6 cosy winter terraces to visit in London this festive season

While there is plenty in London to keep you entertained during the festive season, trying to recreate the magic of the summer outdoor terraces might be slightly difficult in the frigid weather. Enter winter terraces, which act as a heated, cosy oasis – complete with great food and free flowing drinks – to keep you well fed and warm, away from the crowds taking in all the festive fanfare in London. Think warm fires, comfy throw blankets and snowy, winter ambience. From Japanese delights and sake sips to special winter cocktails and comforting favourites, here, we round up six of the best winter terraces you should visit in London for a quiet, warming reprieve during this holiday season. Sachi, Belgravia

Sachi, the hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant tucked away in Belgravia, has unveiled its Hibiki Winter Rooftop in collaboration with the Japanese whisky brand House of Suntory for the festive season. Offering one of the best vantage points in London, Sachi’s rooftop has been transformed for the season with cosy throws, ambient lighting and a whisky forward drinks menu – providing Londoners the perfect winter escape in the heart of Belgravia. The new cocktail menu highlights House of Suntory’s delicious spirits, featuring serves like Whispers of Harmony (Hibiki Harmony with honey, cloves and cinnamon), Three Peaks Highball (Toki, honey and ginger), and a Japanese Hot Toddy with Haku vodka and coffee liqueur. Each is designed to pair with Sachi’s seasonal dishes, from matcha soba with bottarga to miso mustard salmon and a chocolate cheesecake with black sesame ice cream. Sachi is a firm favourite at Tempus, and we’d recommend booking sooner rather than later. Sushisamba, Covent Garden

Sushisamba’s Covent Garden outlet has been a popular favourite during the warmer months thanks to their new piazza terrace. For winter, they have transformed this terrace into a stunning winter escape in collaboration with Belvedere Vodka. Guests are welcomed through a frosted pine archway, set against festive twig trees and seasonal displays, where branded skis complete the chic aesthetic. Overhead, twinkling fairy lights cast a glow, while plush winter throws drape across chairs, complimented by a softly lit table décor that wraps the space in warmth and coziness. On offer is a limited time cocktail menu, new dishes, and a design transporting you to a wintery escape. 108 Brasserie, Marylebone

At 108 Brasserie in Marylebone, it is as if your favourite Christmas film may have come to life. Twinkling lights and festive florals in hues of red & gold adorn the heated terrace, as the scent of mulled cider hangs in the air. To accompany the drinks, 108 Brasserie is continuing its collaboration with DukesHill, featuring dishes like golden cheddar & buttered leek toasties and indulgent DukesHill pies. For the festive cocktails, the restaurant has partnered with The Dalmore. During the night, the festivities continue in The Cocktail Bar where guests can choose to savour some festive libations such as Mid-Winter Reserve, a blend of Dalmore 12 Year Old Whisky, Drambuie, gingerbread syrup and citric acid beneath a delicate cacao foam. As far as winter terraces in London go, this is as cosy as it gets.Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

The Dalloway Terrace in Kensington has unveiled a festive partnership with Charles Heidsieck for its champagne-filled winter terrace. With walls adorned in champagne, copper and gold tones with snow kissed seasonal foliage, guests can enjoy indulgent lunches, sparkling soirées or a decadent afternoon tea. Charles Heidsieck will play a hand in the restaurant’s trio of champagne cocktails, which can be enjoyed alongside your preferred dishes or afternoon tea. So if you’re looking for a champagne-forward festive escape, the enchanting Dalloway Terrace is for you.The Arts Club, Mayfair

This winter, the Arts Club has transformed its garden terrace – tucked behind the club’s Mayfair townhouse – into a warm and inviting atmosphere, with candlelight and soft lamps casting a glow over intimate tables. Guests can expect to enjoy a seasonal Mediterranean menu crafted by executive head chef Jean Lucy Mongolian, accompanied by fine wines and spirited cocktails. Quiet, heated and cosy, the terrace offers a welcoming escape from the bustle of Dover Street, with heaters and blankets ensuring guests can linger in comfort long into the evening in this secret garden in the heart of Mayfair.  The Landmark London, Marylebone

Slip into the winter terrace at The Landmark London’s The Mirror Bar in collaboration with Beluga Vodka, where late-night cocktails and caviar flow in a stylish, intimate setting. Get cosy in a velvet booth and sip on drinks like the Pearl Star Martini with passionfruit pearls, the rhubarb-infused rosy-glow, or the citrusy Aurora, paired with elegant bites like lobster arancini and truffle fries. You can also opt for a luxurious 30g serving of platinum caviar with blinis and crème fraiche. Outside, the heated winter terrace glows with lanterns, fur throws and plush cushions, offering handpicked cigars and cosy, sheltered Marylebone charm.

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