Winter al-fresco dining in London

When did the weather ever stop us from dining outside? Enjoy the magic of London during the wintery season with our pick of London’s best terraces, transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands complete with seasonal cocktails, roaring fires and fabulous food.

Churchill Bar & Terrace

Located behind the bustle of Oxford Street, just off Portman Square, The Churchill hotel’s seriously stylish winter terrace oozes all the glam you would expect from a Hyatt hotel. Better known year-round as a cigar terrace, the 26-seat heated outdoor terrace is adorned with luxe-fur seating, snowflake-covered trees and special festive food and drink offerings including Churchill inspired hot-buttered rum and marshmallow snowballs.

The Churchill Bar & Terrace is located on 30 Portman Square, W1, until February 2014. For further information visit here.

The Boundary Rooftop

The notoriously weather dependent outdoor rooftop terrace has undergone a winter makeover allowing it to remain open whatever the weather – which is great news if you want unrivalled views in magical surroundings. Along with a few other horticultural enhancements, hanging tea lights twinkle amidst the London skyline while the wool blankets keep you cosy as you enjoy the likes of a hot toddy or mulled cider.

The Boundary Rooftop is located at The Boundary, 2-4 Boundary St, E2, now open all year round. For further information visit here.

WigWamBam at the Queen of Hoxton

Picture yourself relaxing in a Nordic island underneath a bright, starry sky – and then add a lot of East London charm, what do you get? WigWamBam at the Queen of Hoxton! Experience the atmosphere of Scandinavian charm and Norwegian tribes – think open roaring fires, outdoor fire-pit cooking and hide covered seating. The menu includes daily changing Nordic classics like Wild Boar Sausages and Elk Meatballs and likes of winter –warming beverages such as pumpkin spiced cider and hot gin punch.

WigWamBam at the Queen of Hoxton is located on 1-5 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX, open until April 2014. For further information visit here.  

Montague Ski Lodge

If you’re looking for a post-festive al-fresco experience with some real sparkle, it doesn’t get better than this. The Garden Grill is transformed into a magical emporium of pine trees, snowmen, ski racks and an array of twinkling fairy lights. Expert mixologists serve up a special selection of 12 bespoke flavoured vodkas and cream liqueurs, alongside some après-ski delights like festive canapé platters and cheese and chocolate fondues.

Montague Ski Lodge is on at The Montague on the Gardens, 15 Montague Street, London, WC1B 5BJ, open until January 2014. For further information visit here. 

Skylodge at The Hothouse

Set in the towering shadows of The Shard, serial pop-up creators Platterform launch Skylodge – a Lumberjack-style lodge just in time for the festive season. Escape the tiresome urban lifestyle in relaxing surroundings complete with a series of heated dining booths serving up hearty ‘Lumbersnacks’  including the signature Skylodge Sloppy Joes,  Maple ‘n’ Bourbon Hot Wings and TIY (Toast It Yourself) Rocky Mountain Marshmallows. With more than just food and drinks on offer, you can get really get yourself into spirit of things with an array of activities too including Campfire Sessions and Lumberjack Olympic Games!

The Skylodge is on at The Hothouse, 274 Richmond Road, London Fields, London, E8 3QW, open from 14^th November. For further information visit here.  

The Terrace by Absolute Taste

Leading bespoke catering and events company Absolute Taste launch of The Terrace, a new restaurant located within the prestigious department store Fenwick, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Situated on the popular top floor, the stylish restaurant has increased capacity to 220 covers and now offers outdoor seating on the terrace. Offering a classic yet contemporary homemade menu showcasing the highest quality ingredients, The Terrace by Absolute Taste will offer locals and visitors to Royal Tunbridge Wells a new destination restaurant to eat, socialise and relax.

The Terrace by Absolute Taste is open at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells, Royal Victoria Place,  TN1 2SR, open now. For further information visit here.

Tara Sura