London’s Most Inviting Winter Terraces And Where To Find Them

We Londoners don’t let a bit of chill keep us indoors, and the city’s winter terraces are proof that the outdoors can be just as inviting in the colder months. As rooftop bar season fades and the temperature drops, these cosy spots light up with festive charm and warmth. Across the capital, you’ll find plush seating around fire pits, fairy lights casting a soft glow, and even secluded igloos for an extra touch of winter magic. Whether you’re here for the cocktails, the cosy vibes, or simply to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, these are the best winter terraces to bundle up and enjoy this year.


Sabine

Sabine Rooftop Bar offers a vibrant escape high above St. Paul’s, blending botanical charm with a cosmopolitan flair. Inspired by the migratory bird it's named after, Sabine adapts to the season with a retractable glass roof and heated terrace, ensuring guests can savour sweeping views of the London skyline and the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral year-round. This seventh-floor haven serves up a delightful menu of seasonal cocktails, local gins, and delectable small plates, making it an idyllic spot for everything from after-work drinks to weekend lounging. With live music and DJs setting the tone and bookable spaces available, Sabine is the go-to destination for those seeking a slice of sanctuary in the city.


The Cabaret Garden at Devonshire Terrace

Nestled just five minutes from the lively hub of Liverpool Street, Devonshire Terrace is a hidden oasis transformed by a stunning recent makeover. The space invites relaxation, with plush seating and a grand pergola adorned in burgundy florals and soft hints of pink and white. As evening falls, twinkling tealights cast a warm glow across the terrace, making it an enchanting spot for social gatherings and cocktails under the stars. The Cabaret Garden, a unique collaboration with Hendrick’s Cabaret Gin, adds an air of whimsy, serving up inventive cocktails like the Can Can and the Cabaret Southside. With a glass roof and heating for year-round comfort, Devonshire Terrace is an inviting destination for all seasons, where exquisite drinks and delicious bar bites offer an immersive escape from the everyday.


Coppa Club Tower Bridge

For those seeking a magical winter terrace in London, Coppa Club Tower Bridge is a must-visit destination. Nestled along the Thames, this iconic riverside spot boasts breathtaking views of Tower Bridge and the city skyline, all enjoyed from cosy, Instagrammable igloos. These heated, blanket-filled pods bring an air of warmth and intimacy to any winter evening, creating a snug retreat from the chilly London air. Inside, the brasserie-style interior is equally inviting, with plush leather booths and classic bentwood chairs set against herringbone marble floors. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by candlelight or sharing a festive meal with friends, Coppa Club’s winter terrace is a dreamy escape that perfectly captures the charm of London in the colder months.


The Winter Garden at Corinthia London

The Winter Garden at Corinthia Hotel offers a truly enchanting winter retreat right in the heart of London. This cosy courtyard, transformed for the colder months, is set aglow with twinkling lights, warming fireplaces, and plush cashmere blankets that invite guests to wrap up and relax. Executive Chef André Garrett has crafted a comforting Italian-inspired menu featuring hearty dishes like raclette, venison ragu rigatoni, and a luxurious truffled Taleggio and aubergine toastie. The seasonal drinks selection brings a festive touch, with mulled wine and rich hot chocolate enhanced by a choice of spirits. Whether escaping the city’s bustle or indulging in a wintry evening of food and warmth, The Winter Garden is a perfect haven for the season.


The Churchill Bar & Terrace

The Churchill Bar & Terrace at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill brings a touch of nostalgic elegance to Marylebone with its winter transformation, “Winter at Chartwell.” Inspired by Winston Churchill’s beloved country retreat, Chartwell, the terrace is a stylish, cosy escape featuring vintage garden elements, lush greenery, and twinkling lights. Original photographs and nods to Churchill’s hobbies, like bricklaying, create an inviting winter setting. Here, guests can indulge in the UNITY by Water cocktail menu, which reflects the global influences of the bar's award-winning mixology team, along with premium wines and spirits. With a heated outdoor space perfect for alfresco cocktails and hearty bar snacks, The Churchill Bar is a must-visit this winter for those seeking a refined, festive retreat in the heart of the city.


