The best places to go in London this winter

If you’re looking for a taste of al fresco dining but don’t fancy sitting outdoors as the days turn crisper and cooler, head on down to The Garden’s Arabian Nights inspired Winter Garden Lounge, situated within Home House. This gorgeously opulent dining space is a vibrant oasis right in the heart of Marylebone, featuring exotic objets d’arts, cosy day bed seating and lavish soft furnishings. There are plenty of limited edition winter drinks to enjoy on the menu – from luxurious hot chocolates to signature cocktails. Or if you’re feeling fancy, why not sample the secret mulled wine recipe served from a rather extravagant Samovar? 

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! Grab your loved ones and head down to Scarlett Green for some festive cheer, heaps of bubbles, and plenty of delicious meat, seafood, and vegetarian plates. This Soho venue is truly getting in the holiday spirit this year with an iconic festive menu, which includes a welcome glass of Prosecco and a delicious three course meal with a wide selection of different food options to suit a range of dietary requirements. Menu highlights include plenty of British festive favourites, as well dishes with an Aussie twist including Popcorn Prawns, Beef-Shin Cigarillos, Winter Green Risotto, Grilled Salmon, and the much-loved Mars Bar Cheesecake Ball for dessert. You simply must sample some of the amazing cocktails too – it would be rude not to!

With its breathtaking views, incredible cuisine, and glitzy dining vibes, it’s hard to beat Sky Garden if you’re looking for a special occasion venue to come with friends over the holiday period. The Darwin Brasserie restaurant located within Sky Garden is London’s highest rooftop brasserie, boasting the most spectacular views across the city. The Darwin Brasserie will be serving a range of festive menus including limited edition breakfast and brunch menus with plenty of delicious food plates and mimosas-a-plenty. And if you love the sound of London gin-cured salmon, roast bronze turkey with all the trimmings, and a decadent gingerbread cake with cinnamon cream and nut crumble, you need to book in for The Darwin Brasserie’s three course festive dinner menu, which includes a range of festive food options plus a complementary glass of Möet.

Nothing says winter like pigs in blankets, mulled wine and mince pies in a cosy British public house! This 18^th century, grade II listed gastropub in the heart of Fitzrovia is the perfect place to come to over the winter period if you’re seeking a warming hot toddy, a hearty Christmas lunch, and a buzzing atmosphere. From November onwards, The George will be serving its winter warmer drinks menu plus a range of delicious seasonal dishes, from roast turkey to beef wellington and Christmas pudding. And if you’re struggling to get into the holiday spirit, it’ll also be transforming its venue into a winter wonderland with beautiful decorations and plenty of festive tunes.

Where better to celebrate winter than at Winterland? Neverland has transformed its venue into an alpine winter wonderland, complete with fire pits, chalet lodge-style drinking booths, twinkling Christmas lights, fur blankets, après ski-style bars and delicious fondue experiences. It’ll be serving a range of wintry drinks including mulled wine, Christmassy cocktails, and plenty of gins at the incredible gin bar. On the food menu, you can expect a range of tasty sourdough pizzas and gourmet burgers to choose from, plus plenty of other dishes.

Overlooking the scenic Clapham Common, Minnow always draws the eye with its dramatic, seasonal exterior arrangements. These aesthetic touches continue along its heated terrace, into its golden-lit interiors, and through to the intimate garden room where tables tuck cosily into nooks, making it just the spot for a festive date or gossip-filled catch-up. Like the decor, the all-day menu changes seasonally too, so you can expect to find roasts adorned with all the trimmings and comforting treats such as gnocchi with goats cheese and crispy chicken schnitzel. We recommend leaving room for dessert; the apple and blackberry crumble with house cinnamon ice cream makes the Great British winter actually seem worth it.

Come Christmastime, Smokehouse always manages to create just the perfect amount of merriment – roaring fires, mince pies and mulled wine can all be found behind its Islington doors. The time of year also brings its highly-anticipated festive feasting menu too, which comes served on vintage platters, adding to the homely feel. You can share favourites with your favourites, from sausage rolls and scotch eggs to 50-day dry aged Shorthorn featherblade and, of course, turkey – all of which is locally sourced and butchered onsite.

Newly opened this year, GrassFed overlooks the canal in Camden and focuses on high quality British and Irish grass-fed beef that is cooked over coal and served pink. The cool, industrial-style space comes alive with flames from the open kitchen, where chef Paul Foster – who gained a Michelin star for his Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant Salt – works his magic. In addition to the juicy cuts of meat, the menu features seasonal delights like pumpkin dauphinoise and beef fat potatoes – the ultimate cold weather cravings.

At a time when most of us tend to overindulge and encounter some form of regret, The Pig’s Head is on hand to provide us with some good karma for 2024. The pro-planet pub was certified carbon neutral in April 2023 and shortlisted for the Most Sustainable Business at the 2023 Catey Awards. Its meat is sourced from its own organic kitchen garden in Kent, and in winter, its cuts are served alongside all the trimmings in its cosy, wood-lined surrounds.

This Soho seafood institution is a beacon of festive cheer come winter. Traditional, twinkling displays adorn both the exterior and interior of this French eatery, making it light up like a toy store. The menu is no more understated: silver platters are arranged with blushing lobsters and oysters are laid out like jewels upon crystalline ice. This is the sort of place that always feels like a hedonistic treat, making it the perfect venue for a spot of festive indulgence – all washed down with a bottle of the finest French fizz. ‘Tis the season, after all!