If festive films have taught me anything, it’s that Christmas is a time for miracles. A time when singing can power Santa’s sleigh, eight year-olds can outwit burglars, and unsupervised kids can mount a festive takeover of an airport (honestly a cracking film, and a lot less terrifying than it sounds). And now London’s very own Christmas miracle has winged (wung? wunged?) its way back to town. The charmingly festive Christmassy cocktail bar Miracle at Henrietta is back for its seventh year of cocktail-fuelled revelry and festivity. All in the most gaudy, tacky, over-the-top way possible.
Miracle is a huge hit over in the US, and London is once again its only stop in the UK. And quite frankly, the rest of the UK is missing out big time. Given its American origins, you’d be right to assume that Miracle is bigger and less restrained than the usual English Christmas gathering. Every year, they open up with even more gloriously kitschy décor on display. And this year, they’re serving up festive cheer until December 23.
Aimed at transporting you back to Christmases past, an army of throwback Christmas ornaments, colourful lights, and an oversized fireplace transform the Henrietta Experimental in Covent Garden (hence the name) into a ravishingly retro space. It’s outrageously over the top, but we’ll never stop loving it!
Not sure what to expect? We went along last year to check it out for ourselves (and have a few cheeky drinks in the middle of the workday):
The drinks are a Miracle
Eye-popping décor is hardly the only string to Miracle at Henrietta’s bow. Their wonderfully wacky Christmas concoctions are just as outlandish. They change up the menu each year, albeit with a few standout faves returning. Old favourites include the Chrismapolitan and the Snowball Old Fashioned. But we’re also keen to try out the Run Run Reindeer (a mulled wine and prosecco concoction) and the Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r! (a tiki cocktail with a mix of rums and fruits).
All the drinks are served in gloriously tacky Christmas vessels so you’ll be full of festive cheer by the time you tumble back to reality. We’re particularly fond of the Christmasaurus. It comes served in the most ADORABLE dinosaur-shaped Santarex vessel. Just look at that tiny Santa hat! (Psst… you can buy the delightfully festive glasses and mugs to take home. Yes, even the Santa-fied T-Rex!)
And don’t worry, we know that drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. They’ve got a miraculous little food menu that’s short and sweet – but offers up plenty to stave off hunger. You can graze on some spiced nuts or olives, or enjoy the likes of a Cheese and truffle croque or even a Truffle hot dog.
So what are you waiting for? Bookings always go like hotcakes, so act fast to secure your seats and get ready and sleigh those cocktails! Bear in mind, most spots are reserved for bookings, but they do set aside a few tables each evening for walk-in guests. So if you rock up, you might get lucky!
Miracle at Henrietta is open until December 23. Book your visit here.