The Ski Lodge at The Montague On The Gardens

For a festive experience unlike any other, head to The Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens, London’s original ski lodge-themed winter terrace. This charming alpine escape on the Wood Deck is transformed into a snow-dusted wonderland, complete with pine trees, reindeer, ski racks, snowmen, and twinkling fairy lights. The bar serves warming tipples like schnapps, flavoured vodkas, mulled wine, and hot spiced cider, making it the perfect spot to raise a glass to the season. Soft blankets, steaming hot chocolate, and treats like candied pecans ensure guests stay snug and cheerful amid the winter magic. Awarded “Best Christmas Party Venue” in the London Venue Awards, the Ski Lodge is a must for a cosy, joyful celebration this winter.


Swingers West End

Swingers West End brings a playful twist to winter with its seaside-inspired, crazy golf oasis right in the heart of London’s bustling West End. Just off Oxford Circus, this 20,000 square foot venue channels the glamour of the 1920s English Riviera, complete with two nine-hole crazy golf courses, four lively cocktail bars, and a variety of food from London street-food icons like Patty&Bun, Pizza Pilgrims, and Breddos Tacos. The winter terrace, decked out with lush greenery, heaters, and a retractable roof, is the ideal spot to warm up with a cocktail in hand between rounds of golf. From the charming Bandstand Bar to the Grand Hotel Bar—a standalone bar within the venue—Swingers offers endless spots to sip, snack, and socialise. Perfect for group outings and a winter escape with friends, this over-18s venue ensures every visit feels like a festive seaside adventure.


The Sipping Room

Nestled beside West India Quay and a quick stroll from Canary Wharf, The Sipping Room is a winter gem ideal for festive gatherings and holiday escapes. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed building, this Drake & Morgan bar and restaurant offers cosy indoor spaces and an inviting alfresco terrace adorned with three twinkling igloos, perfect for sipping mulled wine under the fairy lights. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a lively office party, or a full venue takeover, The Sipping Room has a variety of festive menus to suit every occasion—from lavish set courses to shareable bites and bowls. Complete with a private basement bar for exclusive events, this is a warm and stylish haven for celebrating the season with loved ones and colleagues alike.


Megan’s

This festive season, Megan’s at Battersea Power Station and Clapham Common transform into cosy winter retreats, perfect for a dose of holiday cheer. The outdoor seating at Battersea Power Station is a wonderland of fairy-lit booths and macramé details, with heartwarming plates like fondue, shakshouka, and mezze-laden flatbreads. Meanwhile, Clapham Common’s Winter Terrace takes seasonal charm up a notch with Christmas trees, blankets, heaters, and enchanting installations—think a kissing booth, a Christmas tree dog bed, and pampas angel wings for Instagram-worthy moments. The festive vibes continue with a line-up of holiday events, from Christmas singalong dinners to sax-accompanied brunches and lively DJ sets. Indulge in their new cheese and chocolate fondue sharing plates, alongside mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates, for a truly joyful winter escape.


Le Pont De La Tour

Celebrate the festive season in true Parisian style at Le Pont de la Tour, a sophisticated riverside haven where classic French cuisine meets the unmistakable charm of Tower Bridge views. Perfectly suited for Christmas gatherings, this iconic spot exudes 1920s glamour, with an elegant terrace that’s ideal for cosy winter cocktails against the backdrop of London’s skyline. Inside, the chic interiors nod to the 1930s, while the expertly curated menu combines French tradition with inventive flair, promising an exceptional dining experience. Located within the historic Butler’s Wharf, Le Pont de la Tour honours Sir Terence Conran's visionary transformation of the Thames riverside—a setting as refined as the cuisine itself, making it one of London’s must-visit winter terraces.


