Radio Rooftop at ME London Hotel
What: #ApresWithAView
Why: This December, ME London Hotel will be bringing the Alps to London with their #ApresWithAView rooftop pop-up. On arrival to ME London you’ll be handed your lift pass before you ascend to Radio and settle in for the evening in one of their three luxuriously furnished cable cars. Inside your private cable car, (all of which is included in the price) you’ll be able to sip on spiced rum eggnog served in chocolate cups, toast with magnums of Veuve Clicquot, party with a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and then feast on decadent truffle cheese fondue and alpine boards of charcuterie. It’s not your average pop-up. Opens December 1st
Where: ME London Hotel, Strand, WC2R 1HA
THOR’S
What: Viking Vibes
Why: Regent’s Place will become home to THOR’S, a pop up bar channeling Scandi/Viking chic this winter. The cosy cabin will transport you to the Nordics, minus the harsh weather, and even if the British winter is getting to you, there’ll be plenty of log fires to keep you warm. Get into the festive spirit with glühwein (Scandi mulled wine), hot cider or spiked hot chocolate while you feast on sausages with all the Scandi trimmings. Never mind Santa, this Christmas, we’ll be toasting to Thor. Open Now
Where: Regent’s Place, Kings Cross, NW1 3AN
Winterville
What: Fun for the Family
Why: Brought to you by the team behind Field Day and Street Feast, Winterville is a pop up mini village with enough entertainment to take you right up to that special day. Glide across Clapham’s first ever ice rink or show off your moves at the roller disco. Head to the Spiegeltent for performances of Michael Morpugo’s Mimi & the Mountain Dragon, or for a more interactive theatre experience head to The World Beyond the Wardrobe, or the Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden. Of course, Street Feast are in charge of food, so expect only the best of London’s street food, while to drink there’ll be hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot toddies. Opens 23rd November
Where: Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE
The Montague on the Gardens
What: Après Ski Lodge
Why: Every winter, the wood deck at The Montague on the Gardens is transformed into a wintry Alpine ski lodge. The deck will be adorned with pine trees, snowmen, reindeer, ski racks and piste maps, and to complete the look, there’ll be falling snow, all lit up with lanterns and shimmering fairy lights. On offer at the bar will be schnapps, flavoured vodkas or warming mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate cocktails. Snuggle up on the wooly rugs while you munch on candied pecans or head to the log cabin and sink into the armchairs with your drink in hand of course. Opens 16th November
Where: 15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ
Archer Street
What: The Slopes Away from the Slopes
Why: If you can’t quite manage to hit the slopes this winter, fear not, for Archer Street will become home to PISTE, a luxurious ski lodge, all the way through to May next year. Recline on the fur-lined seats while admiring the digital artwork and sipping on festive drinks such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town or Last Christmas. Being located in the heart of Soho, PISTE is the perfect place to head to, to unwind, after a long, tiring and stressful day of Christmas shopping. Open Now
Where: 3-4 Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7AP
Winterland
What: Fulham’s Enchanted Forest
Why: Fulham’s first ever Thameside beach will be transformed into an enchanted woodland wonderland this winter. There’ll be a heated pergola which’ll be home to giant feasting tables, heated tents with fur-lined sofas, riverside igloos and winter lodges. Grab a drink from either of the two bars and head to the adult playground which will feature neon curling lanes, mini golf, ping pong and prosecco pong. Food on offer will be courtesy of Jimmy Garcia of Jimmy’s lodge, so expect the gooey-est fondues and raclette burgers. Opens 9th November
Where: Albert Wharf, Fulham, SW6 2TY
Eis Haus
What: The Bar Made of Ice
