Whilst Winter Wonderland and the array of London Christmas markets steal a lot of the festive focus, there’s a whol load of cosy winter pop-ups in London that are sure to bring you peace, goodwill, and all the other good stuff…
1. Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Credit: @queenofhoxtonldn
The Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch has once again given their rooftop a festive glow-up. This year they’re leaning into the season with a wintry escape, inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night. We’re talking twinkling lights, a huge heated yurt, and all the delicious treats you’d expect to find at a German-inspired winter market. It’s certainly a picture-perfect way to spend a chilly evening in the capital city.
📍 You’ll find Queen of Hoxton at 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX.
🚇 Nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street.
2. Fire & Fromage, Southbank
In our humble opinion, the opportunity to stuff your face with cheese whilst soaking up the sweeping views of the city should never be turned down. This fan favourite Alpine pop-up overlooks the River Thames and boasts a picture-perfect setting to enjoy unlimited raclette. Yes, you read that correctly. Pop-up pioneer, Jimmy Garcia, has created the ultimate festive spot, where guests can tuck in to gourmet food whilst admiring the city in all its sparkly, seasonal glory. What more could you ask for?
📍 You’ll find Fire & Fromage on the South Bank.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
3. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
You know it’s truly Christmas when Dalloway Terrace has it’s annual winter transformation. This year, they’ve teamed up with Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto to bring some Italian elegance straight to central London. There’s frosted pinecones, snow-capped foliage, and plenty of greenery glistening with winter morning dew. No need to worry about getting chilly, thought, because their outdoor heaters and sheepskin blankets will keep you nice and toasty all winter long. So, grab your pals and head down to the most aesthetically pleasing pop-up in town.
📍 You’ll find Dalloway Terrace at 16-22 Great Russell Street, Fitzrovia, WC1B 3NN.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
4. Aviary, Finsbury Square
Another day, another cosy igloo pop-up. Aviary joined the London igloo scene a while back, and regularly make their sparkling pods a feature of the festive season. Found up on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, the rooftop has been transformed into a luxuriously magical alpine-inspired wonderland. Cosy up with a blanket beneath the twinkling fairy lights, and enjoy the sweeping views of London!
📍 You’ll find Aviary at 10th Floor, The Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
🚇 Nearest stations are Old Street and Moorgate.
5. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Oxford Street
We’re pleased to announce that John Lewis’ Oxford Street store has once again transformed their rooftop into a magical winter wonderland. 1864 will be serving up seasonal cocktails, delicious food and unparalleled panoramic view of the capital city. It doesn’t get much better than that now, does it?
📍 You’ll find Willows on the Roof at John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
🚇 Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
6. London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge
A festive paradise but up in the sky. Have I piqued your interest? London Bridge rooftop offers sweeping views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks alongside festive cheer by the sledge-load. This year you can expect to be taken on an Alpine adventure – with all the après, but none of the skiing. Just how I like it.
📍 You’ll find London Bridge Rooftop at Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
7. Miracle at Henrietta, Covent Garden
A festive pop-up that has most definitely gone for the ‘more is more’ approach is Miracle at Henrietta. The outrageously Chritsmassy cocktail bar aims to transport its visitors back to Christmases past, with a plethora of festive ornaments, colourful lights, and more tinsel than you can shake a stick at. It’s tacky, gaudy, and ever so over-the-top, but that’s exactly why we love it so much!
📍 You’ll find Miracle at Henrietta at 14 – 15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH.
🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
8. HUMBUG, Brick Lane
HUMBUG is the magical dive bar, filled with dazzling neon lights, Christmassy memorabilia, and raucus festive cheer by the sleigh-load. Following last year’s sold-out season, they’re back and bigger than ever, this time sprinkling some magic over the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. It’s the perfect Christmassy concoction of great drinks, enchanting encounters, and pure festive magic.
📍 You’ll find HUMBUG at The Truman Brewery, Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU.
🚇 Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
9. The Curling Club, Southbank
Prepare to be transported from London’s Southbank straight to the glistening Alpine slopes with this specta-curl-ar winter pop-up. London’s favourite winter activity has returned to the capital, offering the ultimate winter escape inspired by the ultimate winter sport. The Curling Club offers an authentic curling experience alongside a whole host of après-ski fun. It’s certainly one of the coolest pop-ups in town.
📍 You’ll find The Curling Club at The Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
So there you have it: a roundup of the best winter pop-ups this festive season. Toasty igloos, mulled wine, fire pits… with a visit to one of these spots, you’ll be as ready for Christmas as Buddy the Elf in no time.