Stanley’s Chelsea

Nestled just off the King’s Road, Stanley’s Chelsea feels like an English country garden escape in the heart of the city, making it an idyllic spot for winter dining. The charming courtyard, heated and covered year-round, invites guests to settle in and unwind, surrounded by soft greenery and a welcoming glow. Perfect for festive gatherings, Stanley’s offers versatile spaces, from the airy, light-filled Orangery with its glass ceiling to a cosy private room hidden behind the main restaurant—ideal for intimate dinners or special events. Reflecting a commitment to British seasonal produce, the menu showcases the best of local ingredients with a contemporary flair, ensuring each meal feels like a warm, refined retreat away from the city’s bustle.


Jurema Winter Garden at The Mandrake

Nestled in Fitzrovia, the Jurema Winter Garden at The Mandrake is a tropical Christmas escape in the heart of London, and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. This November, Jurema’s first-floor terrace has been transformed into a chalet-inspired oasis with a unique glass structure, allowing guests to take in the lush hanging garden while staying cosy under faux-fur blankets and twinkling fairy lights. Wrapped in alpine luxury with wooden logs, fur trims, and fire pits, the terrace radiates warmth even on the chilliest days. Complementing this enchanting ambiance, the YOPO menu blends South American and European flavours, with festive additions like mulled wine, hot toddies, and creative winter cocktails. The Jurema Winter Garden is an ideal winter retreat for those looking to unwind in style.


Madison

Perched atop One New Change, Madison’s winter terrace is a festive escape high above the City, where sweeping views of St. Paul’s Cathedral set the perfect holiday scene. This season, the beloved rooftop transforms into “A Miracle on the Rooftop,” with cosy chalets decked out in faux fur and tartan blankets for a snug alpine vibe. Sip on boozy hot chocolates or mulled wine as you take in the sparkling skyline, then savour festive dishes like roast Norfolk turkey, teriyaki salmon, or pumpkin gnocchi. This year, Madison partners with Bulleit Bourbon for cocktails that bring warmth to cold nights, like the “Christmas Spirit” with notes of vanilla, orange, and cinnamon. Madison's winter terrace promises a memorable celebration, right in the heart of London.


Theo’s on the Terrace

Step into a wintery haven at Theo’s on the Terrace, nestled within InterContinental London Park Lane, where the magic of the Italian Alps meets Mayfair elegance. Celebrated Chef Theo Randall has crafted a menu of Northern Italian classics, perfect for the colder months, using the finest seasonal ingredients. Warm up with a rich Fonduta di Formaggio, indulge in a slow-cooked Lasagne al Ragu, or savour the smoky goodness of Mezzelune filled with ricotta and spinach. With cosy heaters and stylish surrounds, this terrace offers a welcoming spot for everything from intimate gatherings to business meetings. Toast to the season with après favourites like Glühwein, an Alpine Hot Chocolate spiked with dark rum, or a festive Figroni. Embrace the Alpine spirit and enjoy authentic Italian hospitality with an unforgettable view in the heart of Mayfair.


The Athenaeum Hotel

The Athenaeum Hotel’s Winter Fizz Terrace is a chic, festive retreat in the heart of Piccadilly, perfect for a celebratory toast. This al fresco terrace, decked out in plush seating with cosy blankets and heaters, offers a choice of Gusbourne sparkling wines, from glasses to magnums, including Brut, Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs. For an indulgent winter treat, try the Christmas Cocoa, a boozy hot chocolate adorned with chocolate swirls and whipped cream, accompanied by a mini decoration board of marshmallows, crushed hazelnuts, and candy cane pieces. With a seasonal all-day menu curated by Head Chef Ian, you can savour British classics while soaking up the festive buzz of one of London’s most iconic streets.


The Hawk’s Nest

Tucked away in Shepherd’s Bush Market, The Hawk’s Nest is a winter wonderland of al fresco dining, bringing festive flair to a cosy, converted railway arch. This heated garden is decked out with rustic touches and artful decor, making it a perfect spot to escape the chill while savouring wood-fired sourdough pizzas drizzled in spicy honey, arancini, and antipasti. Pair these with warming mulled wines, seasonal cocktails, and an excellent range of craft beers. With festive markets, wreath-making classes, and midweek food and drink deals, The Hawk’s Nest is a must-visit for a lively, wintry escape right in the heart of West London.


Deyvid Dimitrov
London-based content creator and editor of Goldfoil magazine.