There is nothing like outdoor dining in London but once winter creeps in the only terrace or rooftop you’ll find me on is the kind with heaters, blankets and twinkly lights. Whether it’s stopping for a drink after a busy day shopping or making more time for a three-course meal, sitting out in the crisp air, while bundled under a warm blanket, watching the World go by is something special.
The best restaurants and terraces in London offer external heaters, piles of fluffy blankets, hot water bottles and even complimentary warm drinks. Keeping warm for your whole meal is important so that you don’t feel like rushing back to the warmth of central heating. Luckily London has an amazing selection of cosy outdoor places to eat and drink this winter.
Carry on reading for my five top cosy restaurant terraces to visit in London this winter.
Step inside the courtyards of Petersham Nurseries a quiet, cosy place to escape the business of Covent Gardens. The perfect spot for a warming winter aperitivo, wrapped in blankets and sat beneath the twinkling fairy lighting. You can choose to dine at The Petersham or for small plates and a slightly more casual vibe head to La Goccia next door.
Squaremeal is the place to head for bookings, reviews and restaurant gift vouchers.
For something slightly different but still definitely cosy, the Aviary rooftop igloos this year have had a make-over inspired by island holidays. Sit back in your luxury heated igloo, sip on treetop jungle-themed cocktails and take in the magnificent panorama of London skyline.
There are two types of igloo to choose from: dining igloos and drinks and snacks igloos. The former contains a dining table and chairs while the latter has lounge seating and a coffee table. Very popular so make sure to book.
The Garden restaurant at Corinthia London has a winter makeover every year where you can sit under the stars on the semi-covered courtyard. You will struggle to feel cosier than here with festive lighting, cosy blankets, hot water bottles and even two fireplaces to keep things exceptionally snuggly. Sip one of the hot cocktails on offer and enjoy!
Year after year, Dalloway Terrace transform their terrace into a beautifully winter themed floral hideaway, and they never disappoint. Think sheepskin rugs, cheese and chocolate fondues, hot cocktails and a hearty wintry menu, perfection!
Dalloway Terrace is one of London’s most popular outdoor, all day dining restaurants. Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, an author whose name will forever be associated with Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace is an elegant, poetic and quintessentially English space perfect for those looking to escape and impress in equal measure.
This Winter you can head to the Alps, in Marylebone, with Orrery Alpine terrace in partnership with Courvoisier cognac and Diptyque Paris.
Taking inspiration from the rustic chalets that dot France’s mountain slopes, the hidden terrace is surrounded by frosted fir trees and planters over-spilling with fragrant pine cones. Cosy up with sheepskin rugs, blankets and fur cushions whilst enjoying Diptyque’s winter candles filling the air with the fragrance of an alpine forest. Choose a drink from the festive cocktail menu and a meal from a range of warming mountain classics.