London’s Best Outdoor Winter Terraces For 2026
By
1 week ago
Al fresco socialising isn't just for summer
It might be getting chillier outside, but that won’t stop Londoners enjoying the great outdoors this winter – and by the great outdoors, we mean pub gardens. The capital’s bar and restaurant scene gets a seasonal makeover around this time of year, which sees its gardens, terrace and rooftops transformed into cosy retreats, complete with twinkling lights, warming tipples and festive cheer aplenty. Don your warmest winter coat, find a friend or two and settle down for a cup of steaming mulled wine at one of London’s best winter terraces.
Al Fresco Bars For Winter In London 2026
Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
For most of the year, Ham Yard Hotel’s rooftop is reserved for guests only. But come Christmastime, it opens up to the public for its annual festive pop up – running once again in partnership with Sapling Spirits. Set up camp beside an open fire and enjoy festive cocktails like the Clementine Collins, a twist on the classic Gin Collins made with cinnamon and lemon, alongside seasonal dishes like WildFarmed flatbread with woodfired skillets of roast scallops with kimchi butter. Sure to be a highlight, too, is the make-your-own-s’mores station; the ultimate cosy treat.
When? 12 November – 23 December 2026
Where? 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
BOOK: firmdalehotels.com
Kitchen at Holmes, Marylebone
After a day of Christmas shopping on Marylebone High Street, head to Kitchen at Holmes for a suitably festive meal on its terrace. The hotel has partnered with beloved cheesemonger La Fromagerie to create an Alpine-inspired escape, decked out with twinkling lights, faux fur throws and a menu of warming fare centred around cheese and truffle. Think truffle pumpkin gnocchi, burrata with Sardinian pane carasau, and truffle tartiflette – with the option to shave even more truffle on top for an extra dose of luxury. Later in November, the restaurant will bring back its rooftop cinema series, where guests can enjoy afternoon and evening screenings accompanied by fondue and seasonal cocktails.
When? Terrace menu available from 3 – 30 November 2026, rooftop cinema series from 26 November – 20 December 2026 from Thursdays through to Sundays
Where? 108 Baker Street, London W1U 6LJ
BOOK: kitchenatholmes.co.uk
Mercer Roof Terrace, Bank
Perched atop five-star hotel Vintry & Mercer and boasting sweeping views of the London skyline, Mercer Roof Terrace is a lovely spot to visit year-round. But it’s particularly special during the festive season, when the terrace transforms into a cosy winter wonderland – this year a collaboration with Charles Heidsieck Champagne. Settle into one of the cabins, which come complete with faux fur blankets, fizz and special wintry dishes.
When? Opening soon
Where? 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
BOOK: vintryandmercer.com
The Berkeley’s Rooftop Cabins
Now a staple on London’s festive calendar, The Berkeley’s winter cabins are returning for 2026. Popping up on the hotel’s rooftop – normally reserved for guests – the cabins are available for between two and six guests, overlooking Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The experience will kick off with a glass of mulled wine, followed by sharing-style dishes of Swiss raclette with charcuterie, black truffle dauphinoise, milk chocolate fondue and gingerbread s’mores. Better still, the cabins are decked out with ‘ring for champagne’ buttons to ensure a suitably merry evening.
When? From 13 November 2026
Where? The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
BOOK: maybourne.com
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
Craving festive vibes already? Head to historic Westminster hotel The Royal Horseguards, which has already given its garden a seasonal makeover. Tucked away alongside Whitehall Gardens, the terrace has been dressed with twinkling lights and cosy blankets. A sharing-style menu, meanwhile, includes bratwurst platters and warm Belgian chocolate fondue, alongside Christmassy cocktails and hot chocolate.
When? 1 November – 30 December 2026
Where? The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, 2 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EJ
BOOK: royalhorseguardshotel.com
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
If you love sushi and tequila, head to the Covent Garden branch of SUSHISAMBA for a festive feast to remember. Set amid the square’s bustling atmosphere, the winter terrace is running in collaboration with Patrón – which means plenty of cocktails alongside the restaurant’s menu of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian fusion dishes.
When? From 4 November 2026
Where? 35, The Market, London WC2E 8RF
BOOK: sushisamba.com
Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, forever a Bloomsbury association, Dalloway Terrace is similarly elegant, poetic and quintessentially English. Its flower-covered outdoor space makes it one of the city’s most sought-after al fresco drinking spots across all seasons. Every winter, it’s transformed into a cosy retreat – last year that involved snow-capped fir trees and frosted pine cones, alongside seasonal cocktails and warming dishes. We haven’t yet got the details of this year’s edition, but Dalloway Terrace always delivers on the festive feels.
When? Open year-round
Where? 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
BOOK: dallowayterrace.com
The Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush hotspot The Hawk’s Nest is one of London’s most popular spots for al fresco drinks. Covered and heated, and offering plenty of space, it’s perfect for winter get-togethers with big groups, fuelled by wood-fired pizzas. Get there early to make the most of the margarita deal, where you can enjoy a margherita pizza and a margarita cocktail for just £14.50. Not a tequila fan? Fear not: there are an abundance of cocktails to choose from, including a Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, alongside steaming cups of mulled wine. Look out, too, for weekly quiz nights, wreath making workshops and more.
When? Open year round
Where? Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London W12 8DF
BOOK: the-hawks-nest.co.uk
Acme Fire Cult, Dalston
Vegetables take centre stage at Dalston restaurant Acme Fire Cult, which is all about live fire cooking. A partnership with 40FT Brewery, it’s home to a heated, sheltered terrace which is perfect for al fresco feasting, offering an array of seasonal dishes such as coal roast celeriac and Delica pumpkin with figs. There are also 10 taps serving up beers produced on-site, alongside a selection of winter cocktails.
When? Open year-round
Where? Abbot St, London E8 3DP
BOOK: acmefirecult.com
