London’s Best Winter Rooftop Bars and Terraces
You may think that the prospect of sitting out on a rooftop or terrace in the middle of December would put many people off using the facility of an outside space, but in reality they are just as popular during the winter months as they are in the summer. Rather than the late summer sun sinking down over the rooftops of London you instead get to look at the city as it sparkles and twinkles under a canopy of festive lights. Remember to wrap up warm though as when the roof tops and terraces are open, before the snow and ice hit it can be pretty chilly.
Shoreditch – The Boundary Rooftop
The Boundary finds its home in a fantastically refurbished Victorian warehouse. The design of the rooftop space was overseen by designer Terence Conran, and the recent addition of an all weather pergola to their rooftop space means that customers can enjoy the space and the fabulous views that it provides over the city no matter what the British weather throws at it. Food and drinks here will make you think of summer in the Mediterranean, even if the weather is as far removed from the summer sun as it can be.
Shoreditch – Queen of Hoxton
During the summer the rooftop is a vibrant opens space, but come the winter months the rooftop bar takes on a different persona. During the winter, the space becomes the Wigwambam with the traditional canvas structures offering the rooftop clientele some toasty comfort, complete with candle lanterns and an open flame grill to add a little warmth to the coldest of evenings. Here you can warm yourself up with a warm spiced pumpkin cider or a hot gin punch; guaranteed winter warmers.
Kensington – Kensington Roof Gardens
Kensington Roof Gardens are one of the hottest places to be seen during the summer months, and the great news is that the winter terrace is now active thanks to the wonderful Babylonian Restaurant. The terrace offers incredible views of the winter skyline for you to enjoy while you are sipping on a deliciously hot cocktail.
Earlsfield – The Leather Bottle
They may be beach huts during the summer months but come winter and they are transformed into ski chalets which come complete with heaters, hot water bottle and blankets to keep out the cold. The garden also plays host to a pop up ice rink and a Christmas market.
Canary Wharf – The Parlour
Located in Canada Square in the Park Pavilion, food and drink is available throughout the day, but the evenings see live music filling the space. The big outdoor terrace offers shelter in the form of massive umbrellas and heat from a number of fire pits, heaters and soft woollen blankets. Winter cocktails such as a hot butter rum punch will warm even the coldest cockles.
Kensington – Windsor Castle
A custom made marquee and heat lamps, along with a covered arbour bedecked with fairy lights offer shelter to customers looking to enjoy an alfresco evening. This is one of those places that many people overlook, not realising what they are missing out on.
