If there’s one life lesson we learned from Pingu, it’s that igloos are brilliant hangout spots. Sometime around 2016, London seriously took that advice to heart, and since then, a glorious wave of igloos pop up across the city each Christmas. With the addition of fairy lights, comfy blankets, and delicious grub; they really do make for the ultimate festive hangout (and, they look great on the ‘gram, of course). So, without further ado, here’s where to find the very best igloos in London this year.
1. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Oxford Street
We’re ever so pleased to announce that 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen has undergone a festive glow-up and has warmly welcomed some gorgeous rooftop igloos. Rooftop! Igloos! Just being able to have a drink on the roof of John Lewis’ Oxford Street store is enough of a draw, but who can resist now? Seasonal cocktails, delicious food and a panoramic view of the capital city. It doesn’t get much better than that now, does it?
John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Plan your visit here.
2. Aviary, Finsbury Square
Rooftop bar, Aviary, joined the London igloo scene a while back, and regularly make their transparent pods a feature of the winter season. Located on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, they’ve got dedicated igloos for sit-down meals and more laid-back drinking globes. A partnership with Grey Goose vodka has ensured that the vibes are extra immaculate this year. The rooftop has been transformed into a luxuriously magical alpine-inspired wonderland, ‘Summit above the Skyline’. So, cosy up with a blanket beneath the twinkling fairy lights, and soak up the sweeping views of London!
10th Floor, The Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Nearest stations are Old Street and Moorgate.
Plan your visit here.
3. The Secret Garden, Kensington
Can they be classed as igloos if they’re here all year round? Whatever the case, this lot are a dome for all seasons. The Secret Garden in Kensington has a lawn full of secluded private domes that double up as London’s cutest and quaintest little restaurants. A variety of food options, from festive afternoon teas to Pan-Asian and Middle Eastern delights, are available and the occasion probably demands an accompanying bottle of bubbly too, right?
100 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 4ER
Nearest station is Gloucester Road.
Plan your visit here.
4. Mercer Roof Terrace, City of London
Mercer Roof Terrace sits atop the Vintry & Mercer hotel. Amongst the landmarks you can spot from the open terrace are St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, making it a jolly nice place to be — especially once the winter igloos and cabins make an appearance. The faux fur blankets and flickering candles you’ll find inside are certainly a lovely addition to the twinkling city lights!
20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU
Nearest station is Mansion House.
Plan your visit here.
5. Wagtail, City of London
Another rooftop bar getting the Grey Goose treatment this winter is Wagtail. Guests will have the chance to add a festive, alpine touch to their time at the luxury central London rooftop bar with these gorgeously cosy igloos. Expertly-crafted, limited edition Grey Goose cocktails will warm your cockles whilst you gawp at the ridiculous 360° views that the bar offers. An unmatched winter experience in the capital.
68 King William Street, City of London, EC4N 7HR
Nearest station is Monument.
Plan your visit here.
6. The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan, Canary Wharf
Make yourself nice and cosy inside one of the festive igloos that overlook the water in Canary Wharf. The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan is a winter wonderland of woodland wreaths and twinkling lights. The igloos (which seat up 10 guests) are the perfect spot to eat, drink, and be ever-so merry. Raise a toast with some limited-edition Monkey 47 Gin cocktails and enjoy a menu jam-packed with Christmassy deliciousness.
West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AX
Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and Poplar.
Plan your visit here.
7. Skuna Boats, West India Quay
We’ve had igloos next to the water, but we’ve never had igloos on the water. Until now. Skuna Boats (the geniuses behind the floating hot tubs and barbecue boats) have just announced that this winter, Londoners will be able to take to the waters for an evening of cheese and festive fun inside an igloo-boat that floats through the city. Just when you thought London had it all, hey…
📍 West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL.
Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and West India Quay
Plan your visit here.
8. Coppa Club, Tower Bridge
Our final entry in our roundup of the best igloos in London this winter is Coppa Club. A stalwart of the capital’s igloo scene, Coppa Club have been delighting and exciting Londoners throughout the seasons for many years now. Getting a booking in a Coppa Club igloo is akin to nabbing yourself a golden ticket. But if you manage it, you’ll be feeling pretty darn pleased with yourself this winter.
📍 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH.
Nearest station is Tower Hill
Plan your visit here.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best winter igloos for you to see out this festive season. Whether you’re with mates, work pals or dates – this lot should see you more than covered this Crimbo!