Winter brings out the blankets and the fire pits. It beckons you on to London’s rooftop bars and cosies you up for a warm winter experience with spectacular views.
While some rooftop bars rely on sunshine and warm temperatures, these are the best London rooftop bars, making the most of skyline vistas while keeping you warm. Think heated pods, retractable roofs, firepits, blankets and delicious mulled wines and cocktails. With the sun going down earlier, you can see London twinkling at night. So, bask in the warm glow of our favourite winter rooftop bars in London.
Bar Elba, Waterloo
If the island decor and bright pops of colour don’t warm you up, the retractable roof and party pods will do the job at Bar Elba. Named after the island where Napoleon lived in exile, this Waterloo rooftop bar knows how to get the beach party vibes going – in all weathers.
In the run up to Christmas, you can spend Saturday afternoons enjoying a bottomless brunch with cocktails flowing and plenty of cheesy Christmas tunes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or partying into the night, the views over London rooftops make Bar Elba a top winter rooftop spot.
Aqua Kyoto, Soho
This super-stylish Japanese restaurant and bar tucked behind Regent Street has impressive rooftop vistas over central London. The Fuyu rooftop terrace is enclosed in winter, so you can enjoy the London skyline lit up at night – whatever the weather – while dining on fresh sushi.
Aqua Kyoto, Soho, is open for lunch and drinks each weekday and just drinks on weekends. Try the lychee and sake flavoured Geisha cocktail for a taste of Japan in a serene winter oasis in the heart of London – a million miles from the busy streets below.
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Pergola, Paddington
Head to this large winter wonderland in the sky where the rooftop transforms each season into something new. Over two floors, there’s room for 850 people, and downstairs is heated. On the upper deck, there are cosy blankets and warming winter drinks to keep the chill away.
The themed decor creates a sense of escapism, and pop-up food trucks are quick to serve a varied menu of dishes, from meaty meals to vegan snacks. With bookable tables and space kept free for walk-ins, it’s easy to rock up to Pergola Paddington and escape the winter blues.
Return from your London rooftop bar to your room or suite at The Clermont, Charing Cross or The Clermont, Victoria, where warm hospitality and modern comfort awaits. Or if you want to experience the après ski lifestyle on the banks of the Thames, take a trip to The Alpine Lodge at the Vicinity bar located in The Tower Hotel.
