!
We’ve all got plenty of photos of January’s beautiful annual Winter Lights festival, but Canary Wharf is also the place to be in December. Filled with unique bars just waiting for you to walk in, it’s an area that you’ll return to time and time again after you’ve tried these seasonal cocktails – most of which you’ll only be able to sample in Canary Wharf!
Off Piste
Canary Wharf might not be the first place you’d think to spot a lively ski lodge but Off Piste is here to make you do exactly that. You’ll find this alpine escape in the heart of the area and now’s the time to visit for the launch of its new winter cocktail. Come along after work or at the weekend to get cosy in the après-ski themed bar – or hire out one of the five individually designed cabins with up to 20 friends for the perfect get together. Feeling peckish? Order a pizza from nearby Radio Alice.
The bar, which is open until the end of February, is brought to life with an immersive screen, providing the perfect backdrop of the Northern Lights and Rocky Mountains. Off Piste’s signature drink is The Snow Stopper, made up of a deliciously festive combination of Baileys, Bacardi and ginger ale.
No 35 Mackenzie Walk
With gorgeous views of the waterfront, it’s impossible to stroll past No 35 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf’s latest opening, without popping in for a quick drink. Sit yourself down on the sumptuous sofas and armchairs and order a round of their festive special cocktail: the Pear Spritz. Made up of Xante, Ca’di Prosecco, house-made ginger sugar and English apple, it’s a fresh, sharp combination perfect for all palettes.
This is a bar with cocktails at the forefront, so you know what you’re getting is the best of the best. And don’t fear when you get hungry, because No 35’s menu has some top dishes that’ll impress even the fussiest of guests.
The Ivy in the Park
There’s not much we need to explain when it comes to The Ivy, given Londoners’ familiarity with its beautifully unique charm. The Canary Wharf branch is no exception with its stunning, flower-themed decor, and The Ivy’s bar should definitely be on your “must-visit” list this year if you’re in the market for a cosy Christmas cocktail.
Head down during the festive period to sample their seasonal offering: the Roast Chestnut Julep. If you’re conjuring up images in your head of warming flavours then you’re not wrong. The cocktail consists of Monin Chestnut Syrup, Makers Mark, lemon juice and mint leaves and, in our opinion, it’s an unmissable drink. When it comes to food? Sample an eclectic range of starters or dig into the full menu, which includes everything from mouth-watering steaks to turbot meunière.
Iberica
’Classic Christmas’ not really your thing? Escape from the more traditional pickings of the festive season with a trip to Iberica. Known mostly for its incredible tapas, the bar is also home to one very special cocktail this year: the “P-Xpresso”. A Spanish version of the Espresso Martini, it combines coffee, vodka and typical Spanish products like Pedro Jimenez Sherry and Orujo coffee for one explosion of a drink.
Do we really need to tell you what to eat there? Everything at Iberica is created under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef, Nacho Manzano, so it’s a safe bet that anything you pair with your cocktail will be delicious. But if you’re just popping in, go for a selection of the cured meats for the cocktail companion.
This article was sponsored by Canary Wharf Group. For more information about what’s on, visit Canary Wharf’s website.