Boozy cocktails, cheese fondue and fairy lights await across the capital
Lockdown curbed 2020’s Christmas celebrations – which means our appetite for festive fun is bigger than ever this year. Luckily London excels in this area, with twinkling winter pop-ups sprinkled across the city. From ski-inspired Alpine lodges to riverside igloos, read on for our pick of the ones worth visiting in 2021.
Best Winter Pop-Ups in London 2021
Scott’s Mayfair
Scott’s has become a twinkling sensation this festive season as it unveils a ‘Starstruck Christmas’ in collaboration with Perrier-Jouët. Its magical night sky instillation will greet you at the door, and once you’re inside there are champagne cocktails and limited-edition desserts alongside a special festive menu of Scott’s dishes paired with Perrier-Jouët pours. Until end of January, scotts.capricebookings.com
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
This Christmas, The Ivy Chelsea Garden has been transformed into the magical land of ‘Whoville’, in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Modelled on the festive tale of The Grinch, you’ll find everything from Whoville-style houses to the Grinch himself climbing down Mount Crumpit. With its festive desserts and limited-edition cocktail menu, it’s sure to charm even the Grinchiest of guests. 17 November 2021 – 6 January 2022, theivychelseagarden.com
Oeno House
Escape to a cosy Alpine hideaway just a stone’s throw from Bank tube station at Oeno House’s newly-opened winter terrace. Snow-white fur throws, soft lighting and snug seating sets the scene as you settle down at your table – but the real joy is the chance to sample Oeno House’s extensive and impressive wine list. Add small plates and smorgasboards of cheese and charcuterie, and you have all the ingredients you need for an evening toasting the season with friends. oenogroup.com
Coppa Club
Cocoon yourself this Christmas at Coppa Club’s igloos. Think decadence in a bubble: enjoy a truffled wagyu burger or warm chocolate fondant, with warm glowy lights and festive lanterns hanging overhead. Sip on some Champagne Laurent Perrier (a new partner for this year) and enjoy the best views of Tower Bridge in the city. The seasonal igloos will also be available at Coppa Club’s brand-new location, Putney, opening 2 November. coppaclub.com
AllBright x The White Company
The secluded rooftop of Mayfair members’ club AllBright has been transformed into a winter escape courtesy of one of the cosiest brands around, The White Company. Think seasonal scents, beautiful wreaths and a Christmas tree centrepiece, complete with impressive views of the city. Within this magical setting, guests can enjoy cocktails inspired by The White Company’s renowned winter scent collection, including Highland Escape, mixed with champagne, cognac, bergamot and winter herbs. allbrightcollective.com
The Berkeley Winter Cabins
Following the roaring success of its beach huts this summer, The Berkeley has revealed its winter pop-up. The hotel’s terrace will play host to five cosy wooden cabins this season, decked out with wreaths, fir trees and fairy lights. Blankets and heaters will be on hand to keep guests warm, alongside a menu of alpine-inspired treats such as cheese fondue, raclette grill and rum-spiked hot chocolate. the-berkeley.co.uk
Pergola Paddington
Following its Miracle on Kingdom Street pop-up last year, Pergola Paddington’s festive iteration returns this November. The upper deck will take the shape of a winter forest set to the backdrop of snow-covered hills, while downstairs will stand as an Alpine Hall complete with ten chalets – all decked out with blankets and fondue kits. Enjoy hot toddies, spiced cider and hot chocolate alongside raclette – and don’t miss out on the themed nights programme, which includes a cheese night and a Christmas drag brunch. From 11 November, pergolapaddington.com
Alpine Garden at Corinthia London
This summer Corinthia London channelled the Med with its al fresco restaurant – but as winter approaches, it’s transforming into a festive wonderland. The semi-covered courtyard retreat will be decked out in seasonal plants and twinkling lights, with hot water bottles and blankets to keep guests cosy. A new menu will serve up Alpine-inspired charcuterie, baked lobster thermidor and tartiflette, alongside hot negronis and boozy hot chocolate. corinthia.com
Miracle at Henrietta
US-born festive pop-up Miracle returns to Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel for its fourth year running this November. A project from Experimental Group, Miracle will appear on the hotel’s mezzanine as a 70s-style Christmas home, complete with retro decorations, coloured lights and an oversized fireplace. Within this idyllic setting guests can enjoy a selection of festive drinks concoctions courtesy of Experimental Cocktail Club alumni Nico de Soto, such as the Bad Santa: mulled red wine with Tawney Port, orange liqueur and spices. From 11 November, henriettahotel.com
Jimmy Garcia’s Winter Lodge
Missing out on skiing this year? Jimmy Garcia is bringing the Alps to you with his annual riverside snow globes. Book one out for you and your friends to feast on a menu of fondue, flat iron steaks, Baileys cocktails and hot buttered rum – all while enjoying views of the Thames. You can also pop on your own playlist, and head for a drink or two in the heated Alpine bar afterwards. From 4 November, jimmyspopup.com
Backyard Cinema
Immersive cinema group Backyard Cinema heads to East London for its Christmas extravaganza this year. For the month of December only, it will be taking over art deco music venue Troxy and turning it into a festive movie palace, complete with giant Christmas trees, mince pies and mulled wine. Here, guests are invited to enjoy a specially created live show about the story of Christmas tradition by George the Poet, followed by a festive movie screening such as Love Actually or Elf. 1 – 31 December, backyardcinema.co.uk
Winterland
Fulham’s festive riverside retreat is back this November with a whole host of spaces to book privately – from igloos to ski lift bubbles to winter chalets. From these, feast on fondue, charcuterie boards, mac & cheese and pizzas, alongside hot festive favourites such as mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate. winterlandlondon.com
Aviary’s Sky-Line Igloos
Back for another winter of rooftop festive fun, the skyline igloos are returning to Aviary in Finsbury Square, offering guests panoramic views of the city, specially curated Talisker cocktails – try the citrusy ‘Scotch Mist’ and the ‘Talisker Campfire Hot Chocolate’ – and an array of delicious food platters to be shared while snuggled up with cosy blankets. aviarylondon.com
Main image: Pergola Paddington
READ MORE:
Best Shows To Catch This Christmas / Festive Recipe Boxes To Order Now
You might also like...
