If there’s one life lesson we learned from Pingu, it’s that igloos are brilliant hangout spots. Sometime around 2016, London seriously took that advice to heart, and since then, a glorious wave of igloos pop up across the city each winter. With the addition of fairy lights, comfy blankets, and delicious grub; they really do make for the ultimate festive hangout (and, they look great on the ‘gram, of course). So, without further ado, here’s where to find the very best igloos in London this year.
1. Willows On The Roof, Soho
We’re pleased to announce that Willows on The Roof is having their annual festive makeover and warmly welcoming back their rooftop igloos. Rooftop! Igloos! Just being able to have a drink on the roof of John Lewis’ Oxford Street store is enough of a draw, but who can resist now? Seasonal cocktails, delicious food and a panoramic view of the capital city. It doesn’t get much better than that now, does it?
John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
Nearest station is Oxford Circus.
Plan your visit here.
2. Aviary, Finsbury Square
Rooftop bar, Aviary, joined the London igloo scene a while back, and regularly make their transparent pods a feature of the winter season. Located on the 10th floor of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, they’ve got dedicated igloos for sit-down meals and more laid-back drinking globes. A new partnership with Grey Goose vodka will ensure that the vibes are extra immaculate this year. The rooftop has been transformed into a magical Scandinavian wonderland with the launch of their Nordic Nights terrace and igloos. Cosy up with faux fur throws beneath twinkling fairy lights and enjoy the sweeping views of London!
10th Floor, The Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Nearest stations are Old Street and Moorgate.
Plan your visit here.
3. Glide at Battersea Power Station, Battersea
London’s coolest comeback (Battersea Power Station, obviously) is now host to London’s coolest ice skating rink, and somehow along with all the fairground rides and sights to take in, they’ve also managed to find space to plop down some rink-side igloos. They’re the perfect place to warm up after a bout of ice-skating, or to relax and watch the others glide on by. See what I did there?
Nine Elms, Battersea, SW11 8EF
Nearest station is Battersea Power Station.
Plan your visit here.
4. The Secret Garden, Kensington
Can they be classed as igloos if they’re here all year round? Whatever the case, this lot are a dome for all seasons. The Secret Garden in Kensington has a lawn full of secluded private domes that double up as London’s cutest and quaintest little restaurants. A variety of food options, from British classics to Pan-Asian and Middle Eastern delights, are available and the occasion probably demands an accompanying bottle of bubbly too, right?
100 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 4ER
Nearest station is Gloucester Road.
Plan your visit here.
5. Bar Elba, Waterloo
Bar Elba is a year-round rooftop hangout, but their winter season kicks things up a notch. Known for their laidback, fun-loving approach; igloos here are known as ‘party pods’, and make for excellent places to hunker down during the winter and feast on burgers, fries, and bottomless drinks. Plus, you can plug in your playlist and control the tunes in your pod, which is sure to lead to impromptu singalongs…
111 Waterloo Road, SE1 8SG
Nearest station is Waterloo.
Plan your visit here.
6. Skylight Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Skylight’s true ace in the hole is their rooftop ice skating rink, but their rooftop igloos are pretty darn inviting after a skating session out in the cold. Spread across two levels, 18 igloos are decked with blankets and heaters to keep the winter chill away, while mulled wine and street food keep you warm. Sounds brrr-illiant.
Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF
Nearest station is Shadwell.
Plan your visit here.
7. Mercer Roof Terrace, City of London
Mercer Roof Terrace sits atop the Vintry & Mercer hotel. Amongst the landmarks you can spot from the open terrace are St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, making it a jolly nice place to be — especially once the winter igloos and cabins make an appearance. The faux fur blankets and flickering candles you’ll find inside are certainly a lovely addition to the twinkling city lights!
20 Garlick Hill, EC4V 2AU
Nearest station is Mansion House.
Plan your visit here.
8. Fire And Fromage at Jimmy’s, South Bank
The opportunity to fill your face with fondue in picture-perfect snow globes should never be turned down. This fan favourite Alpine pop-up overlooks the Thames, boasting beautiful snow globes made for private dining experiences, each seating up to ten people. Fire And Fromage at Jimmy’s is the perfect spot for Christmas get togethers and festive parties, with guests invited to tuck into gourmet food.
Fire & Fromage, Jimmy’s Pop-Up, South Bank.
Nearest station is Waterloo.
Plan your visit here.
9. Wagtail, City of London
Another rooftop bar getting the Grey Goose treatment this winter is Wagtail. Guests will have the chance to add a festive, Nordic touch to their time at the luxury central London rooftop bar with these gorgeously cosy igloos. Expertly-crafted, limited edition Grey Goose cocktails will warm your cockles whilst you gawp at the ridiculous 360° views that the bar offers.
68 King William Street, City of London, EC4N 7HR
Nearest station is Monument.
Plan your visit here.
10. Thor’s Tipi at Winter Wonderland
Okay, so it’s not an igloo. And this is an article about igloos. But the experience is similarly delightful, and we figured you wouldn’t want to miss it! Thor’s Tipi is a pop-up bar that travels around the UK for a god-ly drinking experience. Keep warm by the roaring fire and with cups of mulled wine or hot cocoa as you while away the winter hours in a tipi fit for a Viking deity. Extra points for being nestled inside Winter Wonderland, so you can make a full day of it!
You’ll find Thor’s Tipi at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Nearest station is Hyde Park Corner.
Plan your visit here.
11. The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan
Make yourself nice and cosy inside one of three festive igloos that overlook the water in Canary Wharf. The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan is a winter wonderland of woodland wreaths and twinkling lights. These new igloos (seating 10 guests) are the perfect spot to eat, drink, and be ever-so merry. Raise a toast with some limited-edition Grey Goose cocktails (they sure are doing the rounds this festive season) and enjoy a menu jam-packed with Christmassy deliciousness.
West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AX
Nearest stations are Canary Wharf and Poplar.
Plan your visit here.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best winter igloos for you to see out this festive season. Whether you’re with mates, work pals or dates – this lot should see you more than covered this Crimbo!
Also published on Medium.