London is one of the most visited cities in the world. And also, a city filled with many grand rooftop bars.
A bit surprisingly maybe, but plenty of the London rooftop bars are open also during the winter months. Some are all-weather venues with both indoor and outdoor seating, but some also turn the alfresco terraces into warm-ish and cosy places for elevated fun.
You can find everything from luxurious winter terraces, rooftop ice rinks, igloos and alp huts, to 'just' heated rooftops perfect to chill out during the holiday season. Why not make the joyful days extra amazing, with a visit to one of the Christmas rooftop bars London has to offer?
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Here’s our list of the 10 best winter rooftops in London. A list made by the world’s leading experts on rooftop bars – The Rooftop Guide.
Found on the 7th floor of the fantastic The Trafalgar St. James, this is one of the best wining-and-dining locales in all of London.
Elegant, charming, and luxurious; this is the perfect place to enjoy a finely crafted cocktail or a fine wine.
Equipped with a retractable roof and outdoor blankets and heaters, The Rooftop is open year-round, even during the cold winter months.
The made-to-share food served in this restaurant is better described as pan-Asian, so make sure to visit with friends.
Thanks to its location, The Rooftop offers awe-worthy panoramic views of London's skyline and Trafalgar Square. So much so that you won't want to leave.
Reservations are encouraged but not necessary.
If you're looking for seclusion, The Rooftop also has a small, private glass box called ROOM, that seats 14 people and boasts the best views in the house.
THE ROOFTOP
The Lucky Club Camden, the brand new destination roof terrace that launched in 2022, is to undergo a magical transformation ahead of the festive season.
Launching in October, the rooftop cocktail and taco bar concept overlooking London's iconic Camden Market, will be transformed into a cosy Après Ski. Completely enclosed with wooden panelling, covered by a glass roof and with cosy faux furs, twinkling lights and even a ski gondola, fresh from the Alps for you to live out your ultimate Après dreams.
The extensive Margarita menu will enjoy a yuletide makeover, featuring creations such as the Pumpkin Mezcalita (Mezcal, Home-made Pumpkin Spice, Lime Juice), Mexican Mule (Tequila Blanco, Ginger & Lemongrass, Peach Liqueur, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer) and the Mezcal Penicillin (Mezcal, Lime, Ginger syrup, Agave), whilst the kitchen will be serving a hearty range of dishes inspired by the Alps and all things Après Ski, such as the Raclette Cheese Burger (High Welfare Beef Patty, Melting Raclette Cheese, Caramelised Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Fries) and a Cheese Fondue made to share.
To ensure guests remain toastie on the terrace, wool blankets and hot water bottles will be available on request for those chillier afternoons and nights.
Open daily for rooftop winter fun, The Lucky Club Camden also offers plenty of happenings throughout the week.
Come for the Margarita Mondays or the 50% Wine Wednesdays, fill up on cheese during the Bottomless Fondue on Thursdays, or get buzzing with the DJs every Friday and Saturday.
THE LUCKY CLUB
Found in the heart of City of London, Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant invites to a luxurious and elevated dining and drinking experience above the England capital.
Split over two floors, the venue includes a restaurant with two private terraces, a fully heated and covered rooftop terrace bar, and an exclusive private dining room in the cupola.
This means you can indulge in fine-dining, small plates, crafted signature cocktails, and panoramic 360° views of the central London landmarks year-round.
To make the colder season even more special, Wagtail also offers a Nordic Nights experience, in collaboration with Grey Goose.
The 9th floor rooftop is transformed into a winter paradise, adorned with luxurious heated igloos and enchanting light installations, reminiscent of the elusive Northern Lights.
Every igloo is equipped with plush blankets, heaters, and soft seating to keep everyone warm and comfy, while enjoying a menu filled with curated seasonal cocktails and Norse-inspired dishes.
WAGTAIL
Located at the excellent ME London, this beautiful rooftop bar and lounge is as trendy as it is fun.
Offering awe-worthy views of London's landmarks –from Big Ben to the London Eye– this is the kind of place that aims to impress.
Live DJs, small plates, lunches and brunches, as well as a collection of both classic and signature cocktails, have earned this spot the title as one of London's most iconic rooftop bars.
Because of this, prices are quite high, and reservations are a must, but the Radio Rooftop is more than worth it.
Set 10 floors above the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, the rooftop has both indoor and outdoor seating, including two immersive terraces. What's more, retractable roof, vertical blinds and cosy rooftop igloos make this an ideal spot for winter rooftop visits as well. The igloos, or Winter Bubbles, are luxurious winter hideaways, decked out with faux-fur throws, cosy blankets and mini fireplaces.
