About Time: You Discovered London’s Best Alpine EscapesBy Angelica Malin
Alpine inspired terraces are cropping up all over London, and we’re never one to turn down warming cocktails and pots of molten, melty cheese. Here’s where to stay warm, dry and hydrated in the capital:
1. For an Alpine Playground: Winterland
What: Fulham’s first Thameside beach has had a retro ski chalet makeover to welcome Winterland into the fold – expect piping hot, indulgent cheese fondues, and a snow-clad Alpine playground offering neon-lit curling lanes, beer and prosecco pong and an exclusive karaoke winter lodge.
Eat and Drink: Jimmy’s Lodge is on hand, serving warming fondues and schnitzels, best enjoyed in the warmth of a heated winter lodge and washed down with some mulled wine and winter warmer cocktails from Moose. And for carb creations, there’s also amazing wood fired, sourdough pizzas with festive toppings and so much more.
Where: Albert Wharf, Fulham, London SW6 2TY
2. For a Trip to The Alps: Flat Iron Square
What: Flat Iron Square have taken inspiration from The Alps for their aptly titled winter pop-up, Alpine Village, running until early 2019. The new covered outdoor seating area is heated (bonus), and is adorned with fairy lights and faux fur.
Eat and Drink: The Alpine Village encompasses a whole new winter drinks menu at all the bars, as well as a chance to drink inside the newly built shop fronts in the courtyard. The shop fronts are all based on olde’ French designs: a sweet shop (with, errr, sweets), a wine bar (with mulled wine), a patisserie (with, you guessed it, cakes) and several more. You can book them for big parties or swing by for a drink.
Where: 64 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
3. For Hot Cocktails: Grey Goose x The Langham
What: Grey Goose has transformed the courtyard at The Langham in Marylebone into a winter paradise, with a dash of French alpine style. Sip on hot and cold Grey Goose cocktails underneath a Christmas tree adorned with lights, or shelter from the winter elements in the chic rustic hideaways.
Eat and Drink: Menu highlights include a warming Chocolat Chaud’ à L’orange, a festive Grey Goose Le Poire Mulled Wine and the Grey Goose La Vanille Espresso Martini. Tuck into a selection of festive food straight from the woodfire, including Pomme De Terre Au Four and a delicious warmed Vacherin Mont d’Or – perfect for sharing with pals.
Where: 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA
4. For Chalet Dining: Coq d’Argent
What: Coq d’Argent has brought the vintage glamour of Courchevel to the heart of the City of London with Lodge d’Argent. The terrace features vintage ski props, winter forest backdrops, luxurious furry blankets, and an apres-ski themed bar.
Eat and Drink: In collaboration with Hennessy Very Special, the talented team at Coq d’Argent have mixed up a new menu of festive winter warmers, including the Lodge Fashion, made up of Hennessy Very Special, fused with orange marmalade and Angostura bitters, and the Avalanche, which sees the spirit expertly mixed with Mozart dark and gingerbread syrup, then topped with chocolate foam. And for eats, feast on Alpine classics such as raclette, baked Vacherin cheese, tartiflette or a traditional Savoyard charcuterie platter.
Where: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
What: Taking inspiration from the rustic chalets that dot France’s mountain slopes, Orrery’s alpine winter terrace is surrounded by frosted fir trees and planters over-spilling with fragrant pine cones.
Eat and Drink: The menu of warming mountain classics from chef patron Igor Tymchyshyn features dishes like regional French charcuterie, sirloin steak with a gruyere fondue sauce, served with pomme cocotte, a mountainside staple of potatoes cooked in beurre noisette and garlic, and for dessert, a hot baked apple flavoured with winter spices and raisins, topped with a scoop of apple sorbet.
Where: 55 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 5RB
