Now that the weather has turned a bit chilly we all perhaps feel a bit like staying inside. However sometimes it feels as though we never get any fresh air anymore, let alone daylight! In the summer months it’s all too easy to spend an evening relaxing with friends at an outdoor bar, but now that winter is here, do we really have any choice?
Well, the answer to that is yes, actually we do. In London there are some amazing winter rooftop bars to explore so you can enjoy great views, fresh air, and not even freeze to death while doing it! London has plenty of establishments whose outside spaces are well equipped for winter so wrap up warm and get out there! Below we take a look at some of the best.
The Golden Bee
In the heart of uber-trendy Shoreditch you can find the Golden Bee. Inside you can find a deliciously dark cocktail bar, cool candlelit tables, dark flooring and stylish mirrors and lights. The stunning rooftop terrace is perfect to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine with friends. Packed with comfy sofas you can lounge about and enjoy the view, and if you get a bit chilly simply nip down to the packed dance floor for a bit of a boogie!
The Roof Gardens, West London
The super sophisticated Rooftop Gardens in Kensington is sure to put you in the festive spirit! Their pretty rooftop bar features exclusive gardens and simply magical views of the city. A hit with celebrities, this bar exudes glamor from every corner. There are also fantastic live music nights going on here in the winter, and if you are feeling fancy then you can hire the entire rooftop out for you and all your friends!
Boundary Rooftop Bar
Boundary Rooftop Bar is another popular Shoreditch haunt. The rooftop bar & grill is open all year round and you can enjoy some fantastic food while admiring the iconic London skyline. Wicker furniture with large cushions are great for lounging, candles and fairy lights give it a magical Christmassy feel, and they have plenty of patio heaters too to keep the chills at bay!
The Leather Bottle, South London
The Leather Bottle can be found in the heart of South London. The impressive outdoor garden turns into a magical ski resort when the winter months arrive! There are plenty of picnic tables and umbrellas with heaters to keep the masses warm, but you can also hire out your own personal ski chalet which have their own heaters, comfy benches and blankets to keep you cozy even when the temperatures drop right down. The friendly staff, great selection of drinks, and scrumptious food means this place stays popular all year round.
Radio Rooftop Bar
Fancy sipping a delicious cocktail while admiring views of iconic London attractions such as the Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral? If so then you should most certainly check out the Radio Rooftop bar which sits on top of the ME building on London’s famous Strand. Serving a great selection of tapas you can enjoy of fantastic meal while feeling as though you are on top of the world.
El Cantara Soho, Central London
In swanky Soho you can find El Cantara where you can enjoy a cozy ambiance on their private terrace while sampling different varieties of Shisha. They match their Shisha flavors to specially made cocktails. The terrace is perfect for relaxing and socializing after a hard day at the office.
Of course, we know some people prefer to get cozy during the colder months, and while the idea of an outdoor space might sound appealing, so does getting all nice and toasty in front of an open fire. So we have also listed some of the finest bars and pubs in London where you can do just that!
The Antelope
In the heart of Tooting you can find this gem of a pub. Bright and warm, and serving truly delicious gastro pub fare you can find not one, but three fires to crowd around when the weather turns chilly. With old chesterfield armchairs and low lighting just make sure you don’t get too comfortable and fall asleep! The bar oozes old school elegance and sophistication and offers a fine selection of hearty ales for you to sample. Wonderful dishes such as seafood stew’s, which are packed with treats from the sea such as prawns, mussels and squid are sure to keep you feeling warm and satisfied too!
Clapton Hart
The Clapton Hart is great to head to with a big group of friends. It’s got plenty of space so you don’t feel too crowded, but also gives off a warm and friendly vibe. In the winter there are three fires so you can be sure to get a place by the hearth! Its menu is strong, serving simple but tasty pub fare which you can enjoy while checking out the rather unusual décor. Stuffed full of weird and wonderful objects you can feel a bit like you have wondered into a bric-a-brac shop but we think that is all part of its charm!
Southampton Arms
This is where to go if you like your pubs laid back and somewhere scruffy with a bit of an ‘old man’ vibe, its sign outside reads ‘Ale, Cider, Meat’ and that’s exactly what you get. With worn floorboards and bare bulbs hanging from the ceiling, wooden tables and chairs, and a shabby looking piano in one corner this pub has no frills and we like it! Grab yourself a pint of cider, a bag of scampi fries, bring your dog and a book and settle down by the roaring wood-burning fire for a cozy and relaxing afternoon! Just remember to go to the cash point before as it is ‘real money only!’ You get the message!
So whether you fancy wrapping up warm and braving the cold night air, or getting all cozy by the fire, there are some great pub options in London this winter which are sure to put you right into the Christmas spirit!
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