The weather outside is not quite frightful… however, the fire is still delightful and London is stocked with plenty of perches from which to soak up Christmas good will this festive season. City-goers need look hard enough to catch a glimpse of terraces full of revellers sampling yuletide favourites and modern twists on Christmas classics. Here, City Matters unveils the top winter terraces which deserve a visit before 25 December.
The Winter Garden at Le Pont de la Tour
The restaurant’s magical Winter Garden has launched in collaboration with Tanqueray 10, serving winter warmer cocktails. Decorated with luxurious furry blankets, the terrace menu features fancy drinks including the delicious Le Pont Martinez and seasonal White Tower. Until the end of February, head chef Frederick Forster will be serving up an array of fondues, from truffle cheese right through to the indulgent Belgian chocolate, all paired with exquisite wines picked by the sommelier team. Experience the perfect winter warmer in a relaxed and glamorous ambience whilst enjoying spectacular views of the Thames.
Orrery’s rooftop terrace in Marylebone
Orrery have teamed up with Hennessy to create a Courchevel-inspired winter terrace. Sample their new line of hot and cold cocktails, including Orrery XO, mulled wine and Hennessy Chocolate Delight. Mince pies, a cheese board and cognac cake dessert will also be available at this Marylebone bolthole.
Big Easy Canary Wharf Terrace
This 150 cover, west facing wraparound terrace offers guests a unique location in Canary Wharf to enjoy alfresco drinking and dining above the city. A Warm Winter Tipple menu is available, offering mulled cider, wine and sherry, boozy hot chocolates and a range of hot cocktails – none grander than the Big Easy Hot Buttered Rum (butter, demerara sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple juice, and eight-year Bacardi).
Bankside’s Wonky Wonderland winter terrace
This Christmas, Hilton Bankside are hosting London’s first Wonky Wonderland installation in collaboration with Better Bankside and Character Christmas Trees. Dedicated to finding a home for unloved and unwanted Christmas trees, the popup is part of the Bankside Urban Forest initiative, a longterm project dedicated to bringing new life and uses to outdoor spaces in Bankside SE1.
Dressed in festive solar-powered fairy lights, the trees surround the hotel’s winter terrace, which itself is furnished with cosy blankets and serves spiced winter cocktails, roasted chestnuts and The Distillery’s Ultimate Christmas Sandwich. In the new year, the bark from the trees will be re-used on local gardening projects, including the hotel’s own beehives situated on the meadow roof terrace of the building.
Galvin HOP Pilsner Urquell Winter Garden
Spitalfields pub deluxe, Galvin HOP, has launched a Winter Garden in partnership with the original golden pilsner, Pilsner Urquell. Running throughout the festive season and into the new year, the space is available for private hire. Adjacent to the restaurant, the Bavarian-style beer tent can accommodate 30 people seated, 40 people standing, and up to 80 people with the addition of its own private terrace, the perfect scene for an after-work drink or exclusive Christmas party. The beer tent also features its own bar comprising a 250-litre copper Pilsner tank serving 440 pints! For larger parties, sharing platters and a three-course menu are available.
