Prop up the bar at a pop-up
It’s hardly surprising that London will host a plethora of pop-ups over the festive period, so there’s a little something for everyone. Cider enthusiasts should make a beeline for South Bank where Rekorderlig’s Cider Lodge features fire pits, Swedish food and of course plenty of hot and cold alcoholic apple offerings.
Pergola Paddington has been decked out to look like a winter forest, which is only accessible to guests through a tunnel of twinkling stars. Vendors include much-loved names like An Choi, Babek Brothers, Temaki Bros and Smash Patty.
NYC’s famous Miracle on Ninth Street bar is also returning to Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel with retro decorations, nostalgic alpine-themed accessories and a menu of classic cocktails.
High tea in a ho ho hotel
From the Ritz to the Savoy, many of London’s most treasured hotels are offering high tea with a side of holiday cheer. Visitors to the Grosvenor House Hotel can enjoy a selection of Christmas-themed sweet and savoury treats at the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea served in the 5-star hotel’s stately Park Room.
I’m wearing a dress by Sorci and Fofa
Each of the pastries on offer is directly inspired by characters from the famed ballet – from Sugar Plum Fairy cheesecake to The Danish Shepherdess mandarin and orange sponge. Throughout the year they also offer a hugely popular kids option – Grover’s Tea – that comes complete with ice cream and a complimentary mini Grover toy.
The girls are wearing party dresses by Le Mu
See London light up
The capital’s most famous light displays are of course Regent Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street – so a walk around Central London can easily provide a large dose of festive cheer. But if these dazzling displays leave you wanting more, there are a number of ticketed light shows on offer too. Christmas at Kew showcases a twinkling after-dark trail that winds its way through the legendary gardens culminating in gastronomic offerings and a Victorian funfair. Enchanted Eltham is another seasonal light trail that illuminates Eltham Palace’s magical surrounds, with marshmallow toasting for the kids and mulled wine for the grown-ups.
Cosy-up in an igloo
One of the coolest trends to takeover the city in recent years is drinking and dining in an igloo. This year Tower Bridge’s Coppa Club has woodland themed igloos complete with blankets, candles and riverside views.
With vistas over Finsbury Square, Aviary’s rooftop igloos are back, this time with a Scottish twist. The bar has partnered with Talisker Whisky to create Skye-line igloos inspired by the enchantingly beautiful Isle of Skye.
South London’s Winterland also makes a welcome return, transforming its Thames-side location into an alpine lodge for the winter. As well as hot tubs and festive bar offerings, guests can enjoy drink service from private igloos nestled into an enchanted forest.
Written by Thea Carley