The Radio Rooftop is open to the public from early morning until late night, and offers an atmosphere that is both lively and classy, so make sure to dress your best.
RADIO ROOFTOP BAR
Located on top of one of London's most luxurious hotels, right in the heart of Finsbury Square, the Aviary aims to please.
This rooftop restaurant and bar combination offers both indoor and outdoor seating, magnificent views of the city, and a relaxed yet sumptuous ambiance that you're sure to enjoy.
The restaurant focuses on internationally inspired food made with seasonal ingredients; the bar is well known for its botanical cocktails and a wide selection of beers and wine.
Winters are particularly enjoyable at the Aviary, as rooftop igloos are set up all over the terrace to protect you from the winter chill. The 2023 igloo-season starts in October.
Woolen blankets and sheepskin rugs, plus a faux fern dome adds to the rooftop winter-wonderland illusion, and, if that wasn't enough, hot drinks are also available.
This is a trendy place, so make sure to arrive on time if you want to get a table. And if you want an igloo, make reservations.
AVIARY
Covering the top floor of the retail store John Lewis on Oxford Street, Willows On The Roof is an urban rooftop, providing the ultimate sanctuary from the mayhem of the city.
With the look and feel of an urban jungle, this is one of the biggest roof gardens in London, surrounded by panoramic views across the UK capital.
Perfect for sunny summer sesions, but also a great option during the colder season, with both heated chalet inspired cabins and private winter pods out in the terrace.
The 4 cosy and luxurious rooftop igloos are available from October 2023, with each seating 6 people, offering an immersive experience while dining under the stars.
The rooftop menu includes a seasonal selection of both food and drinks, including crafted cocktails and contemporary dishes.
WILLOWS ON THE ROOF
Located in Colechurch House on London Bridge Walk, the casual urban London Bridge Rooftop started as pop-up, but has quickly turned into one of the more popular and always present options on the London rooftop scene.
Up here, the grey concrete of the rooftop mingles with mint green pergolas, fairy lights and green plants to create a cool urban summer hang out in the city. But, there is also blankets, flexible shutter coverings and heaters across the 220 capacity venue, keeping everyone warm and cosy no matter the weather and season.
Apart form panoramic 360° over the London skyline, the rooftop offers a menu filled with pints, delicious house cocktails, seasonal drinks and banging burgers.
Expect a fun-filled and vibrant atmosphere, with DJs keeping the energy high on pretty much a daily basis.
LONDON BRIDGE ROOFTOP
Netil360 is East London's hidden secret garden in the sky, with panoramic views over city skyline
Charmingly 'home-crafted', the spacious and relaxing terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy locally sourced drinks and food in the sun every day in summer. But the rooftop is also available for weekend fun during the colder months (October to March).
With indoor booth seating and covered outdoor seating with heaters, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday means DJs, an all are welcome atmosphere, mulled wine and spiced cider, and all the London views you could ask for.
A new addition to Netil360 during 2023 was also a Sushi rooftop restaurant. Inspired by the Japanese dining culture of izakaya, here you can enjoy everything from small plates of Japanese salads, tataki and sushi rolls, to large platters for sharing among friends.
NETIL360
Set in the heart of Shoreditch, Queen of Hoxton is really an eventful place. Here you find three floors of bar, nightclub, performance space, art gallery and rooftop terrace.
With a new theme every season, Queen of Hoxton is a rooftop you can visit again, and again, and again, and again...
During 2022/23, the theme of the winter was 'Queen of the slopes', inviting guests to a cosy chalet and ski bar, where you could toast your very own s’mores, and sip on the latest signature cocktails.
Firepits makes sure everyone stays warm, and the winterland decor comes complemented with plenty of happening events.
QUEEN OF HOXTON
Located at the 12th floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London in Tower Hill, Savage Garden is a really cool and modern rooftop bar that opened its doors in 2018.
From two seperate terraces you can enjoy amazing 360-views over the London skyline, while sipping creative and exciting cocktails in the sun. In summer, that is...
But don't despair. During winter season the rooftop usually turn into Savage Schloss, offering all the fun of a ski lodge in the Austrian Alps, right in central London.
Available during the colder months, the retractable roof-hut comes with Christmas trees, wooden community benches, skies on the wall and red & white table cloths. All you need to get into the alp- and winterish mood.
There is a special rooftop winter-menu, offering food and drinks suitable for the setting, like 'Baked Pretzel', 'BBQ Bratwurst', 'French Mule' and all the glühwein you could want.
SAVAGE GARDEN
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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