As the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group, we’re on the pulse, so you’re in the know. In summer, we told you where to watch Wimbledon. In autumn, we told you where to celebrate Halloween. Which brings us to winter – and where in the city is welcoming it with open arms. From smoky sky-high sanctuaries to après-ski-inspired alpine escapes, these are our top ten festive pop-ups to book in London this month.
The Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel
Best for: creative cocktails you’ll lust after long after you’ve left.
When: Tuesday–Saturday, 29th November–31st December.
Ham Yard’s latest rooftop revamp is smoking hot. Maybe it’s the giant flaming firepit, maybe it’s the seriously smoky BBQ Vesper Martini. Speaking of cocktails, the creativity here – from marshmallow blazers to gherkin-garlic-chilli hats – is unmatched (thank you, Sapling Spirits). In short: if gathering your girlfriends around an open flame and catching up over DIY s’mores or cosying up on the couch sharing a truffle flatbread with your date sounds like something you want to schedule in this season, The Fire Garden’s the spot for it. It’s surprisingly serene, despite the ruckus of Soho’s streets below.
Insider tip: go up to the bar to order The Marshmallow Blazer cocktail and stick around to watch it being made –the electric blue, lava-hot flames jump between two metal pitchers before your eyes was like a mesmerising magic trick.
firmdalehotels.com | From £24 per person
1 Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
Hibiki Winter Rooftop at SACHI
Best for: cool connoisseurs of whisky and cigars.
When: from 12th November.
SACHI is cool. And it’s nothing to do with the temperature drop. Its Hibiki Winter Rooftop – in partnership with Suntory Whisky – is no tat, all taste. Think herringbone throws, low lighting, DJs (Friday–Saturday), and Japanese bites. If you’re not drinking Hibiki on the rocks, a) what are you doing? b) opt for a creative cocktail instead (our favourite non-whisky pick is the hot toddy). As far as seasonal pop-ups go, this SACHI x Suntory setup is as sexy and sophisticated as it gets. It's one of London’s best rooftops for a reason, after all.
Insider tip: for even more smokiness, ask SACHI’s Cigar Sommelier for a guided experience.
sachirestaurants.com
19 Motcomb St, SW1X 8LB
The Winter Terrace at The Mirror Bar by Beluga Vodka at The Landmark London
Best for: late-night cocktails and caviar.
When: 27th November–31st March.
If you’ve ever thought ‘this cocktail is nice… but it would be better with some caviar,’ you’re in the right place. Because The Mirror Bar at The Landmark has teamed up with Beluga Vodka to create a winter terrace where winter cocktails come with caviar upgrades (a 30g serving of Platinum caviar with blinis and crème fraiche for an extra £95 a pop). The intimate setting is equally indulgent: velvet booths, fur throws, plush cushions, and handpicked cigars – all lit in warm lantern light until its late-night close at 1am.
Insider tip: if you can’t get enough of The Landmark’s style of festivities, it’s one of our top picks for where to dine on Christmas Day in London this year. Food for thought.
landmarklondon.co.uk
222 Marylebone Rd, NW1 6JQ
Astor Après Ski Terrace at Cliveden House
Best for: the après-ski obsessed.
When: 19th November–31st January.
Ok, so Cliveden House isn’t in London, per se. But it’s just 40 mins on the Elizabeth Line, so it counts. And, trust us, it’s worth it. This country house is one of our favourite luxury waterside retreats during summer. But this Christmas, it’s all snow and ice. The Astor Grill’s courtyard has transformed into an alpine ski chalet with twinkling lights, fuzzy firs, vintage gondolas, stacked skis, and cheese and chocolate fondue you can’t get enough of. Don your après-ski gear, gather your friends, and cheers your mountain-inspired cocktails to a classic Cliveden Christmas.
Insider tip: VIPs (very important pooches) are welcomed warmly here, so take your four-legged friends on a walk around the grounds before asking to see the dog-friendly terrace menu.
clivedenhouse.co.uk
Cliveden House & Spa, SL6 0JF
Jurema Winter Garden at The Mandrake
Best for: full immersion in a winter wonderland.
When: from November.
What happens when Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, and Minuty walk into The Mandrake? A winter garden that looks something akin to the magical world of Narnia. Think towering frosted branches, twinkling lights, glossy silver baubles, faux-fur blankets, and a glass-roof structure that lets you dine under the hanging garden without freezing. You’ll sip seasonal drinks in between South American-European bites from the YOPO menu. The Mandrake knows how to nail a theme, and this pop-up is as atmospheric and escapist as you’d expect.
