With rooftop terraces, plant-clad pergolas and stylish dining
spaces dotted across west London’s leafy streets, it’s no surprise
that this neck of the woods is also home to a sublime winter
terrace. Step forward, The Hawk’s Nest. Tucked inside a converted
railway arch, just a bauble’s throw from Shepherd’s Bush Market,
this spot is decorated with twinkling fairy lights among swathes of
greenery. Head here for the exceptional martinis, but prepare to
stay for the stone-baked sourdough pizzas. Don’t miss: this month,
wreath-making workshops involve guests scoffing mince pies and
sipping mulled wine while creating a festive number, and there are
quiz nights every Tuesday.

Is it truly December until you’ve found yourself buried beneath
a faux-fur blanket feasting in a bougie igloo? We’d argue that the
only correct answer to that question is absolutely not. Skip
straight to sky-high Mercer Roof Terrace, where a slew of snug
igloos promise sweeping views of London’s most legendary landmarks.
Once you’ve finished gawking at the picture-perfect setting, dig
into the farm-to-table menu: standouts include smoked salmon,
vegetable quiche, and vanilla custard tart – try reading that
without licking your lips. Spaces get snapped up fast, so be sure
to get onto the group chat swiftly.

We’ll be the first to admit that the thought of getting boozy in
a former church feels somewhat strange, but if there’s one team you
can put your faith in (pardon the pun), it’s the guys behind London
Bridge’s Amazing Grace. God’s Garden, their latest outpost, is
housed in the charming courtyard of One Marylebone Church.
Interiors are made cosy by flame heaters, candlelit lanterns,
rug-strewn floors and upholstered chairs. On arrival, guests will
wade through knotted vines en route to two enormous canvas tents,
where a sharing-style menu offers everything from prawn-stuffed
tacos to homemade corn tortillas.

Date night is set to get a little bit cosier thanks to Lilly’s
Café. Slap bang in the centre of Covent Garden, the all-day dining
spot offers Londoners the ultimate festive set-up, with a delicious
Christmas menu and festive decor that will put Santa’s grotto to
shame. We love the four-course menu of chestnut soup, seasonal
mixed salad, burrata flatbread, slow-roasted chicken breast, and a
cream cheese-filled carrot cake. The best bit? Costing from £45pp,
it represents great value. We’ll meet you there.

There’s something seriously special about watching your
favourite party destination transform into a winter wonderland, and
we can think of no place that does it better than The Lucky Club.
With a design dreamed up by Elliot James, the super-slinky rooftop
space flaunts a natural palette that complements the heritage and
history of the Grade II-listed building. Its recent winter makeover
features rattan egg chairs laced with snow-covered foliage and
braided pouffes topped with holly and pine cones. Meanwhile, the
mezcal-based drinks menu is set to serve the heat, with
chilli-infused cocktails and hot toddies on tap. Rest assured,
there are plenty of classics on standby, too.

A quick skate on the ice followed by cheese fondue? Sign us up,
pronto. Skylight has been shaking up the bar scene since it first
opened in 2017, and it continues to pull in the cool kids thanks to
its rooftop ice rink – which FYI is Europe’s only one. Round up the
troops and book a 45-minute ice session, where 360-degree vistas of
the city’s sparkly skyline come as an added bonus. Then, swing by
the après-ski lodge to snuggle beside the roaring open fire with a
warming bottle of red.

Each December, Londoners gear up for the reveal of Dalloway
Terrace’s festive display, and we can confidently say that it’s
delivered the goods, once again. Located inside The Bloomsbury
Hotel, the enchanted wonderland welcomes a cascade of fairy lights,
floral arrangements and snow-laden greenery. This year, a drinks
menu brought to life in partnership with Chase Distillery sees
nature-inspired cocktails take centre stage. Make ours the sloe
mulled wine – a merry medley of pinot noir and sloe gin. We suggest
making it a lunchtime affair, for a seasonal set menu that includes
artichoke soup, succulent turkey and creme brûlée.

You’d be forgiven for assuming that this charming chalet is set
in a remote village in the Alps, but Coq d’Argent’s seasonal lodges
are in fact located close to Bank station. Decked out with enormous
white blankets and wooden furnishings, the cosy retreat is ideal
for a post-work banquet with your favourite work pals. An à la
carte menu promises exceptional chef’s specials, with plenty of
cheese offerings for dairy lovers, while coffee-based cocktails and
rye whiskeys make for a jolly evening.

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting Madison’s
rooftop, we’d say this December makes for a pretty great time to
squeeze in a first visit. Sitting pretty opposite the iconic St
Paul’s Cathedral, the venue is kitted out with terrace-style
seating and pop-up chalets wrapped in seasonal foliage. Festive
concoctions from the Swiss watch manufacturer Hublot grace the
drinks menu – expect experimental cocktails infused with all sorts
of herbs and petals. Be sure to come hungry and ready to tuck into
the likes of thick-cut chips cooked in beef dripping and lobster
linguine.