Christmas in the UK isn’t complete without a glamorous cocktail or a mug of spiced mulled wine sat on a winter rooftop bar in London. So, luckily for us, London’s top hospitality venues are taking one of the team and creating everything from cosy chalets and toasty igloos to fairy light-covered terraces and fur blanket-lined snugs.
But, unfortunately, the build up to Christmas will be wrapping up before you know it, so we’ve only got so much time to enjoy these Christmas rooftop bars in London. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the very best Christmas bars in London, all complete with creamy hot chocolates, twinkling lights, festive décor and steaming mulled wine. So, combine exceptional city skyline views with the very best winter has to offer with our pick of Christmassy bars in London.
Be sure to check out our guide to the most Christmassy pubs in London, too!
Where to go for Christmas drinks in London
The Kitchen at Holmes, Marylebone
The Kitchen at Holmes is a charming Christmas rooftop bar in London that has everything you could wish for from a fairytale winter wonderland. From a seasonal winter tasting menu to delicious cocktails, and not forgetting the Christmas movie pop up, The Kitchen is sure to kick-start those festive vibes. The winter menu features some posh Crimbo nosh; think smoked burrata, grilled sea bream, black Angus beef carpaccio, white chocolate panna cotta, raspberry sorbet and so much more to get your taste buds tingling.
As for the Christmas movie pop up, films are accompanied by all the essentials, including popcorn, twinkling fairy lights and silky soft fur throws to snuggle up with on chilly nights. So, if you’re looking for the best place to see in your first seasonal film, head over to this winter rooftop bar in London for classic titles like ‘Love Actually’, ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Home Alone’. A romantic Christmas movie at one of the most Christmassy bars in London also makes for a great winter date idea!
Book a room at the Holmes Hotel here.
Skylight Tobacco Dock, The City
You might be used to Skylight’s sunny al fresco terraces in the warmer months, but at Christmas, the impressive three-level Tobacco Dock transforms into one of the best winter rooftop bars in London. More than just a place for spectacular views and Christmas drinks in London, the Tobacco Dock comes complete with Europe’s only rooftop ice rink, along with toasty igloos and Alpine huts.
But, while this Christmas rooftop bar is clearly designed with fun at the forefront, sophisticated food and drinks can also be enjoyed here. A total of 18 igloos will be placed across the top two levels of this Christmassy bar in London, catering for groups of up to six people to sip on festive cocktails and nibble on seasonal sharing platters and street food delights. So, lace up your skates, reserve an igloo and get the party season started at this Christmas bar in London.
Four Seasons Park Lane, Mayfair
If anywhere knows how to do Christmas right, it’s the Four Seasons and the Park Lane winter rooftop bar in London is no different. This year, as one of the most Christmassy bars in London, Four Seasons Park Lane will be home to one of the capital’s best Christmas trees, making it the ideal spot to indulge in some festivities with friends. Guests to this Christmas rooftop bar in London can enjoy seasonal dishes from the Italian-inspired menu. Find comforting winter classics like risottos, pasta dishes, hearty grills, steaks and salads. Meanwhile, the drinks menu offers everything from wine and champagne to a vast array of cocktails with personalised drinks to suit every taste.
Book a room at the Four Seasons here.
Lily’s, Covent Garden
Located in the heart of the Covent Garden piazza, Lily’s offers one of the best Christmas bars in London from former Claridge’s pastry chef Kimberley Lin. The real showstopper at this winter rooftop bar in London is the Swiss Gruyere fondue. There’s nothing better than cosying up on heated seats with a shearling rug wrapped around your legs, taking in the festive surroundings, dipping bread into gooey cheesey goodness and sipping on a seasonal tipple. Well, at this Christmassy bar in London, you can do all that and more!
