MORE CHILL: London’s best winter pop up bars
For those stepping out in London over the festive season the perfect antidote to the icy temperatures is an afternoon or evening spent in one of the city’s winter pop up bars. Take a load of your feet and settle down with a hot drink, sumptuous blanket and roaring fire. The only problem you are sure to face is getting back up!
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London and retreat into the Hyatt’s Regency’s Churchill Bar and Terrace where fur-lined seats, cashmere throws and Narnia-inspired décor await. Complete with cocktails crafted by Green & Black’s that have been especially designed to awaken even the weariest of feet. The Churchill’s seasonal bar menu includes mini-versions of British classics, cheese fondue and Turkish delight smothered in chocolate. Oh, and a for a VIP touch let us not forget the hot water bottles available upon request.
Once Upon a WigWam
Inspired by the Grimms' brother’s fairy tales, this East London pub has turned its roof terrace into a magical woodland complete with a climbable tree house and fire pits for toasting marsh mellows while keeping warm. Drawing inspiration from dark fairy tales, expect vine-covered winding stairs, ornate mirrors and creepy silhouettes from the creepy tree branches that dominate the wigwam. Drop in and warm your socks with a signature hot gingerbread & apple toddy from the Hanset and Gretel inspired gingerbread bar.
22nd October until end of March 2016 at Queen of Hoxton
Sipsmith at The Well
This artisanal London pub invites guests to descend on their underground cocktail lounge for a hot mulled gin, or two. The basement bar transports guests to a classic Alpine ski lodge complete with sumptuous Chesterfields, atmospheric candle-lit lanterns and faux fur throws just begging to be draped around your shoulders.
19th November until February 2016 at the Well Pub
York & Albany's Winter Chalet
Hidden in a courtyard of a London town house, guests are invited to escape the cold and settle down with luxurious blankets in this Alpine-style chalet adorned with fairy lights, pine cones and lanterns amid the scent of spiced candles. A visit to York & Albany's Winter Chalet wouldn’t be complete without sampling Chef Will Stanyer’s raclette, venison kromeski, and rainbow trout with horseradish mousse while sat by the open fire with a glass of red.
30th October 2015 – 28th February 2016 at Gordon Ramseys York & Albany Restaurant
Rekorderlig Cider Lodge
Grab a slice of Scandi-chic at the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge down on London’s cultural shores, The South Bank. The two-tier structure has been constructed to resemble a classic Scandinavian house alongside traditional fire pits and minimalist Swedish furniture. Guests are invited to pop in for Scandinavian street food and a hot cider.
20 November – 17 January at the South Bank Centre