It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a decadent tipple, and for those who have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to bring out their most glittery partywear, seasonal attire or favourite knitwear pieces for a month of socialising and celebrating, now is the time. If you have been on the lookout for somewhere with the perfect atmosphere, we have rounded up some of the best spots in the city for Christmas drinks with the optimum festive ambiance.
The Christmassy Pub
London may have bars in abundance, but it also has quaint English pubs on every corner. There are few who don’t love a cosy pub with a crackling fire at Christmas. Whether you’re searching for an idyllic location for drinks with colleagues to clink glasses to a brilliant quarter, or treating out-of-town relatives to a quintessentially English Christmas, you will find a myriad of classic pubs right in the heart of London.
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is widely known as one of London's most photo-friendly pubs, and the cosy atmosphere provides an ideal backdrop for festivities. There, you’ll find conifer trees draped in fairy lights surrounding every inch of the exterior, and plenty of glimmering lights and garlands to make your mulled wine feel even more festive. When it comes to picture time, stand out in the best way wearing a knitwear garment in our Highland Green or Red Jasper tones.
The Seasonal Speakeasy
If you’re looking for some of the best speakeasy-style bars in the world, London is a must visit. Speakeasies are hidden bars with an air of exclusivity about them; you might need a password to get in, or entry instructions that don’t include an exact address. You will usually feel a sense of discreteness in these secretive locations, which makes them even more special for a Christmas night out.
Barts in Chelsea is known as London’s worst kept secret; its vintage feel satisfies the need for nostalgia at this time of year, with lots of festive themed cocktails and twinkling lights to sprinkle your evening with magic. At Christmas, the bar is decked out with a shower of lights, trees and ornaments, there’s also an extensive drinks menu that will suit everyone in the party.
The Festive Rooftop Bar
Seeing the city in all its wintry glory from a rooftop bar is a truly special way to view one of the most famous skylines in the world, and the Terrace Bar at Aviary Rooftop Restaurant is perhaps the most chic place to escape the bustle of the Christmas shopping crowds below.
This year, the rooftop is set to come alive with their Grey Goose Winter Igloos, offering a chance to experience the incredible views of London while tucked up inside your personal igloo – just the ticket when the weather outside is frightful.
With a seasonal menu of food and drinks for the festivities — featuring a Grey Goose Espresso Martini — you can indulge in winter celebrations high above the city. Don’t forget to bring your best scarf, gloves and hat for a group picture in front of the iconic London cityscape.
The Luxury Hotel Bar
Nothing says season’s greetings like a luxury hotel bar stylishly decorated for the most festive month of the year. Dalloway Terrace is located in The Bloomsbury Hotel and is famed for its decor at this time of year. While it is usually embellished with florals, during the month of December you’ll find the dining area draped in festive flair and icy decorations to emulate a winter wonderland — lean into the theme and come wearing your cosiest, most elegknt knitwear. With brilliant cocktails and a vast offering of champagne, this is one of the best places in the city for luxury libations.
The Themed Pop-Up
London loves to keep its locals on their toes, so no matter how often you visit you’ll always find something new to discover. While there are pop-ups to explore throughout the year, you will find many of these appear around Christmas, offering a selection of festive treats and immersive experiences that will leave you with plenty of stories to tell.
This year, hidden in The Berkeley — a five-star hotel in Knightsbridge — is Feast Off-Piste. Wear your cosiest cardigan, because this dining and drinks pop-up turns one of the best rooftops in the city into an authentic alpine experience from mid-November through to the new year. While surrounded by snow-covered trees and beautiful lights, you will dine from custom-made ski gondolas each with their own ‘Ring for Champagne’ bell for whenever you need a top-up of your tipple. This is one of the most chic château-style pop-ups in the city, and a must for your Christmas calendar.
It’s the season to explore all the splendour that London has to offer, from rooftop experiences to underground bars decked in festive finery. If you have been waiting for a special occasion to bring out your finest John Smedley luxury knitwear pieces, these luxurious spots offer plenty of opportunities for exactly that, and will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.
