We’re well into December now–and the season of work parties, drinks with our loved ones and festive nights is upon us. What do all those activities have in common? They are all perfectly suited to be held at a rooftop bar. And of course, bonus points for said rooftop bars that have transformed their spaces into delightful winter terraces. These bars do just that, beckoning us all to enjoy a mulled wine as we gaze out of London’s prestigious skyline. One more round? Silly question; it’s Christmas, ya filthy animals.
1. Willows on the Roof
It’s back, and this time it’s coming at you with an igloo edition. Willows On The Roof is gracing our presence on Oxford Street, decorating the top of John Lewis in festive style. Wintery igloos to dine in are this year’s headline addition, but there’s also lovely new food and tipples with festive specials such as festive specials such as the Gingerbread Ruby, Spiced Apple Martini, and Pomegranate and Cranberry Margarita. Other than that, can we just admire how incredible it looks? Thanks. Read more about Willows on the Roof here.
📍John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX.
2. Sky Garden
Sky Garden is handy all year round for the best views over London, but it must be said that it’s look particularly fine in Christmas decoration right now. They’ve got big, big plans for New Year’s Eve, but pop over any time until then for a stream of champagne, music events and unrivalled sights of London’s skyline. Read about their Christmas makeover here.
📍 1, Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF.
3. London Bridge Rooftop
This is so Christmassy it puts the McCallister family home to shame. We can’t promise that Kevin will be left alone there, but those lights are as festive as they look and it’s just making me want to glug down some mulled wine. Which you can do here, conveniently. Plus, there’s cups of orange hot chocolate to wash down the pigs in blankets you just ordered. They’ve got all Christmas bases covered. Read more about London Bridge Rooftop here.
📍 Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX.
4. Pergola Paddington
Because Pergola can always be relied to move with the seasons in style, can’t they? Whether it’s Oktoberfest or just the summer (we miss you, come back), Pergola Paddington always have a trick up their sleeve to coat their beautiful terrace in sublime fashion. For Christmas this year, it’s no different; head there for ‘Deck the Halls’– it’s got the Winter Forest upstairs that’s brimming with hundreds of Christmas trees and even a life-sized Polar Express train and the Alpine Hall downstairs decked out in ski-lodge decor. Read more about Pergola Paddington’s Christmas makeover here.
📍5 Kingdom Street, Paddington, W2 6PY.
5. Queen of Hoxton
Shoreditch’s finest knows exactly how to rejig their fine rooftop terrace to fit with a theme. Previously kitted out in fine cherry blossom bloom, the bar is now awash with winter delight; in the form of a Venetian masquerade theme. On the roof awaits a gothic winter terrace laden with candelabras, chandeliers and elaborate Venetian masks, with tantalising cocktails and a devilish menu to match. Read more about it here.
📍 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX.
6. Wagtail
You want more igloos? Your wish is my Wagtail’s command. Two of the wintery staples have set up shop for the season on the lovely Wagtail Winter Wonderland rooftop terrace. Shuffle in to enjoy their delicious food, fine wine and cocktails among the festive fairy lights. Read more about Wagtails winter terrace here.
📍 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR.
7. Sabine
You’ve probably noticed that we bang on about this place quite a lot. But when a spot has both gorgeous views of St Paul’s Cathedral and a reputation for revamping their terrace with the seasons, you just know we are going to be intrigued. It’s safe to say that Sabine have not disaspointed, with a fine winter terrace waiting for you to waltz up to. Candy cane cocktails and stylish green décor complete the enchanted forest theme, and the snow-capped winter foliage gives all the winter wonderland vibes one could hope for. Read more about Sabine here.
📍 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ.
8. The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James
Another sky-high option in central London is brought to us by The Trafalgar St. James, with their bar The Rooftop providing a mean option for the final days of 2023. Festivities come in the form of their fine winter cocktails—I’ve got my eye on the Enchanted Forest, which is made up of vodka, framboise, blackberry, blueberry, lemon, and champagne. Find out more about The Rooftop here.
📍 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James’s, SW1A 2TS.
9. PocketSquare
PocketSquare is fairly recent addition to London’s skyline full of rooftop bars, but it’s more than earned its stripes since opening in summer 2021. For winter, it’s a different kind of ball game, and their gilttering winter terrace delivers a festive treat. Lined with Christmas trees galore, enjoy London’s skyline views whilst sipping on hand-crafted cocktails made by the in-house mixology team. Book your place at PocketSquare here.
📍 Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU.
10. Seabird
Seabird has donned itself as Snowbird this festive season with the arrival of its winter installation which sees the rooftop spot transformed into a festive twinkly escape. A canopy of giant pampas installations hangs from the ceiling, while dried alpine flowers and a large, twinkling, illuminated arch set the scene for guests to take their festivities to new heights. The drinks menu has also received a wintery zhuzh with tipples including a Blood Orange and Fig Spritz that’s available as a single serve or in a 1.5-litre fountain if you’re particularly thirsty! Read more about Seabird’s winter transformation here..
📍 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY.
11. Tattu
Overlooking a bustling Tottenham Court Road is the dreamy Chinese restaurant Tattu whose rooftop terrace has just received an icy winter wonderland makeover. Tattu’s canopy of cherry blossom trees will turn an icy shade of blue with branches wrapped in fairy lights that’ll be twinkling all night long, taking inspiration from China’s northern provinces. The outdoor terrace has received a cosy transformation complete with plush furs, autumnal foliage, and outdoor heaters to keep guests warm as they indulge in sharing dishes and limited-edition festive tipples. Read more about Tattu’s winter installation here..
📍 The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA.
12. Lucky Club Camden
Camden’s rooftop bar is back with a wintery theme and this year it’s transformed into a super cosy Alpine-themed Après Ski Bar for Winter. The place has been decked out with skis, plush faux furs, fireplaces and even a ski gondola to grab a seat in. After a full day on the slopes (or shopping in the markets) guests can enjoy drinks like the Pumpkin Mezcalita, Mezcal Penicillin, Toblerone Martini, and – a favourite from last year – the Chai Old Fashioned. There’s also plenty of mulled wine, boozy hot chocolate, and beer. Read more about The Lucky Club’s winter rooftop here..
📍 North Stables Yard in Camden Market.