Why: This year the bar made of ice, aka Eis Haus, will be arriving on the banks of the River Thames as London Bridge City is transformed into an urban, alpine destination. Once you’ve donned you ski clothes and gloves, you’ll be able to sit amongst ice sculptures of howling wolves and a giant bear on Game of Thrones- inspired ice thrones whilst sipping drinks from frozen glasses at a chilly minus 5 degrees. Once outside warm up in the après ski bar with hot toddies. Winter is definitely coming. From the 30th November
Where: Christmas by the River, London Bridge City, SE1
Vauxhall Winter Village
What: Alpine Village
Why: Head south of the river this winter for Alpine themed fun, with a twist. Save the turkey and trimmings for Christmas Day and instead feast on offerings from Jamakin’ Me Crazy, Hola Guacamole and Ye Olde Fish and Chips, all while enjoying bespoke winter cocktails – both hot and cold. Ski cabin booths will be available to hire, all with Ski resort themes like Aspen and Klosters, and retro ski wear will be available too, so you can dress up and truly get into the spirit. Opens 16th November
Where: 6A South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1RT
Winter La La Land
What: Fire Pits and Street Food
Why: Last Days of Shoreditch is back with a stellar programme for the winter. Enjoy Ernest Hemingway inspired cocktails, like the sazerac, the godmother, Hemingway’s bellini in front of the roaring fires. Feast on hearty street food from Smokey Tails, Biff’s Jack Shack and Cheeky Burger. Definitely get some classic wintry cocktails down you before heading to the karaoke room, or let loose on the dance floor to the likes of Alex Arnout, Geddes and Dave Jarvis and Friends. Opens 23rd November
Where: Last Days of Shoreditch, 288 Old Street, EC1V 9LA
The Winter Forest
What: Festive Fairytale Forest
Why: You’ll forget you’re in London at Broadgate’s Winter Forest what with the towering pine trees will be covered in biodegradable snow and twinkling fairy lights. Outside the forest you’ll find the Winter Market, which will host 5 indpendent artisan vendors including The Amazing Chocolate Workshop, The Somerset Ploughmen, and Wonderland Collective, so look no further for all your Christmas shopping needs. The square will also become home to a new installation by British artist David Ogle, entitled Lumen, which features neon trees and immerses visitors in a world of light and colour. The Winter Forest will be hosting a series of events throughout winter, so keep your eyes peeled for more details. Opens 9th November
Where: Broadgate, EC2M 3WA
Social Fun & Games Club at Roof East
What: Rooftop Fun and Games
Why: If you’ve missed out on tickets until now, you’re in luck because Social Fun & Games have released more for December. Indeed that means you still have the chance to try your hand at curling and dine in an igloo. Get cosy in your igloo while you enjoy sharing platters courtesy of either Jimmy’s Lodge or Crazy Pig, before hitting the neon-lit curling lanes. Save your visit to the Ski Lodge Bar until the end because you’ll be served up ski-shots – yes – shots lined up on a ski, and let’s be honest, you won’t be winning any curling games after this. Open Now
Where: 45a Broadway, Stratford, E15 1XD
Coq d’ Argent
What: Coq d’ Argent
Why: Coq d’ Argent opens it’s winter terrace once again. Inspired by the Arctic you can hide away in the igloo tents, with out experiencing the drop in temperature. The terraces are heated and there are plenty of furs, warm twinkly lights and Hennessy Cocktails to take the edge off any chill that seeks out your bones. Last but by no means least the, ‘Aurora Borealis Cube’, a simulated visual installation that will kid you in to thinking you are actually staring at the Northern lights. Open Now
Where: No 1 Poultry, Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Winter Lodge at The Hampshire Lounge Bar
What: The Hampshire Winter Lodge
Why: The pop up at The Hampshire in Leicester Square will be transformed into a cosy mountain retreat in the very heart of Central London. Though it boasts a wintery hideaway, I feel it’s the food at this place that’s going to have us all hammering on the door, the team will be serving up the likes of grilled raclette, maple glazed ribs, hot toddy and mulled wine to showcase the offering for winter. Yum yum. Open Now
Where: 21 Irving Street Leicester Square WC2H 7LH