Winter Warmers: 5 Places to Escape the Chill in London This WeekBy Angelica Malin
Instead of sitting in your living room and blasting your central heating on full whack – we say, escape to these cozy winter pop-ups instead. From an Alpine inspired drinking spot to a retro ski playground – here’s where to beat the chill in London this week:
1. For Whisky Cocktails: Rosewood London x The Glenlivet
The Rundown: Taking inspiration from a winter’s scene in the remote Livet valley in Scotland, Rosewood London has collaborated with The Glenlivet, the renowned Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky brand, to transform the hotel’s iconic courtyard into a magical woodland glade, with a spectacular starry ‘night sky’.
Eat and Drink: You can order an Old Fashioned to your personal preferences of taste, with the cocktail available as a choice of fruity, smoky or sweet. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso (Fruity) features flavours of raisins, apricots and dried fruit while the The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish (Smoky) has a distinctive aromatic smokiness, which is heightened with the addition of three dashes of whisky barrel bitters. Lastly, The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection (Sweet) has been aged in American oak cask which gives this serve sweet notes of juicy pineapple, ripe banana and soft vanilla fudge.
Warm Factor: Fur blankets and whisky cocktails to help turn on your internal heating.
Where: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Photo Credit: Addie Chin
2. For a Trip to The Alps: Flat Iron Square
The Lowdown: Flat Iron Square have taken inspiration from The Alps for their aptly titled winter pop-up, Alpine Village, running until early 2019.
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.
Warm Factor: Heated and covered outdoor spaces. Pretty, pretty warm.
Where: 64 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
3. For a Retro Ski Resort: Winterland
The Lowdown: Winterland London has returned in style this festive season with a brand new theme to match. Taking inspiration from the ski slopes in the 80s and 90s, Winterland is south London’s answer to a festive winter playground.
Eat and Drink: Jimmy’s Lodge are serving up molten cheesy 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 those more playful Alpine explorers, a karaoke booth, curling lanes, beer pong, putting pong, table tennis and more can be found within Fulham’s very own ski resort.
Warm Factor: Fur lined sofas, heated hunting lodges and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. You won’t be cold here.
Where: 364 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2TY
4. For a Highland Getaway: The Churchill Bar & Terrace
The Lowdown: Paying homage to Winston Churchill’s love of Scotland and his wife Clementine’s fondness for the Highlands, The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s
Eat and Drink: The new cocktail menu led by talented Head Bartender, Daniele Bresciani and his team includes both classic and creative Scotch whisky concoctions that brings out the best of world-renowned Scottish brands such as Johnnie Walker Whisky, Winston Churchill’s personal favourite. And for eats, don’t miss the traditional Scottish steak pie or the homemade Scotch eggs.
Warm Factor: Roaring fire? Check. Faux fur throws? Got ’em. Chances of catching a chill? Slim.
Where: Hyatt Regency, 30 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 7BH
The Lowdown: Swap the Northern Lights for the star-lit City skyline this winter and head to Aviary’s Arctic Escape for a high-altitude pop–up – fetauring some of the most stylish, Nordic-inspired igloos in town. Accommodating up to 10, the igloos provides a nod to traditional Icelandic-style, with rustic natural wood decor, hints of stone, hanging winter foliage and pine, alongside flashes of copper, plush faux fur and warm lighting.
Eat and Drink: An exclusive Reyka cocktail menu reflects the spirit of Iceland with a steaming hot ‘Apple and Spice’ cocktail, which muddles Belsazar vermouth, homemade apple, cinnamon and cloves syrup, pernod Absinthe and ginger ale; all made using the handcrafted vodka, which has been filtered through lava rock and distilled in Iceland’s first geo-thermal distillery. Sustenance comes in the form of sharing platters featuring the likes of rare roast beef and Yorkshire pudding canapés with creamy horseradish; pigs in blankets; and turkey brochettes topped with brussel sprouts and roast potatoes; as well as vegan bites of Kentucky fried cauliflower with piquillo pepper ketchup.
Warm Factor: Cosy levels through the roof.
Where: 10th Floor, Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
