Go to a rooftop… in the middle of winter? You might think the last place you’d want to be when temperatures drop is outdoors, but we’ve got plenty of good reason for you to think again.
London is home to some of the coolest rooftops in the world and when winter hits, their version of woolly hats and scarfs are roaring fire fits and heated igloos covered in fairlights. From one hotspot in Camden going festive with pigs in blankets tacos to ice rinks being installed on the top floor of an abandoned car park, DesignMyNight have lots of reasons to wrap up warm and travel skywards this winter.
The Lucky Club
Lace up your Doc Martens and go in search of your bobble hat. Camden’s got a new(ish) rooftop and it just so happens to be getting a winter makeover. The Lucky Club opened in May and they’ve wasted no time when getting prepared for winter. Their open airspace will welcome fire pits, hundreds of fairlights and more festive foliage than you can shake a Christmas cracker at. Not only that, this cool hideaway is promising a menu of pigs in blankets tacos, boozy hot chocolate spiked with tequila and moreish chai old fashioneds.
Skylight
Europe’s only rooftop ice rink? You’ll find it atop an abandoned car park in Wapping. Known as Skylight, this sky-high space is one of the best rooftops in the capital, especially come winter. It’s known for pulling out all the stops, from cute igloos where you can drink and dine to your heart’s content to installing an actual ice rink where you can glide to sights of London’s bright city lights – it’s got it all. The drinks menu gets a twist too, think steaming cups of milled wine and moreish After Eight Martinis.
Madison
There’s no denying that St Paul’s Cathedral is impressive. But what if we told you it’s even more impressive when you’re at Madison… Madison is one of London’s ‘it’ bars, pulling in a trendy crowd from summer right through to winter and when Christmas is concerned, they always go to town.. Expect cosy lodges, huge outdoor heaters, cracking DJ sets, winter-equipped drinks and a gorgeous backdrop to one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Pergola Paddington
Whether you can’t afford the trip this year or you’re terrible at skiing and just love the clothes, we’ve got the perfect alternative to that winter holiday you’re craving. Queue Pergola on the Piste. This almost-famous rooftop will be turning into a snow-washed ski lodge where everyone is encouraged to wear their best ski suit and let their hair down, apres ski-style. Get geared up for a ski-tacular menu of shot skis, génépi and demi-peche alongside alpine-inspired street food. Raclette, anyone?
London Bridge Rooftop
London Bridge Rooftop is one of the newer additions to London’s ever-expanding rooftop scene, giving those with the right table gorgeous views of The Shard. Perched a few minutes from London Bridge Station, this rooftop can’t be any easier to get to either and in the lead up to Christmas they go bonkers with decorations. They’re known to bring in a flurry of fresh Christmas trees and they always update their menu, giving you festive feels with every sip.
Aviary
If you’re looking for a winter rooftop with serious style and sophistication, you can’t go wrong with Aviary. Perched atop the Montcalm Hotel in Finsbury Square, this rooftop restaurant has a menu to keep you coming back for more and an open air terrace with sparkling views of the skyline. Come winter they decorate their space with several glass domed igloos that come equipped with slinky couches, warm blankets and mini heaters, making it the perfect setup for catching up with your nearest and dearest.
Sky Garden
If date night is on the agenda this winter, make sure you add Sky Garden to your bucket list. This iconic rooftop space is set on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building and it’s the crème de la crème when it comes to London viewpoints. Each Christmas they add some sparkle to the city’s festivities by installing huge Christmas trees alongside adding a pop-up bar with themed drinks to get the party started. Did we mention that?
The Rooftop St James
It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in London your whole life or if you’re merely a tourist for the weekend, a bar boasting views of the capital’s landmarks is always a winner. Speaking of which, you’ll find The Rooftop St James just a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square and it happens to have some incredible views of Admiral Nelson. Not only that, but colder weather gives the rooftop a winter twist to its drinks and food. Think traditional fondue (with vegan options available) and Champagne cocktails.
12th Knott
Has anyone ever told you that good things sometimes come in small packages? 12th Knott will prove to you that the rumours are indeed true. This intimate wrap-around terrace that hugs the rooftop bar of Sea Containers gives its revellers eye-watering views of St Paul’s plus the wider city and they’re even more special when Christmas rolls around. Expect real Christmas trees dressed with hundreds of fairy lights, festive cocktails and sheepskin rugs.
Mercer Roof Terrace
Vintry and Mercer is a boutique hotel in the beating heart of London but it’s not all about the bedrooms and big beds at this swish spot. Travel up to the 7th floor and you’ll be met with Mercer Roof Terrace. Promising Instagrammable igloos and cute cabins from October through to March 2023, don’t be too surprised when you’ve stayed up past your bedtime overindulging on winter-ready snacks and drinks with a faux fur blanket around your shoulders.
Looking for more winter rooftop bars in London and across the UK? Visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
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