Hidden Winter Gems in London: Cozy Spaces to Escape the Cold
Winter in London is a magical time, but the city’s chilly temperatures and drizzly days call for the perfect cosy retreat. Whether you’re after a warm drink, a snug corner to unwind, or an intimate hideaway, London is packed with hidden winter gems that provide comfort and charm away from the cold. Here’s your guide to the best warm and inviting spots in the city.
1. Heated Rooftop Bars: Sky-High Comfort
London’s rooftop bars aren’t just for summer; many transform into winter wonderlands, offering heated seating, blankets, and seasonal drinks. Head to Aviary in Finsbury Square for stunning city views with a toasty firepit at your side, or visit Coq d’Argent in the heart of the city, where you can sip mulled wine in a fairy-lit garden.
2. Cosy Book Cafés: Warm Up with a Good Read
Nothing beats curling up with a book and a hot drink on a cold winter’s day. London has a wealth of charming book cafés perfect for escaping the chill. Word on the Water, the floating bookshop on Regent’s Canal, offers a snug reading space with a wood-burning stove, while The London Review Bookshop Café in Bloomsbury is a haven for literature lovers seeking homemade cakes and artisan coffee.
3. Hidden Speakeasies: Secret Sips in Intimate Settings
If you’re looking for a more exclusive and atmospheric retreat, London’s hidden speakeasies are the way to go. Behind an unmarked door in Soho, The Blind Pig serves up inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, prohibition-style setting. For something extra unique, Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earls Court offers a thrilling 1920s experience—just be prepared to ‘present your case’ at the door to gain entry.
4. Boutique Cinemas: A Luxurious Winter Escape
Why battle the cold when you can sink into a plush armchair and enjoy a classic film? London’s boutique cinemas bring a touch of elegance to movie nights. The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill boasts velvet sofas and cashmere blankets, while Everyman Cinemas offer at-seat dining with gourmet food and warming cocktails.
5. Historic Pubs with Open Fires: A Proper Winter Retreat
London’s historic pubs are the epitome of winter warmth, offering crackling fireplaces, hearty meals, and a welcoming atmosphere. The Holly Bush in Hampstead is a must-visit, nestled in a quiet alley with a traditional wooden interior and roaring fire. Over in Clerkenwell, The Jerusalem Tavern serves real ales in a cozy, candlelit setting perfect for a winter pint.
6. Indoor Markets: Bustling Warmth and Festive Cheer
Escape the chill and explore London’s vibrant indoor markets, brimming with festive treats and local charm. Borough Market is a foodie paradise, offering piping-hot street food, gourmet cheeses, and mulled wine. Over in Covent Garden, the Apple Market’s covered walkways provide shelter while you browse unique crafts and gifts under twinkling lights.
Stay Warm and Explore London’s Hidden Winter Gems
London’s cold months don’t mean you have to hibernate. Whether it’s sipping a cocktail in a secret speakeasy, cosying up in a bookshop café, or indulging in festive delights at an indoor market, there are plenty of warm and inviting spots to make winter in the city a truly special experience. Wrap up, explore, and discover London’s best-kept winter secrets!
Winter in London is a magical time, but the city’s chilly temperatures and drizzly days call for the perfect cosy retreat. Whether you’re after a warm drink, a snug corner to unwind, or an intimate hideaway, London is packed with hidden winter gems that provide comfort and charm away from the cold. Here’s your guide to the best warm and inviting spots in the city.
1. Heated Rooftop Bars: Sky-High Comfort
London’s rooftop bars aren’t just for summer; many transform into winter wonderlands, offering heated seating, blankets, and seasonal drinks. Head to Aviary in Finsbury Square for stunning city views with a toasty firepit at your side, or visit Coq d’Argent in the heart of the city, where you can sip mulled wine in a fairy-lit garden.
2. Cosy Book Cafés: Warm Up with a Good Read
Nothing beats curling up with a book and a hot drink on a cold winter’s day. London has a wealth of charming book cafés perfect for escaping the chill. Word on the Water, the floating bookshop on Regent’s Canal, offers a snug reading space with a wood-burning stove, while The London Review Bookshop Café in Bloomsbury is a haven for literature lovers seeking homemade cakes and artisan coffee.
3. Hidden Speakeasies: Secret Sips in Intimate Settings
If you’re looking for a more exclusive and atmospheric retreat, London’s hidden speakeasies are the way to go. Behind an unmarked door in Soho, The Blind Pig serves up inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, prohibition-style setting. For something extra unique, Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earls Court offers a thrilling 1920s experience—just be prepared to ‘present your case’ at the door to gain entry.
4. Boutique Cinemas: A Luxurious Winter Escape
Why battle the cold when you can sink into a plush armchair and enjoy a classic film? London’s boutique cinemas bring a touch of elegance to movie nights. The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill boasts velvet sofas and cashmere blankets, while Everyman Cinemas offer at-seat dining with gourmet food and warming cocktails.
5. Historic Pubs with Open Fires: A Proper Winter Retreat
London’s historic pubs are the epitome of winter warmth, offering crackling fireplaces, hearty meals, and a welcoming atmosphere. The Holly Bush in Hampstead is a must-visit, nestled in a quiet alley with a traditional wooden interior and roaring fire. Over in Clerkenwell, The Jerusalem Tavern serves real ales in a cozy, candlelit setting perfect for a winter pint.
6. Indoor Markets: Bustling Warmth and Festive Cheer
Escape the chill and explore London’s vibrant indoor markets, brimming with festive treats and local charm. Borough Market is a foodie paradise, offering piping-hot street food, gourmet cheeses, and mulled wine. Over in Covent Garden, the Apple Market’s covered walkways provide shelter while you browse unique crafts and gifts under twinkling lights.
Stay Warm and Explore London’s Hidden Winter Gems
London’s cold months don’t mean you have to hibernate. Whether it’s sipping a cocktail in a secret speakeasy, cosying up in a bookshop café, or indulging in festive delights at an indoor market, there are plenty of warm and inviting spots to make winter in the city a truly special experience. Wrap up, explore, and discover London’s best-kept winter secrets!
