From City destinations and Shoreditch hotspots right through to Canary Wharf, here are the best winter terraces and rooftops in east London.
1 Golden Bee, Shoreditch
Pardon the pun but Golden Bee is a buzzing hive of night life that pulls in a young crowd like, well, honey to a bee. Flashy and fun, its ready for all seasons, with a retractable roof, heaters and maximalist foliage. If you’re too old or not in the mood to party till stumps, its also a popular spot for after work drinks.
Address: Singer Street, Shoreditch EC1V 9DD
Website: goldenbee.co.uk
2 Crate, Hackney Wick
In true Hackney Wick style, Crate doesn’t really do much to its outdoor space in winter, but it doesn’t really have to. With its canal-side perch, Crate is still one of the best alfresco spots in Hackney Wick, and it does have wall heaters aimed at the bench seating below.
Address: Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick E9 5EN
Website: cratebrewery.com
3 Pergola on The Wharf, Canary Wharf
Whether you’re after a Sunday roast or a post work cocktail or two, Pergola on The Wharf dresses up its terrace with mood lighting and faux fur throws for you to cosy into while you take in the view of the docks. Open for all-day dining.
Address: Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf 5AR
Website: pergolacanarywharf.co.uk
4 Sky Garden, City
As the temperature drops, it’s time to head to the top – 155 metres up, that is – as Sky Garden cosies up for the winter. While covered, Sky Garden is a naturally ventilated space, so you’ll need to dress appropriately for winter. Does that make it an indoor or outdoor venue? Technically, it’s indoors, but it’s also a garden so it has outside vibes. Open Tuesday to Sunday with DJ nights from Wednesday to Sunday. Walk-ins are permitted but you’d be wise to book.
Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
Website: skygarden.london
5 Sabine, City
Overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, this botanical rooftop is an ideal escape from London’s concrete jungle. It offers breath-taking views of the cathedral from every angle against a backdrop of vibrant foliage and contemporary design. There’s a light bite menu and herbaceous cocktails to enjoy on one of the two outside terraces, nestled into blankets under heaters.
Address: 7th Floor, Leonardo Royal Hotel London, St Paul’s, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ
Website: sabinelondon.co.uk
6 Aviary, City
Aviary has one of the top rooftop drinking spots in the city, and when the igloos arrive, well, things get even better. Slinky yet snug, igloos can be booked for dining or drinks. Expect winter warmer cocktails, cosy cushions and blankets and a seasonal three-course set menu.
Address: 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square EC2A 1DX
Website: aviarylondon.com
7 Bubba Oasis, Islington
This mixed-use space comes with a snug roof top terrace warmed up by heaters. It may not come with a view, but the coworking space, all-day dining spot and bar with DJs, has made its terrace a chilled alfresco spot whatever the weather is doing.
Address: 57-58 Upper Street, Islington N1 0NY
Website: bubbaoasis.com
8 Skylight at Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Skylight Rooftop has a string of skyline-facing pods and a handful of huts for you to warm yourself up in. They’re heated, there’s table service (tables are also heated) and you can quaff warm mulled wine, while you bask in the glory of London’s skyline. There’s also an ice-skating rink and indoor croquet too.
Address: Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF
Website: skylightlondon.com
9 Madison, St Paul’s
Madison’s famous party party rooftop terrace comes with cracking views of St Pauls’ Cathedral, and is just as lively in winter as it is in summer – it’s one for the brave. For winter, find warming cocktail specials, wintery foliage, festive decorations, heated seats, DJs every night and that rockstar view of St. Paul’s.
Address: Rooftop Terrace, One New Change, St Paul’s EC4M 9AF
Website: madisonlondon.net
10 Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Popular with hip young things, the rooftop at Shoreditch favourite Queen of Hoxton is open all year round. Lavish themes come and go with the seasons, and there’s both standing room and seating. Walk-ins are welcome, but you’d be daft not to book ahead to get your spot in this rooftop chalet.
Address: 1 Curtain Road, Shoreditch EC2A 3JX
Website: queenofhoxton.com
11 Coq d’Argent, City
Upmarket Coq d’Argent in the City has a poplar rooftop terrace complete with heaters to keep the chill at bay as you enjoy cocktails and bar snacks. Usually you’ll find some sort of Alpine-themed festivities come winter, like the Lodge d’Argent chalets, bookable for just you and your friends.
Address: No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Website: coqdargent.co.uk
12 Coppa Club igloos, Tower Bridge
With prime position overlooking the Thames, the riverside igloos at Coppa Club Tower Bridge are hugely popular so get in quick to book. Snug, intimate and serving delicious food, they’re a great spot for watching all the river side traffic go by.
Address: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street EC3R 6AH
Website: coppaclub.co.uk
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