Willows on the Roof, Oxford Street
Set high above the crowds of Oxford Street on top of John Lewis, Willows on the Rooftop is an apres ski bar in London that’s ideal for getting in the yuletide mood. The department store rooftop has been spruced up with foliage, fairy lights and plenty of heated chalet-style cabins and igloo pods to keep you toasty warm as you sip on Christmas cocktails in London. The food and drink offering at this Christmas rooftop bar is courtesy of Giz’n’Green, so you can expect an array of fried chicken delights and delightful soul food. Wash it all down with your choice from the seasonal drinks menu, whether it be a signature cocktail, a large glass of wine or a Japanese beer. What more could you want from one of the best Christmassy bars in London?
Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
Considered an Instagram staple, the Dalloway Terrace changes seasonally, offering a charming secret garden in the winter and a bright, elegant al fresco space in warmer weather. Adjoined to the Bloomsbury hotel, the restaurant, which is named after Bloomsbury local Virginia Wolf’s most famous character, will be transformed into a beautiful Christmas rooftop bar in London this year. You can expect seasonal foliage, twinkling lights and apres ski-themed fare, including cheese fondue and incredible cocktails. This winter rooftop bar in London is even open on Christmas day if you can’t be bothered with the stress of cooking up your own feast.
God’s Garden, Marylebone
Set within the holy courtyard of the Grade I listed One Marylebone Church, God’s Garden is a one of the most unique Christmas bars in London. Enter this winter rooftop bar in London through the greenhouse of Floward’s florists and find a secret courtyard adorned with greenery, golden lights, oak garden tables and Persian-style tents and rugs. This Christmassy bar in London is kept super cosy thanks to a number of flame heaters and a stone fire pit on a raised deck. Look towards the back of the space and you;ll find what you’ve actually come for: the bar. This is where some of the best Christmas cocktails in London reside, as well as some twists on the classic mulled wine. Just next to the bar, you’ll see a teeny tiny kitchen, where you can order a heaps of plant-based goodness, meat tacos and sharing side dishes from Taqueria La Cantina.
Hush, Mayfair
Hidden away on a quiet courtyard in the heart of Mayfair, Hush’s winter rooftop terrace is one of the best-kept secrets in London. Every winter, this Christmas bar in London gets a festive makeover and this year, the theme is Into the Woods. Created in partnership with Sly Dog Rum, you can expect to find everything from vintage trinkets and inventive cocktails to faux foliage and glowing lights. Ultimately, this is the perfect spot to get in those Insta-worthy pics for the gram while sipping on some delightful drinks.
The Lucky Club, Camden
The newest Christmas rooftop bar in London, The Lucky Club in Camden is set to undergo a magical transformation this festive season. The 5,600 square foot winter rooftop will come complete with an open fire pit, heaters, festive foliage, glowing fairy lights and, of course, an extensive cocktail menu. Specialising in Margaritas, you’ll find plenty of concoctions with a Christmas twist, including a Hibiscus Margarita, a Mezcal Penicillin and a boozy hot chocolate. When it comes to the food at this Christmas bar in London, you won’t be disappointed by the quirky takes on seasonal classics, such as roast turkey quesadillas and pigs in blankets tacos.
Radio Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden
Situated at the ME London, 10 floors above the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, Radio Rooftop Bar manages to be trendy and fun at the same time. Live DJs, lunches, brunches and an array of Christmas cocktails, this spot is now considered one of London’s most iconic winter rooftop bars. The terrace has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a retractable roof, vertical blinds and snug igloo pods, or Winter Bubbles. Each igloo is kitted out with everything you need for a cosy Christmassy evening, including faux-fur throws, soft blankets and mini fireplaces. The menu here is Mediterranean-inspired, incorporating seasonal and locally produced produce.
The Aviary, The City
Perched on top of one of London’s most luxurious hotels, The Aviary is Christmas class at its best. This winter rooftop and bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating, along with spectacular 360-degree views of the city and a relaxed atmosphere. Igloos are set up all over the terrace to protect you from the cold chill, while woolly blankets and sheepskin rugs add a touch of luxe comfort. The menu features internationally-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients while the bar offers everything from botanical cocktails and an extensive wine list to excellent beers and hot drinks.
Looking for somewhere to stay in London during the festive season? Take a look at our guide to the most romantic hotels in London.
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