The Best Winter Rooftop Bars In London

Whilst London has no shortage of delectable destinations for rooftop dining and drinks, how well they hold up in the coldest months of the year, is a good question. The city has many pretty terraces which are delightful during the long days and nights of summer, but during winter, with temperatures dropping below freezing, many establishments transform to accommodate the change in the seasons, offering patrons a unique experience that embraces the elements.

Alpine-themed ski lodges, cable cars, secret rooftop gardens – the city has plenty to help visitors keep out the cold, and let the warm glow of wonderfully creative food and drinks keep them company, as they savour the sights of London’s beautiful nighttime skyline during the depths of winter.

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Kitty Hawk, Covent Garden

Found within London’s historic West End, from its lofty perch atop the Page8 Hotel in Covent Garden, Kitty Hawk has some of the best rooftop views in the city centre. Popular throughout the year thanks to its courtyard-style outdoor seating and immaculate restaurant, during the winter months, Kitty Hawk’s rooftop bar terrace transforms into something out of a fairytale. Glittering fairy lights wrap around the garden walls and balcony, reflecting in the glass windows of the restaurant, whilst thousands of other bulbs twinkle across the London skyline, especially during the holiday period.

Taking in the London lights, guests can while away the hours enjoying delicious Waygu burgers and slow-braised beef ribs, washed down with delicious festive cocktails and mulled wine, staying warm under the patio heaters and cosy blankets. Should the weather prove too much for patrons, an easy retreat indoors to a comfortable table or booth with bay windows, is a fine substitute to continue enjoying the views at Kitty Hawk.

Coq d’Argent’, City of London

From the heart of London’s old financial centre, Coq d’Argent offers guests not one, but four terraces to either dine or recline at, amid some fresh frosty air. During the winter, Coq showcases its French heritage by transforming into an alpine lodge pop-up, with roaring log fires for powerful patio heaters, fur blankets, and rugs, and the irresistible allure of Apres Ski-inspired dining and drinks.

Private “lodges” are available for parties of up to eight, including set-menu dining with charcuterie, hot cheese fondue and raclette, and other alpine delicacies to enjoy. As the sun sets, the bright lights of the City Of London flicker into life, with the area's towering landmarks such as the Gherkin, Bishop’s Gate, and St.Paul’s Cathedral dominating the skyline. Even during the darkest months of the year, the secluded rooftop garden at Coq is a fantastic setting to appreciate London.

The Boundary, Shoreditch

A neighbourhood that sprung up from industrialisation to gentrification during the 29th century, among the many converted warehouses of Shoreditch one property holds the area’s best rooftop bar terrace that’s the envy of its neighbours – The Boundary Hotel. Giving South of France bistro vibes, complete with stripped garden chairs, patio heaters, and wood decking – when the seasons change, The Boundary embraces a theme that keeps up with the colder climate.

With twinkling fairy lights bedecking the trellis, warm fur blankets, and a menu that’s inspired by the Savoyard regional cuisine – think bubbling fondue, raclette, baked Mont d’Or, and scrumptious white chocolate and cinnamon log for dessert – visitors will need the Shoreditch skyline to spark a reminder that they’re not currently dining in the Alps. If the weather proves to be too much for guests at the alpine bar, then the warmth of the glass orangery offers all the comforts they need away from the cold, whilst still able to enjoy the beautiful rooftop lights.

Ham Yard, Soho

Finding a kitchen garden with its own beehives atop a hotel roof terrace is not something many would expect in the heart of Soho, however, that is exactly what guests can expect when visiting Ham Yard. The roof of the property is more akin to a countryside retreat than an inner-city London hotel, filled with plants and herbs, wick outdoor furniture for seating, and dining beneath an overhead canopy – indeed a stunning destination to visit throughout the year.

During the winter months, Ham Yard changes things up by opening its doors to the public for a series of pop-up events over the Christmas period and beyond, that make the most of the fabulous rooftop space. The Winter Gin Garden runs throughout December, inviting patrons to enjoy the terrace now decked out with festive decorations and more robust plants that can withstand the cold, for delicious gin cocktails such as the orange-infused Hot Chocolate, and an 18th-century-style Hot Toddie. It’s a seasonal highlight and requires booking well to attend given its popularity.

The Berkley, Knightsbridge

The aptly named Feast Off Piste is a themed takeover event at Berkley’s rooftop terrace which incorporates private dining in ski gondolas installed on the roof for much of the winter period. With snow-capped trees, twinkling Christmas lights, and delicious alpine cuisine from chocolate fondue to gingerbread and truffle tartiflette to indulge in, it’s a great setting for a frosty open-air dining experience.

Aside from the festive period, The Berkley’s rooftop bar and terrace remain a wonderful place to enjoy a drink or delicious meal during the winter without the addition of Feast Off Piste. The terrace boasts stunning views over Central London, with the bright lights of the London Eye drawing the most focus from the hotel’s Knightsbridge location.

Los Mochis, City of London

For a wintery rooftop bar that’s bursting with bold flavours and fusing two of the world’s most popular cuisines – Mexican and Japanese – Los Mochis is a brilliant alternative to the more festive terraces, offering a stripped-back atmosphere without the Christmas paraphernalia. Located at Broadgate Circle, the restaurant gazes out from the heart of London’s financial district with several prominent landmarks illuminated against the night's sky, including St.Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and The Shard.

Diners brave enough to try the al fresco approach can look forward to sizzling platters of steak and shrimp tacos, hand-rolled sushi, and sashimi, along with delicious smoked Mezcal and Japanese whiskey cocktails to stave off the winter chill. Los Mochis offers a blended dining experience that's a step away from the more seasonal fare the rest of the city's rooftop bars will be serving during the coldest months of the year.