The best places to go in London this winter

Via Emilia brings the cuisine of Emilia Romagna to London, which is exactly the kind of Italian food that you crave in winter. Think rich meat ragu, indulgent cheese-stuffed ravioli and deep red Chianti. You’ll also find some seriously special local delicacies on the menu, including a sparkling red Lambrusco wine which is served traditionally in a ceramic bowl, as well as Gnocco Fritto — a dreamy fried bread that we recommended ordering with some soft and creamy squacquerone cheese.

‘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!

Just like this venue’s namesake city, evenings here can last for hours but seem to go by in a flash! In classic French style, there’s sumptuous decor and enticing entertainment to be found, as well as a decadent menu of classic dishes, including a famous steak tartare that’s made tableside. While the upstairs dining area is impressive and formal, you’ll find the slightly more casual, but just as vibey, Bardot’s Brasserie tucked away downstairs. Here you’ll find lighter bites including a legendary fillet steak sandwich!

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, old-school pub on a chilly, dark day… especially one that boasts a flickering open fire, live music and a brilliant food offering too. You’ll find all this and more at The Approach Tavern in Bethnal Green, which is an ideal spot for getting cosy after a brisk walk around Victoria Park and the nearby canals, or after perusing the art gallery that’s located on the building’s first floor. Whether you fancy some nibbles and small plates to share or in the mood for more, the menu is full of seasonal delights and pub grub classics.

For a wintry wine tasting in the capital, you can’t get much more decadent than Claridge’s wine cellar. Here, you’ll find a curated collection of over a thousand wines and champagnes, many of which are incredibly rare and elite vintages. Wine tasting experiences here are led by expert sommeliers and consist of a group of no more than six people and four different wines, which are served with specially paired canapes. After your tasting, you can explore some of the hotel’s other incredible spaces, including 1930s-style hideaway Le Fumoir.

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.

A roast chicken has to be one of the most comforting winter dishes on the planet, and of course, London has somehow managed to make it cool too, with the opening of a rotisserie chicken and cocktail bar in the railway arches of Bermondsey. It’s kitted out with kitsch, Insta-worthy decor including neon signs and mirror ball walls, while the menu is full of tempting variations of this versatile meat, from pulled chicken baguettes and vibrant salads, to classic wings. You’ll also find a tempting cocktail list that features a signature house pina colada. It may sound like an unusual mix, but somehow it works…

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 2025. The pro-planet pub was certified carbon neutral in April 2023 and has been shortlisted for the Most Sustainable Business at the 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!

With a flagship location in Borough Market and another outpost in Leadenhall Market, a Bedales makes for a satisfying stop-off during a classic wintery day out in either of these picturesque, bustling locations. In addition to its plethora of juicy wines to try, you’ll find moreish European-style nibbles like padron peppers, empanadas, arancini and Iberico ham croquettes. You’ll also find spectacular sharing platters arranged with mouthwatering ingredients that are sourced from the nearby market stalls.