Insider tip: if you're hosting a private party this festive season, this spot has the winter wonderland wow-factor for it. The North Side is exclusively available for hire for up to 60 guests standing or 35 guests seated on Monday–Thursday.
themandrake.com
35 The Market, WC2E 8RF
Feast Off-Piste at The Berkeley
Best for: views of London’s most extravagant Christmas event, Winter Wonderland.
When: 13th November–13th January.
The Berkeley’s Feast Off-Piste pop-up is a full Alpine fantasy, complete with custom ski gondolas, snow-dusted trees, and the bright lights of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland twinkling below. You’ll be greeted with a glass of mulled wine, but Laurent-Perrier has made sure you’ll never go thirsty here, with ring for Champagne’ bells in every gondola. On the sharing winter menu, the food is gloriously hearty: raclette, truffle-topped tartiflette, chocolate fondue, gingerbread s’mores. Yum.
Insider tip: this is one of the city’s most decadent festive experiences – and always books up fast. December’s dates are almost sold out, so move quickly to avoid missing out.
the-berkeley.co.uk | Groups of 4–6, £85 per person
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
The Alpine Escape at Holmes
Best for: a festive film date night that’s as cosy and intimate as it gets.
When: from 21st November.
You don’t have to be a detective to discover Holmes’ terrace that literally spills out onto Baker Street. It’s twinkling lights, mountain-style dishes, Jameson Black Barrel cocktails, and live DJ beats (on Fridays) are instantly alluring. The secret rooftop cinema, however, operates more on an IYKYK basis – and is where the real magic happens. Here, you’ll find just four alpine-inspired love seats, where you can your date can curl up under a blanket together and watch festive favourites, like Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Insider tip: if you can’t decide between the terrace and the rooftop, booking the cinema experience is the best of both worlds. Each ticket includes a three-course set menu in the ground floor restaurant before the film starts.
holmeshotel.com
108 Baker St, W1U 6LJ
Winter Piazza Terrace at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
Best for: small sharing plates of Japanese bites.
When: from November.
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden is in full festive mode with a Belvedere-backed winter terrace that blends frosted pine, glowing lights, and its signature high-energy vibe. The décor is ski-chic: soft white throws, frosted winter foliage, and branded skis. On the menu, don’t skip the juicy Kobe gyoza and the rock shrimp tempura (dip this into the kabocha purée that comes with your gyoza for even more flavour). But the cocktails steal the show – our picks are the Tipsy Cocoa (it’s like eating a tiramisu) and the Golden Highball (be warned: it packs a punch).
Insider tip: for big nights out, order the Dirty Brew Ski – four shots on a mini ski is a sure-fire way to get the table talking (and dancing).
sushisamba.com
35 The Market, WC2E 8RF
The Garden at Corinthia London
Best for: an elegant escape away from the stress of the city centre.
When: from November.
The festive season doesn’t have to be a frenzy. And the proof’s in the (Christmas) pudding at The Garden at Corinthia London this winter. Tucked behind the hotel, this heater-warmed terrace turns alpine with sheepskin throws, golden foliage, and twinkling lights. Despite being just moments from Trafalgar Square, the vibe is calm and the crowd is classy. Sip mulled cider, smoke your favourite cigar, settle into a soft blanket, and savour the perfectly polished alpine atmosphere. It’s low-key luxury at its best.
Insider tip: ask to be seated at a corner table by the fireplace for the quietest, warmest, most festive spot.
corinthia.com
Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD
The Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens
Best for: festive nostalgia done properly.
When: 12th November–31st December.
The Montague’s winter terrace is a London classic for a reason. Step inside and it’s instant seasonal magic brought to life with snowfall machines, pine trees, ski racks, reindeer, and fairy lights everywhere. It’s all the cosy, kitschy charm you crave done with surprising polish. The crowd is cheerful and here for seasonal comfort: mulled wine, hot spiced cider, hot-chocolate cocktails, candied pecans, and woolly tartan blankets. If you like your festive season playful rather than overly serious, this is the place to lean in.
Insider tip: time your visit depending on the vibe you’re after – book on a weekday for a more relaxed, less party-heavy atmosphere.
montaguehotel.com
