The Best Winter Pop Ups In London
Whilst it’s tempting to hide indoors away from the cold, London doesn’t like us Londoners to be all doom and gloom awaiting Christmas. No, they want to celebrate all things Winter from mulled wine to ice skating and igloos. And trust us, there’s a whole heap of igloos dotted around the city!
So throw on your best cable knit (over your thermals obviously), don your gloves, call your fun friends and embrace the cosiest time of year…
Roof East
(Stratford from 1 November – 22 December)
Because we all loved the ultimate classic film ‘Cool Runnings’, it seems only right to celebrate the 25th anniversary, and that’s exactly what Roof East are doing. Returning this winter, with the curl-est transformation yet, enjoy a game (or two) of Sliders and embrace all things Jamaican in homage to the bobsleighers. Complete with a neon theme, there’s yummy cocktails, street food to feast on and a pretty cool view from way up high.
John Lewis Roof Garden
(Oxford Street from 20 October – 6 January)
We love gin more than life itself, and we also love John Lewis for their highly-anticipated Christmas advert (right?), so when they combine both, you know it’s set to be a good pop up. Escape to their rooftop hideaway and get your skate on in the Sipsmith rink, before keeping warm with hot gin and their freshly baked pies whilst enjoying the view. It’s sure to top off that perfect winter day out.
The Winter Forest
(Broadgate Circle from 6 November – 24 December)
Snow-covered pine trees, twinkling lights and wood cabins have transformed Broadgate Circle’s buzzing restaurants and bars into The Winter Forest, and it’s pretty special. There’s hot butter rum cocktails, cosy throws to curl up under, live music and of course delicious and tasty food and drink. And Mrs Fogg’s pop up bar has a special menu, and they’re just as good as Mr Fogg’s cocktails, if not better. We are in for a treat this winter.
Coppa Club’s Igloos
(Tower Bridge from 9 October – 31 January)
If there’s one pop up to send Londoners into uncontrollable excitement, it’s Coppa Club’s Igloos. Quite possibly, actually most definitely, winter’s dreamiest spot, the igloos offer spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Shard whilst keeping snug under the fluffy blankets and sheepskin rugs. There’s delicious winter gin cocktails available, along with their seasonal menu and basically, it can’t get any better than here.
Winterland
(Fulham from 8 November)
Taking inspiration from the slopes of the Alps in the 80s and 90s, Winterland is back and will transport you into an Alpine paradise. Known as the cosy, festive winter playground, there’ll be lodges, mountain scenes, gondolas and chairlifts and even karaoke and curling. Jimmy’s Lodge will also be on hand, serving up some delicious fondues and schnitzels along with mulled winter and winter warmer cocktails. A festive world of warmth and merriness awaits.
The London Shuffle Club
(Shoreditch from 10 November – 30 December)
Fancy winter in s’moreditch? Of course you do! With the already popular shuffleboards in demand, London Shuffle Club have replaced their outdoor lanes just in time for winter. But the fun doesn’t stop there, as they’ve introduced cosy booths around firepits where you can toast your own delicious s’mores whilst sipping on delicious hot cocktails. It’s definitely a winter experience like no other.
Cinema In The Snow
(Hackney from 13 December)
It’s not everyday that you’d really want to dig deep into your wardrobe for fear of not knowing what’s lurking inside, but Pop Up Screens want to show off theirs and have you enter through their wardrobe. Embarking on an adventure through a snow-filled forest, you’ll find the cinema playing some of our favourite Christmas films such as Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Muppets to name a few. The ultimate cosy spot.
The Montague Ski Lodge
(Bloomsbury from 14 November – 13 January)
If there’s any place you must drink mulled wine, it’s The Montague Ski Lodge. With pine trees, falling snow, reindeer, piste maps and strings of fairy lights, this magical ski lodge is ultra-seasonal and festive. The mulled wine is delicious and warming, the hot spiced cider is refreshing, and the hot chocolate is incredibly tasty. Wrap up with their big woolly rugs to keep snug whilst feeling completely prepared for the magical season ahead.
Pergola Paddington
(Paddington from 18 October)
Wrapped up warm and bringing the outside in and taking the inside out, Pergola Paddington is back after an incredible summer. It’s the perfect place to while away those long winter days and nights, as you tuck into food from some of our favourites such as Patty & Bun and Yucatan and sip on hot and festive cocktails among the greenery and glowing lights.
Skylight
(Wapping from 1 November – 27 January)
We all love a bit of ice skating, and we love it even more when we’re skating around on Europe’s only rooftop ice rink. Nestled in one of the most imaginative rooftop bars, Skylight also offers stellar cocktails, seasonal shenanigans and an amazing city view too. They’ve also got igloos to cosy up in, fondue and wine to keep you toasty and will most certainly take your evening to new heights.
Jimmy’s Lodge
(South Bank from 9 November – 6 January)
There’s just something magical about the South Bank already, so when it’s had a festive makeover with Jimmy’s Lodge, the South Bank is on another level. Back this year, it’s bigger, sleeker and chicer in the dining room and warmer and cosier in the newly customised private dining glass igloos, making it the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere with friends. Basically it’s all the pleasures of the Alps, just a few stops from home.
Aviary Igloos
(Finsbury Square from 8 November – 16 March)
Faux fur blankets, cosy rugs and hot water bottles keeping you warm, the Aviary Igloos are back this winter by popular demand. With Aviary’s rooftop bar being located on the 10th floor overlooking the city, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy breathtaking sunsets whilst sipping on hot cocktails and feasting on sharing platters for that festive yet sophisticated vibe. We’ll never tire of the igloo pop-ups.
Here’s to eating, drinking, and getting merry.
