Even when London is in the grip of winter, the city is full of cheer. With frosty parks to explore and enthralling museums, you can fill your days before retreating to a stylish rooftop bar for an evening tipple. London has elevated cocktail lounges that you can enjoy year-round. These are the best 5 rooftop bars to visit in winter during your stay at a central hotel, London.
- Bar Elba
Around the corner from Waterloo Station, Bar Elba is open all year with each season bringing a new look. Come winter, the rooftop bar is aglow with whimsical lighting and illuminated igloos. Bar Elba hosts regular happy hour deals, reasonable weekend bottomless brunches, and special events. Besides the Winter Delights cocktails, the venue caters to non-drinkers with alcohol-free infusions. Views from the bar – including a peek of the London Eye – make this a fine pick for a night out from your Central Park Hotel, Paddington.
- Winter Rooftop Garden at the Lucky Club Camden
The Lucky Club Camden is brand new to London. Located atop Camden Market, it’s the best choice if you’ve spent the afternoon browsing the market stalls or checking out the neighbourhood street murals. In time for winter, the bar has received a festive makeover complete with fairy lights, wintery foliage, and a themed cocktail menu. Margaritas and Mezcal-based cocktails are the star of the show at the Winter Rooftop Garden, served alongside moreish tacos.
- Skylight Tobacco Dock
Occupying a former car park, Skylight Tobacco Dock in Wapping is a year-round leisure destination for food, drink, and play. In winter, the croquet field of summer is replaced with a rooftop ice rink and a games room. Igloos and alpine huts are available where you can sip hot cider and seasonal cocktails. If you are staying at a central hotel in London as part of a group, this is the perfect place to while away an evening.
- Willows on the Roof
Situated on the roof of the upscale department store John Lewis on Oxford Street, Willows on the Roof is like stepping into a fairytale. Illuminated with trees, festive decor, and twinkling lights, views stretch across the central retail area with the Shard and London Eye in the background. Seating is spread across the main bar area as well as private igloos, and wooden chalets that you may book for a premium evening. Utterly romantic, there’s no better destination for a date during your stay at the Central Park Hotel, Paddington. Cocktails are themed, with the likes of Gingerbread Sour and Mulled Gin’n juice with a base of sloe gin and spiced cider. Designed to share, the food menu is inspired by Mexican street eats.
- Queen of Hoxton
Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch is a great place to let your hair down. The cocktail bar hosts regular live music and DJs while the rooftop receives an annual makeover in time for the winter season. This year’s theme is Queen of the Slopes, with chic après-ski decor including fire pits and s’mores on the menu.
